Dal Pezzos commit $100K to establish Global Manufacturing & Services Lab
The Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering is pleased to announce the establishment of the Global Manufacturing & Service Laboratory that will enable industrial engineering students to experience international culture, language, and education without leaving Penn State.
Peter Dal Pezzo, and his wife, Angela, of Fresno, California, have committed $100,000 to the industrial engineering department to establish a Global Manufacturing & Services Laboratory. This lab, which will be located in the Leonhard Building on the University Park campus, will give students the opportunity to interact with people and cultures world-wide. With this non travel-based initiative, a larger number of students will have the opportunity to expand their horizons and gain experience necessary to be successful in a global economy.
Peter Dal Pezzo, a 1968 Penn State industrial engineering graduate, is a retired vice president of corporate projects for PELCO, a California-based firm that designs and manufactures video security systems and equipment. In 2003, he was named an Outstanding Engineering Alumnus, the highest honor bestowed by the Penn State College of Engineering. An active alumnus, Dal Pezzo currently serves on the IE department's Industrial and Professional Advisory Council and the Service Enterprise Engineering boards. The Dal Pezzo's previous philanthropy to Penn State includes a $3 million gift to endow the industrial engineering department head chair and a $150,000 Trustee Scholarship.
In addition to the generous gift from the Dal Pezzos, the College of Engineering and Information Technology Services also provided funding to support the development of the lab.
Originated by Amine Lehtihet, professor of industrial engineering, the 1000 square foot Global Manufacturing & Services Lab will consist of five components, including a teleconferencing facility, multiple international language stations, satellite televisions, design collaboration software, and an international products benchmarking station. The lab will enable all IE students to participate in international activities, build global relationships, and be immersed in a diverse learning environment.
The Global Manufacturing & Services Lab, which will be open by the fall 2009 semester, is yet another step the IE department is taking to achieve its strategic goals, which include educating students to become internationally fluent, highlighting world renowned faculty, and establishing globally networked research programs.