A $10,000 donation from Franklin Electric Co. in Bluffton, Ind., will support Tri-State University’s annual Bolting into Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST) Camp, as well as scholarships and university improvement through the university’s Annual Fund.

TSU enjoys a strong relationship with Franklin Electric and its vice president, Gary Ward, a TSU Trustee, through student internships and the employment of TSU graduates. The company’s appreciation for TSU’s high quality education prompted the donation, said Melanie Harmon, Director of Development for TSU’s Office of Alumni & Development.

“We are extremely grateful for our continued support from Franklin Electric,” Harmon said. “Their support and interest in TSU and our students is very much appreciated.”

The company’s donation will allow BEST Camp to expose students in grades 6-8 to science, technology, and engineering in a fun, hands-on way, and encourages them to seek careers in those areas. Projects centered on civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, computer-aided drafting, chemistry, and material science will be explored, and students will tour a manufacturing facility. Kids will enjoy snacks and a learning adventure with TSU engineering experts. TSU will provide transportation from the Fort Wayne area.

Professor John Wagner of the TSU McKetta Department of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering is B.E.S.T. Camp director. “B.E.S.T. Camp is a fun and hands-on camp where middle school age kids learn about the areas of engineering, technology, applied science, and mathematics. Every year the specific activities are different, so campers tend to come back every year they are eligible,” he said. 

This year’s B.E.S.T. Camp is June 16-20 at the Angola campus from 9 a.m.-noon. For more information on registration, call Sue Baker at 260.665.4231 or e-mail her at bakers@tristate.edu.

The company’s Annual Fund donation will provide scholarships for deserving TSU students, equipment for programs, or other campus improvements.