Oncor gift supports UTA electrical engineering students

UTA celebrates opening of Oncor IEEE Student Lounge

Wednesday, Mar 20, 2024 • Brian Lopez : contact

Oncor ribbon cutting ceremony

Electrical engineering students at The University of Texas at Arlington have an upgraded space to meet, collaborate and study, thanks to a $75,000 gift from Oncor Electric Delivery.

The Oncor IEEE Student Lounge features 726 square feet of renovated community space in UTA’s Nedderman Hall, which houses the Electrical Engineering Department. The lounge serves as a popular gathering spot where the department’s nearly 600 students can study, practice skills, collaborate on projects and socialize between classes.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional society for the electrical, electronic and computing fields and related areas of science and technology.

Oncor’s gift funded improvements, including new furniture, and allowed the department to purchase equipment such as oscilloscopes so students can gain direct experience before entering the electrical engineering workforce. In addition, the gift supports student success programming, student travel and other department priorities.

“Oncor has long been one of UTA’s most valued corporate partners, and we are deeply grateful for this latest philanthropic investment,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “The lounge provides a collaborative and functional space that fuels success and career readiness for our electrical engineering students.”

Previous Oncor gifts to UTA have supported electrical engineering scholarships, the College of Engineering’s Innovation Day, the College of Engineering Banquet, the Career Development Center, alumni excellence and more.

Oncor lounge signage

“One of the keys to Oncor’s success is recruiting and retaining exceptional employees. Providing support to the Electrical Engineering Student Success Fund helps increase the pipeline of workplace talent and strengthens our partnership in ways that benefit both Oncor and UTA,” said Jacqui Spicer, director of strategic sourcing and procurement for Oncor and a 2009 UTA electrical engineering graduate.

Founded in 1912, Oncor is the largest energy delivery company in Texas, with more than 143,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving over 400 communities and 98 counties.

“Oncor is a highly respected leader in the Texas energy industry,” said Peter Crouch, dean of the UTA College of Engineering. “The company’s generous support enhances our ability to provide a top-quality education to our students and help them move on to rewarding careers after graduation.”

-       Written by Mark Permenter – Development and Alumni Relations