Valero Energy Corporation commits $500,000 to enhance engineering labs

Lamar University has announced a $500,000 gift from Valero Energy Corporation to upgrade the Process Control Lab and Unit Operations Lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering. The donation, presented on Giving Tuesday, will fund innovative equipment and infrastructure improvements to enhance student training in critical industry skills.

The upgrades include the addition of a PetroSkills simulator to the Process Control Lab. The high-tech system features a control room operator display and a first-person 3D operator viewpoint, providing students with hands-on experience in managing day-to-day operations and emergency scenarios, such as equipment failures and hurricane preparations.

“The training will equip students with vital skills in alarm management, recognizing abnormal conditions, reducing response times, and understanding operator stress and fatigue,” Dr. Tracy Benson, interim dean of Lamar University’s College of Engineering said.

The Unit Operations Lab will also benefit from the installation of a carbon capture system, designed to teach students the importance of reducing the carbon footprint of chemical industries. This system will allow students to explore various absorption fluids, compare their effectiveness, and control temperatures and flow rates in absorption and regeneration processes.

“These enhancements will help students develop a deep understanding of carbon capture technology and its role in creating a more sustainable industry,” Benson said.

The $500,000 commitment builds on Valero’s longstanding partnership with Lamar University. Since acquiring the Port Arthur Refinery in 2004, Valero has offered co-op and internship opportunities to students and invested heavily in their education. Notably, the company established a $1 million endowed scholarship for the College of Engineering in 2009, benefiting hundreds of students over the years.

“This gift is a continuation of a two-decade partnership between Valero and Lamar University,”  Juan Zabala, vice president of university advancement said. “Valero has been a dedicated supporter of our students, providing invaluable opportunities and resources to prepare them for real-world success.”

Valero representatives expressed pride in their contributions to the university. “It’s an incredible day for Valero and Lamar University,” Vice President and General Manager of the Port Arthur Refinery Jerry Stumbo said. “This partnership has allowed us to enrich student experiences and provide cutting-edge tools for the next generation of engineers.”

The upgrades to the Process Control and Unit Operations Labs are expected to position Lamar University as a leader in chemical engineering education, equipping students with the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

“This is a game changer for our university, and we're incredibly excited for what the future holds. I invite each of you to join us on this journey,” Lamar University President Jaime Taylor said. “Follow our progress, visit the Valero lab when it's complete, meet our students and see firsthand how this partnership is transforming our students and shaping the future of chemical engineering.”

To learn more about the College of Engineering, visit http://www.lamar.edu/engineering.