Advanced Technology Systems CEO Creates Pitt Engineering Scholarships, Diversity Program Support

November 19, 2002

PITTSBURGH—Understanding the importance of a college education obtained within a diverse atmosphere, Robert Agbede, president and CEO of Advanced Technology Systems Inc., is donating $50,000 to the University of Pittsburgh's School of Engineering. The gift will underwrite scholarships and create a fund to develop diversity programs within the school.

Agbede earned the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science degrees in Mining Engineering from Pitt in 1979 and 1981, respectively.

"As one of our most successful alumni, Robert O. Agbede knows the value of an engineering degree, especially in helping a young man or woman achieve his or her full potential," says Gerald D. Holder, U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. "He also recognizes our commitment to a strong and diverse engineering student body. That's why he committed to help disadvantaged students through the scholarship that bears his name, and why he wants to reward innovation among our faculty in advancing diversity. We are grateful to have such a generous graduate who believes in sharing the fruits of his success with future generations."

The gift will be split between scholarships for African American undergraduate engineering students and a fund for initiatives in the School of Engineering for recruiting and retaining minority students and faculty.

Three outstanding Pitt undergraduate engineering students who have demonstrated financial need will receive the Robert O. Agbede Student Award each year.

The Robert O. Agbede Faculty Award for Diversity will be provided to a faculty member or department making significant contributions in the recruitment, retention, and graduation of students from an underrepresented population in the School of Engineering, or improvement in the recruitment, retention, and promotion of faculty from an underrepresented population.

A member of Pitt's School of Engineering Board of Visitors, Agbede also chairs and is a founding member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania. He also serves on the boards of the Urban League of Pittsburgh Inc., and the Pittsburgh Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

Pitt's School of Engineering has been recognized for its commitment to minority education. A study by the Engineering Workforce Commission of the American Association of Engineering Societies Inc. (AAES) found that, in the year 2001, Pitt's engineering program ranked first in Pennsylvania in the number of African American graduates, in bachelor of science degrees awarded, and in doctorates awarded.

The study also found that nationally, Pitt ranked third—among more than 600 institutions the AAES surveyed in the United States—in the number of doctorates awarded to African Americans. Pitt also tied for 22nd in both the number of Bachelor of Science degrees and overall number of degrees awarded to African Americans.

ATS is an engineering and scientific consulting firm providing the highest quality of professional services in science and technology; water resources management; construction management and inspection; civil, geotechnical, and site design; and environment and air quality. Founded in 1987, ATS specializes in design, engineering, scientific analyses, field investigations, construction inspection, construction management, numerical modeling, and regulatory support. ATS is a client-focused, technology-based company whose approach to projects is flexible and team-oriented. The ATS staff consists of engineers, scientists, and field specialists who serve a wide variety of clients and client needs. ATS is recognized for on-time, value-added project performance with high levels of customer satisfaction.

###

11/19/02/tmw