Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has named Wabtec Corporation, a leader in the transportation industry, as its 2023 Corporate Partner of the Year.
The annual award celebrates corporate partners that have shown extraordinary commitment to supporting and promoting the university, have exceptional track records of philanthropy and research, and actively reach out to Penn State students and alumni, both in the classroom and the workplace.
“Wabtec continues to be a remarkable supporter of engineering education and research at Penn State,” says university president Neeli Bendapudi. “Through our pioneering strategic partnership, Wabtec is bolstering Penn State’s long-standing efforts to foster a culture of innovation in multiple engineering fields while preparing our graduates for distinguished careers on the cutting edge of an evolving workforce.”
The Pittsburgh-based company is a global provider of equipment, digital solutions and other key technologies for a range of sectors, including transit rail, freight, mining, and marine.
Wabec has supported programs across Penn State’s several campuses. At Penn State Altoona, the company has supported the Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE) program, providing funding and various gifts-in-kind including laboratory equipment and locomotive and engine components.
“It is gratifying to see how the generous support from Wabtec impacts our programs, and also gratifying to see the reciprocal nature of that relationship in action,” says Andrew Read, interim senior vice president for research at Penn State. “For example, through sponsored research projects, Penn State’s researchers were able to develop cutting-edge sensors that enable Wabtec’s locomotives to perform optimally and safely throughout their entire lifetime. Similarly, Penn State educators are helping to strengthen Wabtec’s own workforce through our professional development offerings. This is a true partnership in every sense of the word.”
Alan Hamilton, vice president of engineering at Wabtec, comments, “Our long-standing relationship with Penn State affords us access to a world-class research institution, the next generation of innovators, and opportunities to collaborate on industry solutions. The partnership results in rewarding experiences for both our employees and Penn Staters. It also benefits the communities that Wabtec and Penn State call home.”
Source: Penn State
