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What can 'Brown' do for WMU?

Jan. 13, 2005

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.--Global package-delivery giant UPS is putting a piece of equipment to work to make sure the next generation of aviation professionals has hands-on experience in how to maintain the engine systems that are the backbone of its service network.

The Atlanta-based corporation is donating a 747 aircraft engine to Western Michigan University's College of Aviation for use in the college's maintenance technology program. The massive engine will be used to familiarize students with the engine systems and components typical of large aircraft engines.

"We're proud to support the University in educating tomorrow's maintenance professionals," said UPS Airlines spokesman Mark Giuffre in describing the company's decision to make the gift.

UPS is donating both the engine and shipping costs of the JT9D Pratt &Whitney engine. The engine is typical of the type that powers 747, 767, A300, A310 and DC-10 aircraft. Pratt &Whitney, in turn, has agreed to donate an engine pedestal to facilitate use of the engine for instruction. The engine on the pedestal will be installed in the large hangar known as the Aviation Maintenance Building on WMU's aviation campus, which is located on W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek.

The engine will be used in courses designed to give students a thorough grounding in both basic engine systems and turbine engine systems. Aviation maintenance technology is one of three bachelor's degree programs offered by WMU's aviation college. The major provides preparation for positions in the field of aircraft maintenance, including performance testing, flight test engineering, product technical support and maintenance logistics. WMU maintenance graduates direct technical programs for flight organizations around the nation, including UPS, where one WMU alumnus manages the firm's JT9D engine program.

"Thanks to UPS, our graduates will head to positions in the industry with even more in-depth knowledge of the systems they'll work on," says Capt. Rick Maloney, dean of the College of Aviation.

UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information and funds. UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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