Rogers State University chemistry students will utilize improved facilities and safety equipment thanks to a grant from Founders and Associates, Inc.
The $139,841 grant will be used to renovate the university’s chemistry lab with new or updated air-handling systems, fume hoods, cabinetry, specialized chemical storage cabinets, flooring, sinks and safety equipment. The grant was approved Monday by the OU Board of Regents – RSU’s governing body – during its meeting at RSU’s Claremore campus.
“We are pleased to be able to continue our support of RSU and its science programs with this grant,” said Dr. Joseph Salamy, President of Founders and Associates, a Tulsa-based non-profit corporation dedicated to advancing issues of health, welfare and the humanities. “Our organization is committed to the advancement of the sciences in northeastern Oklahoma, and we hope to instill this same passion in students at RSU by providing them modern learning facilities in which to explore the many facets of the world around them.”
With this latest grant, Founders and Associates now has provided more than $1.06 million of support to RSU since 1990, said Dr. Danette Boyle, RSU Vice President for Development.
“RSU is extremely appreciative of the continued support shown by Founders and Associates throughout the years,” said RSU President Joe Wiley. “The need to provide up-to-date facilities is crucial to the continued growth of our four-year programs such as the bachelor’s degree in biology. Their generosity has helped make these improvements possible.”
The chemistry lab is utilized by students taking courses such as organic chemistry, biochemistry and general chemistry, which is part of the general education requirements for all students. These chemistry courses support RSU degree programs including the bachelor’s degree in biology with an option in medical/molecular or environmental conservation and associate’s degrees in physical science, pre-engineering, agriculture, pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, pre-dental and pre-nursing.
For more information on RSU’s mathematics, science and health science programs, call (918) 343-7546.