Reliant Energy Gives $500,000 to Rogers Building Expansion

by LoAna Lopez

Baylor University's School of Engineering and Computer Science got a boost in its facility expansion plans with a $500,000 grant from Houston-based Reliant Energy, the first major gift toward the much-needed expansion of the Rogers Engineering and Computer Science Building.
Reliant chairman, president and CEO R. Steve Letbetter, presented Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr. with the gift during an appreciation reception in November.
"Reliant Energy has a broad and strong presence in the technology sector, especially in the Texas region. They are community-minded yet global in focus, and known for their quality and value," said Dr. Benjamin S. Kelley, dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, who attended the presentation.
"From this description alone it is easy to see why a quality company like Reliant supports a quality educational program like the Baylor School of Engineering and Computer Science. This contribution will help expand the Rogers building and allow Baylor to shape the effects of technology and the bright minds that will play a role in it tomorrow. The school and Baylor are very grateful to Reliant Energy," Kelley said.
Baylor officials also said Reliant's donation could serve as an impetus for future gifts from other corporations, foundations and individual donors.
Others who attended the reception included Dr. Richard C. Scott, vice president for university development, and Sen. David M. Sibley, a Baylor regent and chairman of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee.
Also present were Reliant representatives and Baylor graduates Jeff W. Bonham, vice president for Texas state relations, and Robert W. Gibbs, president of the Reliant Energy Foundation and director of corporate community relations.
One of the largest combination electric and gas companies in the United States, Reliant Energy has nearly 4 million electric and natural gas customers and ownership interests in international utilities serving 9.5 million customers.
The company also invests in power generation projects and provides wholesale trading and marketing services, as well as natural gas transportation, supply, gathering and storage.
Baylor's School of Engineering and Computer Science offers nationally recognized programs of study in engineering (with majors in electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and engineering) and computer science (B.S., B.A. and bioinformatics options).
The school is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the 12th best undergraduate engineering department without doctoral programs in the electrical-electronic-communications fields. In the general category of best undergraduate engineering programs without doctoral programs, Baylor is ranked 21st nationally among the 137 accredited schools.
For more information about Baylor's School of Engineering and Computer Science, visit the department web site at https://www.ecs.baylor.edu/ .