BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — In support of the construction of the school’s Fire Protection Engineering Lab (FPEL), Siemens Building Technologies (SBT) has given $100,000 to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
“Our intent is to apply Siemens gift to expenses associated with the renovation of the FPEL,” WPI Director of Development Karen Bean says. “To assure our leading role in academic development of fire protection engineers, we are recreating the learning environment to better serve students and faculty. Siemens’ generous support will go a long way to help us with our goals for the facility and for that we are truly grateful.”
Since 1979, the FPEL has helped produce fire protection engineers. The school has enrolled 596 fire protection engineers, most now working in the industry to protect buildings and occupants from fire-related emergencies.
In recognition of SBT’s donation, WPI has named the FPEL’s conference center after Siemens, to honor the company’s role in the advancement of fire and smoke detection and its underlying scientific study.
“There are few institutions of higher learning that do more for the fire protection industry,” SBT Manager of Industry Affairs Daniel Finnegan says. “Our gift not only represents our recognition of the vital role WPI plays, but also serves to highlight Siemens commitment to the future of the industry.”
