FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - There’s a new incentive for outstanding chemical engineering professors to join the ranks of the University of Arkansas faculty, thanks to a $100,000 gift commitment from alumni Ansel and Virginia Condray of London, England.

The Ansel and Virginia Condray Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering is designed to attract and retain faculty who are leaders in the chemical engineering profession.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "We are most grateful to Ansel and Virginia for stepping forward to make a difference in our ability to recruit and retain outstanding faculty by providing nationally competitive opportunities for them here in Arkansas. Our goal to increase the size and diversity of faculty will be met largely due to the generous support of alumni and friends like the Condrays."

Mr. Condray is a 1964 chemical engineering graduate and Chairman and Production Director for ExxonMobil International Ltd. He has held numerous leadership positions within ExxonMobil Co. International and USA, including vice president of production, senior vice president, executive vice president and president. Mr. Condray, who received the UA Citation of Distinguished Alumni in 1997, is a member of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee, the College of Engineering Advisory Council, and the College of Engineering Hall of Fame.

Neil Schmitt, interim dean of the College of Engineering, said, "We are grateful for the volunteer leadership and service that Ansel and Virginia have provided to the College of Engineering. Through the continued support of alumni and friends like the Condrays, our chemical engineering department is obtaining the resources necessary for us to attract and retain the best faculty and students. On behalf of the College and the chemical engineering department, I’d like to thank the Condrays for their generosity in helping to build a nationally competitive program."

As an undergraduate student at the U of A, Mr. Condray was a member of Theta Tauprofessional engineering fraternity, and Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society. He is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society, and a past president of the American Society of Chemical Engineers (ASCHE). Mrs. Condray earned a bachelor of science in education in 1964. After teaching school for several years she became a full-time mother and partner in Mr. Condray’s career.

Mr. Condray said, "This investment in the University’s future is a testimonial to the quality educational foundation I received. Virginia and I are delighted to be a part of the positive happenings here."

The Condrays’ gift will be counted toward the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century’s $300 Million Challenge, the University’s effort to raise $300 million for academic support by June 30, 2005. As of Sept. 30, 2002, the Challenge total stands at $52 million. Campaign funds are being used to help the University achieve its vision for the twenty-first century. Campaign funds are being raised for six critical areas of need: endowed faculty positions and scholarship funds, academic programs, University Libraries, academic facilities and equipment and annual giving.