Gary C. Wendt donated $2 million to 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»to support new leadership initiatives for students at its Lakeland, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³», campus.
91ΒιΆΉΣ³»announced a $2 million gift from Trustee Gary C. Wendt to support the creation of new leadership initiatives for students.
Wendt has been closely involved with 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly since 2017, when he joined its Board of Trustees. In this role, Wendt relentlessly searches for ways 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly can provide not just academic excellence, but also valuable advantages to students over other universities.
βGary has already made an impact on 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly as a committed trustee, sharing his expertise and insight over the years to successfully help the University move forward,β said Dr. Randy K. Avent, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polyβs president. βThis generous contribution will carry on his legacy of tenacity and leadership for our University for many years to come, and we are very grateful.β
In recognition of the impactful contribution, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly will name a future engineering building on campus after Wendt. The forthcoming building is expected to house spaces for engineering research and development, as well as new programs focused on cultivating leadership skills.
Wendt moved to 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» 20 years ago after a prominent business career. He has a civil engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin and attended Harvard Business School. It was there he realized his leadership and confidence needed help. This memory motivated him to financially support new, robust programs to foster leadership among 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly students.
βIβm a firm believer in giving students the chance to develop leadership because it broadens their ability to access various parts of the job market and provides much wider opportunities,β said Wendt, former chairman and CEO of GE Capital, the financial services division of General Electric. βAs just scientists or engineers, theyβre limited in those things. But if we add to the strong leadership component in the school, we can deliver a great advantage to students.β
Kathy Bowman, vice president of advancement at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly, said the gift will be transformational for 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly students hoping to lead tomorrowβs tech industries.
βWe are honored to have Garyβs support through this remarkable gift that will be life changing for many students as they acquire the necessary tools to excel in industry,β Bowman said. βGary is passionate about seeing our students succeed and become the next high-tech leaders for 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» and the nation. This investment represents his undeniable commitment to making this a reality.β
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