ExxonMobil Foundation More Than Matches Employees' Support for University of Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Building on support for the University of Arkansas, the ExxonMobil Foundation continues to positively impact programs across campus with a matching gift program that provides three dollars in additional support for every one dollar contributed by ExxonMobil and XTO Energy employees. With a combination of generous alumni and friends of the university, ExxonMobil has contributed more than $500,000 to the U of A during the last 10 years including a $46,000 donation being presented this week.

“There’s no question ExxonMobil and XTO Energy realize the importance of higher education with a matching gift program that basically quadruples the impact of their employees’ support for colleges and universities,” said Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement. “The University of Arkansas is grateful for the many corporations that offer matching gift programs to their employees and retirees, but the 3 to 1 match offered by the ExxonMobil Foundation is truly remarkable and unique. There are many examples around campus of how this generosity is benefiting our students.”

Not surprisingly, many of the matched gifts have gone to some of the university’s largest colleges including the College of Engineering, J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and the Sam M. Walton College of Business. However, significant contributions have also benefited university libraries, the band and other colleges and programs campuswide.

“The ExxonMobil Foundation has a long history of supporting a wide range of efforts to improve the quality of education in the United States,” said Mike Todd, regional manager of public and government affairs for XTO Energy. “With our Educational Matching Gift Program we are proud to build upon the generous support of our ExxonMobil and XTO employees who are committed to investing in the future of young Americans.”

Todd and Jamie Sorrells, a senior land coordinator with XTO Energy, will be visiting the university Tuesday for a special check presentation and tour of the campus. The check presentation ceremony, including comments from Sorrells and Choate, will begin at 1 p.m. and will be held in the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies – room 535 – of the J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Center for Academic Excellence. Members of the media are invited to attend.