Point Park University Prepares Students for Engineering Careers Using ALGOR Software

PITTSBURGH--Dec. 4, 2003--ALGOR, Inc., a leading maker of software for mechanical engineers, announced that its University Program is helping engineering departments prepare students with finite element analysis (FEA) knowledge that can be immediately transferred into job skills. One such program at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA is benefiting students and local businesses such as American Glass Research (AGR), a division of AGR International, Inc.

"ALGOR is a modern, cutting-edge analysis tool," said Professor Robert Draper of Point Park University, who uses ALGOR in a course that combines theoretical FEA instruction with practical examples. "ALGOR's ease of use is an advantage because students get up and running quickly and can focus on FEA principles rather than the mechanics of using the software. Since most of our students are already employed in an engineering organization as draftsmen or technicians and looking to advance their careers, many can immediately apply these new skills in their workplace."

Scott Pridemore, a Research Engineering Technician at AGR, is taking Draper's course this semester as an independent study and has already begun to transfer his new skills to the workplace. "This FEA course is teaching me how to better apply ALGOR software in my day-to-day work," said Pridemore. "The education I am getting at Point Park University is enabling me to advance my career as an engineering professional."

One of Pridemore's class projects involves steady-state heat transfer and linear static stress analyses of a glass candleholder to simulate the thermal stresses that result from the high temperatures of a burning candle. In his work at AGR, Pridemore uses FEA to conduct product feasibility studies, improve existing products and optimize designs prior to prototype testing. AGR has been providing testing, training and consulting services to the glass industry for more than 60 years and is currently the only independent glass-bottle testing laboratory in the world to have achieved Laboratory Acceptance status from The Coca-Cola Company, which enables the company to conduct glass bottle tests for Coca-Cola and its suppliers.

"We are pleased to provide colleges and universities with affordable, easy-to-use, full-featured FEA software that enables students to prepare for professional careers in engineering," said ALGOR Product Manager Bob Williams. "These modern analysis and simulation tools enable students to experience the entire engineering design process from conception to market. In turn, those students become well-equipped engineers who help companies speed up time to market and make better, safer products at a lower cost."

The ALGOR University Program offers affordable university licenses that provide software and a course curriculum kit with materials to assist in incorporating FEA into the classroom. Contact ALGOR at 1.412.967.2700 or visit www.ALGOR.com for more information.

About Point Park University

Point Park University, a participant in the ALGOR University Program, offers undergraduate degrees in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering technology and a graduate degree in engineering management. Emphasizing career preparation within a broad educational context, these programs enhance the prospects of graduates seeking professional positions in today's highly competitive job market.

About ALGOR

ALGOR makes computer software and provides services for mechanical and civil engineers. The company serves over 20,000 engineers in over 95 countries in organizations such as DuPont, General Motors, Goodyear, Hewlett-Packard, NASA, Naval Surface Warfare Center and Yale University. Partnerships with other leading mechanical engineering software companies offer data interchange with products from Alibre, Inc.; ANSYS, Inc.; Autodesk, Inc.; CADKEY Corporation; MSC.Software Corporation; Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC); Robert McNeel & Associates; Structural Dynamics Research Corporation; Solid Edge, EDS-PLM Solutions; SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. company; and others. Educational support and customer service include the use of Internet audio/video technology for distance learning and free, live software demonstrations.

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