Updated: 3/4/2014 12:32 PM CST BY TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION
Contact:
Jennifer Gaskins
Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
704-330-1338 jgaskins@jcsu.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Duke Energy Invests in STEM Education
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – March 3, 2014 –Johnson C. Smith University celebrated the building of its new Science Center today as the final steel beam was hoisted by a crane into place on top of the four-story building under construction on Beatties Ford Road.
Before the beam was lifted by Messer Construction Co., students, administrators and trustees had an opportunity to sign it for posterity. After the signing, guests attended a luncheon to hear how the new center will benefit students pursuing market-driven fields in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). 
The University also announced a $1 million contribution from Duke Energy to support scholarships for STEM and business majors. In addition, the Center for Renewable Energy will be named after Duke Energy. The center supports renewable energy education, research and community outreach.“Every dollar we contribute to education is an investment in the future of our state,” said Stick Williams, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “We are proud to support programs that help encourage, engage and excite students about energy, math and science. Our partnership with Johnson C. Smith University is laying the foundation for our future leaders.”
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