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Representatives of State Farm and Western Illinois University gathered Thursday for a $50,000 donation from the insurance provider to WIU School of Computer Sciences.
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WIU’S School of Computer Sciences Receives Gift from State Farm

March 6, 2014

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MACOMB, IL - Students earning a degree in Western Illinois University's School of Computer Science will benefit from new technology and equipment, thanks to the generosity of State Farm.

State Farm officials were on campus Thursday, March 6, to present the School of Computer Science with a $50,000 gift for the Advanced Applications and Development Laboratory.

"Technology plays a big role in our success. To continue that success, we need employees with advanced technical skills, and we believe supporting educational programs like WIU's School of Computer Sciences is a win-win for all involved," said State Farm Executive Vice President Duane Farrington. "We are excited about this partnership and look forward to helping students realize their dreams."

"State Farm will enable us to provide newer resources to our upper division and graduate students," said School of Computer Sciences Director Dennis DeVolder. "The laboratory space and equipment will support courses in mobile application development, server-side web development, enterprise systems and computer forensics. Students in several majors will receive an enhanced experience in both applications and application development."

"We are very appreciative of State Farm's long-standing partnership with Western," said WIU President Jack Thomas. "Over the years, State Farm has provided many grants and matching gifts, all of which have enhanced the educational experience for our students. We are very grateful."

State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the Unites State and Canada, and nearly two million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, visit statefarm.com or in Canada statefarm.ca.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing