In a significant gesture of appreciation for a long-standing partnership, the College of Science and Engineering Power Lab at Texas A&M University-Commerce has been renamed the Oncor Power Lab. The renaming ceremony, held on September 21, marked a 70-year collaboration between Oncor Electric, Texas's largest energy delivery company, and A&M-Commerce.
Oncor, as part of its ongoing commitment to the university, has also entered into a new gift agreement. The company has generously pledged $150,000 to support A&M-Commerce's electrical engineering program, with a portion of the funds allocated to the operational expenses and equipment requirements of the Oncor Power Lab.
The Oncor Power Lab, situated within the Department of Engineering and Technology, serves as a hands-on training facility for students, providing instruction in various aspects of electricity, including direct current (DC), single- and three-phase alternating current (AC), transformers, generators, and motors. Operating at low voltage to ensure student safety, the lab is equipped with essential equipment and software for conducting real-world experiments in electrical power systems.
At the unveiling ceremony, representatives from Oncor, A&M-Commerce, and the local community gathered to dedicate the facility. A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin underscored the significance of the partnership for engineering students, expressing gratitude for the resources provided by Oncor and their commitment to creating internship opportunities.
"It's a great day to be a Lion, and it's a great day to be affiliated with Oncor," Rudin stated. "I can't think of too many things that are more impactful than, not only the valuable resources you all have gathered to help us build out this Power Lab, but your willingness to reach out to our students, embrace them, and create internship opportunities for them."
In addition to supporting the Power Lab, Oncor's gift will establish the university's first endowed student research fellowship for electrical engineering, known as the Oncor Student Engineering Fellowship. This fellowship will facilitate student and faculty involvement in research initiatives within the Oncor Power Lab and beyond.
Dr. Andrea Graham, dean of the College of Science and Engineering, expressed profound appreciation for Oncor's generosity, emphasizing the transformative impact of the gift on the university's STEM-focused curriculum.
"The College of Science and Engineering is immensely grateful for this generous gift honoring our longstanding partnership with Oncor," Graham said. "This transformative gift will help empower our students with an exceptional educational experience enriched by an innovative and experiential STEM-forward curriculum."
Oncor Area Manager Larry Willis highlighted the company's commitment to supporting the next generation of electrical engineers and its dedication to Texas communities.
"Our team is not only dedicated to helping meet the power needs of Texas communities but also to encouraging the engineering students who may someday work alongside us," Willis said. "It’s an honor to join A&M-Commerce in announcing this next level of our decades-long partnership. It’s our shared hope that the Oncor Power Lab and Student Engineering Fellowship will provide today’s students with the opportunities and preparations they need to succeed within the electric industry of the future."
The partnership between A&M-Commerce and Oncor traces its roots to the mid-20th century when the precursor company, Texas Power and Light, began collaboration with the university. Over the years, many university alumni have held leadership positions at Oncor, and the company has been a consistent supporter of A&M-Commerce through annual events, scholarship funds, and advocacy for the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program. Moreover, Oncor has frequently hired new graduates from the program.
In addition to its support for the electrical engineering program and the Oncor Power Lab, Oncor's generous gift will also contribute to the Alumni Association’s annual Sam McCord Alumni Golf Tournament, which raises funds for student scholarships.
The renaming of the Power Lab and the generous gift from Oncor symbolize a continued commitment to education, research, and the future of electrical engineering at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
