Purdue News

November 16, 1998 Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. gives $30,000 to BCC WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- A $30,000 gift from Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. will support the ongoing construction of the new Black Cultural Center at Purdue University. The gift was presented by Hitoshi Maeda, president and chief executive officer of SIA, Tom Easterday, vice president of human resources and corporate affairs and general counsel, and Ann McConnell, manager of community relations and general affairs. "The Purdue Black Cultural Center is a nationally acclaimed organization and an important educational and cultural resource," Maeda said. "It will be a wonderful addition to the Purdue campus and the Greater Lafayette community." Black Cultural Center Director Renee Thomas said the gift would be acknowledged with a plaque in the reception area on the first floor of the new building. According to Thomas, the reception area is the key traffic area and will be the primary gathering place for visitors to the center. "We are delighted SIA is supporting this project," Thomas said. "It is so important to the future students of Purdue University." McConnell said that the gift is representative of the SIA philanthropic philosophy: "In addition to this gift toward construction of the BCC, SIA has been very active in its support of Purdue University and various community projects within Tippecanoe County and across the state of Indiana." Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. is the first joint venture between Japanese auto manufacturing companies Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and Isuzu Motors Limited. The Lafayette plant started production in September 1989. The Legacy and Outback models are the first Subaru products manufactured entirely from the SIA plant for North America and other markets. Isuzu Sport Utility vehicles, the Rodeo and the Amigo, were first manufactured here in Indiana at SIA. The Black Cultural Center serves about 35,000 people each year through its four performing arts ensembles, speaker series, tours and other programs. Built entirely with gift funds, the new $3 million, 18,000-square-foot building, at Third and Russell streets, will include an expanded art and gallery space, a computer laboratory, rehearsal areas for the performing arts ensembles, and office space for student organizations. Construction of the center, designed by Blackburn Architects of Indianapolis, is expected to be complete next fall. Sources Renee Thomas, (765) 494-3091 Ann McConnell (765) 449-6269 Writer: Kate Walker, (765) 494-2073; e-mail, kate_walker@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page