LIT renames Building because of significant ExxonMobil support on December 2, 2021

12/6/2021

attachment image-LIT renames Building because of significant ExxonMobil support on December 2, 2021

BEAUMONT – Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) renamed its existing Petrochemical & Advanced Technology Center (PATC) as recognition of the longstanding support it has received from ExxonMobil on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 10:30 a.m. The newly renamed building houses multiple-energy related programs, including process operating and instrumentation. This is a unique industry and higher education partnership that began in the 1990s, but has flourished more recently under the leadership of LIT President Dr. Lonnie L. Howard. 
 
Howard said, “Without the help of industry partners like ExxonMobil Beaumont, LIT would not be the largest technical college in SETX, have recording-breaking enrollment growth, or a 95% job placement rate. Many current ExxonMobil employees serve on LIT’s advisory committees as well as their retirees are on our faculty (teaching classes). Howard concludes by saying, “This world-class company is a huge driver of workforce and economic development in our community. Plus, they care about students donating over $1 million in equipment and scholarships. Given all of this, LIT is honored and excited that this 40,000 sq. ft. state-of the-art building will bear the ‘ExxonMobil’ brand.”
 
Rozena Dendy, ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery Manager, said. “It’s our hope that next generation of students will take advantage of the career training and co-occupational opportunities made possible through LIT, and that many consider being a part of our Beaumont family. “We have become part of LIT’s heritage and history, and on behalf of all my colleagues, we are so grateful for this honor. We thank the faculty and staff who dedicate every day to their students, the administration for casting a strategic vision for success, and of course, the students who work incredibly hard to make their dreams a reality.”

As part of the agenda, LIT and ExxonMobil hosted a brief building dedication ceremony with formal remarks and sign unveiling, followed by building tours and light refreshments.