Dillard University Names Steven Odell to
University Board of Directors; - Mazda Executive to Award
Japanese Studies Program $65,000 Grant -
NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 30 Today, the Mazda Foundation announced
it would add $25,000 to its $40,000 annual grant to Dillard University's
Japanese Studies Program. The supplementary funding will be dedicated to the
creation of a Mazda Foundation Japanese Studies Computer Lab. In related
news, Dillard President Dr. Michael Lomax recently named Steven Odell, vice
president of marketing and sales, Mazda North American Operations, to the
University's Board of Directors.
"As chairman of Mazda's Diversity Committee, I am honored and privileged
to have been selected by Dillard to serve on their Board of Directors. I
believe my nomination represents the ever expanding relationship between Mazda
and Dillard," said Steven Odell. "Mazda is pleased to present Dillard
University with a grant for $65,000 in continued support for the its Japanese
Studies Program. Mazda's support of the Japanese Studies program stems from
our shared desire with Dillard to foster greater awareness and understanding
of Japan and its role in the international community," Odell added.
In 1998, the Mazda Foundation began funding scholarships for the school's
Japanese Studies Program, the first of its kind at a historically black
college or university. Since 1999, the Foundation has provided $40,000
annually. Dillard matches the Mazda grants on a dollar-per-dollar basis,
further boosting funding for students pursuing language and business studies
that focus on Japan and the Far East. The additional $50,000 will fund the
creation of a state-of-the-art computer lab for Japanese Studies students.
Dillard University President Michael L. Lomax says that Mazda's
partnership with Dillard is indicative of the institution's commitment to
globalization of the curriculum.
"Through our collaboration with Mazda, Dillard's Japanese Studies Program
provides our students an extraordinary opportunity to explore international
careers," he said.
"Students participating in the program gain valuable practical knowledge
that will uniquely prepare them to function in a 21st century workforce.
Mazda has helped strengthen our Japanese Studies Program by providing guest
lecturers, supporting the creation of computer and language laboratories and
providing our students with internship and job opportunities, both nationally
and internationally.
"We are particularly pleased that Steve Odell has joined our Board of
Trustees at this important juncture in Dillard's history. He joins an
energized group of men and women committed to the growth and development of
our institution who are poised to help chart our course over the next 3 years
and beyond."
The Dillard University Board of Trustees is comprised of various members
of academia, local and national business leaders, and members of our
international community. The board oversees the implementation of the
policies and procedures that govern the university.
Dillard University is a privately held, historically black, liberal arts
institution. Dillard has as its purpose the development of graduates who are
broadly educated, culturally aware, concerned with improving the human
condition, and able to meet the competitive demands of a global and
technologically advanced society.
The Mazda Foundation (USA) was established in 1990 to demonstrate Mazda's
commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities in which it
does business. Over the past three years, the Foundation has dedicated a
significant portion of its grants to programs that serve minority populations.
These include: Hispanic Scholarship Fund, University of North Carolina at
Pembroke, In-Care Network, and Reading Is Fundamental.
Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, and customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the
United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than
700 dealerships nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima,
Japan.
