The University of Toledo and Cenovus Energy celebrated a new partnership to support students during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 17.
The integrated energy company recently committed $1 million to UToledo, supporting student organizations and scholarship programs in the College of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In recognition of this support, the College of Engineering renamed its High Bay Atrium, a shared programming and event space in the North Engineering Building, the Cenovus Energy Hub.
UToledo and Cenovus Energy representatives participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the Cenovus Energy Hub on Thursday, April 17. From left are Dr. Marc Seigar, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Heidi Hurst, vice president of Cenvous’ Toledo Refinery; Helashika Wijemanne, a chemical engineering senior; Dr. Mohammad Elahinia, dean of the College of Engineering; Eric Zimpfer, head of downstream for Cenovus Energy; and Matt Schroeder, interim president of UToledo.
Cenovus’ gift will directly fund the Cenovus Energy STEM Student Scholarship Program, supporting high-performing students and ensuring they are able to complete their programs and enter the workforce without being limited by financial barriers, and the Cenovus Energy STEM Student Organization Grant Program, supporting student organizations at both the engineering and natural science and mathematics colleges with access to funds for programming, service and research projects, and conference attendance.
Cenovus Energy has also agreed to help bolster programming and networking opportunities with support for speaker fees, space enhancements, equipment, software and other needs that will enhance the student experience. Programming will include hands-on learning and discussions focused on experimenting, designing, prototyping and idea sharing through workshops, experienced guidance and engagement with Cenovus Energy’s industry experts.
Additionally, Cenovus is supporting the Cenovus Energy Professional Headshot Booth, helping Rockets prepare for their future careers by providing access to consistent, high-quality professional headshots at no cost.
“UToledo’s success is built, in part, on the strength of our collaboration. Partnerships with our community, corporate partners and supporters help to establish more opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, and ultimately the entire region,” said Brenda Lee, CEO of the UToledo Foundation. “We are grateful to be able to connect and build relationships with trusted organizations, like Cenovus Energy, that help create a stronger, more successful future for northwest Ohio and beyond.”
Cenovus Energy is headquartered in Canada and operates the Cenovus Toledo Refinery in Oregon, Ohio. The company also operates a refinery in Lima.
