Penn State recently named Wabtec Corp., a Pittsburgh-based provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors, as its 2023 Corporate Partner of the Year.
The annual award honors corporate partners that actively engage Penn State students and alumni in the workplace and the classroom, have track records of philanthropy and research, and demonstrate commitment in the promotion and support of Penn State.
“Wabtec continues to be a remarkable supporter of engineering education and research at Penn State,” Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi said. “Through our pioneering strategic partnership, Wabtec is bolstering Penn State’s long-standing efforts to foster a culture of innovation in multiple engineering fields while preparing our graduates for distinguished careers on the cutting edge of an evolving workforce. Wabtec’s philanthropic leadership underscores their leadership in the rail transportation industry, where their digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services are propelling the industry forward.”
Wabtec’s $1.5 million partnership began in 2020 and includes the University Park, Penn State Altoona and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College campuses and the online Penn State World Campus.
Wabtec’s support varies by campus and includes the Rail Transportation Engineering program, the nation’s only bachelor of science degree program in that field, as well as battery storage research, the Engineering Leadership Development Program, and the Wabtec Girls Who STEAM Camp.