News Article

PACCAR INC Gifts $2 Million to Gonzaga University to Construct New PACCAR
Center for Applied Science 

PACCAR Inc, a Fortune 200 global technology company, headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., today announced a $2 million gift to Gonzaga University to construct the new PACCAR Center for Applied Science. The 25,000-square-foot facility will house sophisticated technological laboratories dedicated to robotics, artificial vision, and transmission and distribution engineering, as well as classrooms and faculty offices. The PACCAR Center will be sited just south of the Herak Center for Engineering. Construction will begin this spring and will be completed in time for fall 2008 classes.

“We are elated by the generosity of PACCAR in giving this transformational gift to Gonzaga,” said Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., president of the university. “The PACCAR Engineering Center will become the technological heart of our campus, and will be a tremendous asset for our students and the entire Inland Northwest region.”

Dennis Horn, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, praised PACCAR for its leadership in supporting such a visionary project. “This new engineering facility will enable us to provide our students with invaluable laboratory experience in cutting-edge fields using the latest technology. I expect to see a significant jump in interest in Gonzaga among engineering students from around the country because of PACCAR’s gift.”

Mark Pigott, chairman and chief executive officer of PACCAR, said the need for highly trained leaders in technology is key to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s global economy. “PACCAR is recognized as one of the leading technology companies in the world, and this investment at Gonzaga University reinforces our commitment to education and developing the next generation of innovators. PACCAR is celebrating 101 years of outstanding performance and partnering with leading universities, such as Gonzaga, is an important element for a successful future.”

PACCAR’s support of Gonzaga began in the 1960s with contributions directed at major capital projects. “This latest donation will provide tremendous momentum to our applied science and engineering programs,” said President Spitzer.

PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. It also provides financial services and information and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

For more information regarding the PACCAR gift, contact Peter Tormey in Gonzaga’s public relations office at (509) 323-6132 or (509) 389-4395.