UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings, and Penn State today jointly announced a partnership that will include an on-campus press event and special learning opportunities with Jeff Gordon and his team at Pocono Raceway. The program, designed to drive awareness and support for STEM and business education, will focus on students currently engaged in the study of engineering and business.
“Engineering is an integral part of the racing industry, as it translates into practical applications we use every day,” said Charlie Shaver, Axalta Chairman and CEO. “We are proud of our 23-year motorsports partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon and are honored to have the opportunity to support Penn State University’s curricula with this special program. It is crucial to many industries, including Axalta’s, to have access to skilled engineers and business leaders, and Penn State is providing the specialized programs needed to prepare them for the future.”
The April 14 on-campus event will include a visit by Gordon, a student pep-rally and an unveiling of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS paint scheme that Gordon will drive at Pocono Raceway in the June 7 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race named the “Axalta ‘We Paint Winners’ 400.”
“The relationship between Penn State and Axalta offers our students the opportunity to learn about careers in business and engineering fields from the leaders of a global player based right here in Pennsylvania,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “Helping students toward career success is of critical importance to the Penn State experience, and partnerships such as this are another way of giving our students special, hands-on opportunities to learn about their fields of study and the job market.”
A four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, three-time Daytona 500 winner and five-time Brickyard 400 champion, Gordon also has been a champion of STEM education for many years.
“Supporting STEM education and future business leaders is vital to our future,” said Gordon. “I depend on the mechanical engineers on my team to make sure that my racecar is in top form for every race. Linking STEM education to the technology behind successful racing is important. I’m proud to partner with Axalta and Penn State on this exciting program.”
About Axalta Coating Systems
Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, automotive refinish and commercial vehicles to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 145 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 12,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 120,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit http://www.axaltacoatingsystems.com.
About Penn State
Penn State is a major, public Research I university with 24 campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the online World Campus, dedicated to the three-fold mission of teaching, research and service. The University is ranked annually as one of the best universities in the United States and the world. Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, Penn State educates nearly 100,000 students each year in more than 160 baccalaureate degree programs and more than 160 graduate degree programs. One of the nation’s leaders in research expenditures, Penn State collaborates with industrial, educational and agricultural partners to create, disseminate, integrate and apply knowledge that is valuable to society. The Penn State Alumni Association is the world’s largest organization of its kind with 174,000 dues-paying members. The University also includes Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies, Penn State College of Medicine at The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Law (University Park), Dickinson Law (Carlisle), Penn State World Campus (online programs), and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Visit http://www.psu.edu for more information.
