Valero donated $500,000 to Lamar University's College of Engineering, Dec. 3 to fund new laboratories designed to equip students with industry-ready skills.
"We give a little every day, and a lot on some days," Jerry Stumbo, vice president and general manager of the Valero Port Arthur refinery, said. "We're really happy to do that today. We take great pride and pleasure in being able to provide this gift and to continue our support for this great local institution."
LU president Jamie Taylor said the donation will allow Lamar University to build its Valero Technology and Optimization Laboratory on campus. The new facility will provide engineering students with hands-on-experience using the same technology they'll encounter in their future careers.
"First, we're going to improve our process control lab by adding a high-tech PetroSkill simulator," he said. "Think of it like a simulating control room right here on campus. Students will monitor operations in real time, respond to alarms and make critical decisions under pressure—just as they would during an equipment failure or a hurricane. Second, we'll be adding a carbon-capture system to our unit operations lab."
The goal for Lamar graduates is not only to be qualified, but truly industry-ready, Taylor said.
"You want to be able to come out on day one and be able to do something meaningful for the company," he said. "Valero can come over and say, 'Here's the things we need your graduates to be able too do when they come into our facility.' Then they're providing the equipment for us to help students learn how to do that. This is an exciting day for Lamar University and we appreciate Valero supporting us."
The Valero Technology and Optimization Lab is expected fto open in Fall 2025. Valero has partnered with Lamar University since the Port Arthur refinery was purchased in 2004 and provides co-ops, internships and scholarships for Lamar engineering students.