August 18, 2008

The College of Engineering at California State University, Fresno will take a major step forward in educating more students in the Central Valley for careers in engineering and construction management thanks to a major commitment from William Lyles, President and CEO of Lyles Diversified Inc.

Lyles, his family and their companies have committed a $10 million gift and the University agrees to seek an additional $10 million in support for the College of Engineering in the coming years. The total impact over time will be $20 million for the college.

“The Central Valley has been a great place for our family,” said William Lyles. “We’ve watched the region grow and change through the years and we believe it is essential that the Valley transform its economy in the coming years. A critical part of that transformation will be more well-educated engineers to support this growth. It is our hope that this gift will encourage and inspire others to help in this important effort.”

The Lyles family members are longtime supporters of Fresno State, and have assisted numerous projects at the university. Thanks to the Lyles family, entrepreneurs have a chance to translate their visions into business reality through the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Students, faculty and visiting performers enjoy playing the Elizabeth Lyles pipe organ in the Concert Hall in the Music Building.

Numerous programs on campus have been expanded and sustained due to the generosity of the Lyles family, which has provided major gifts to the Craig School of Business, including its Business Associates program and its Family Business Institute; the Kremen School of Education and Human Development; the College of Arts and Humanities; the Henry Madden Library; the Bulldog Foundation; and the Save Mart Center.

Fresno State President Dr. John D. Welty said the Lyles gift will play a major role in developing the College of Engineering to meet the region’s growing needs while increasing its appeal to faculty and students.

“This investment will transform the College of Engineering,” Welty added. “In recognition of this commitment, I will ask the California State University Board of Trustees to name the college the Lyles College of Engineering.”

Welty said the Lyles’ gift acknowledges the importance of the College of Engineering in developing the region’s burgeoning growth, which is driving the area’s economy. Long-recognized as one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, the Central Valley is transitioning toward engineering and technological growth as keys to continued economic health and sustainability.

The Central Valley offers an ideal location to apply emerging technologies, engineering innovations and leading edge construction management strategies. To support this new era, the College of Engineering must attract, educate and retain bright, talented leaders in the various engineering specialties and make community connections while they are here so that they stay in the region, Welty said.

Dr. Michael Jenkins, dean of the College of Engineering, said, “This partnering with Bill Lyles will transform Fresno State’s College of Engineering by allowing us to educate and train our share of critically needed engineers and construction managers for the nation and the world.

“Although we have been offering courses in engineering at Fresno State since the 1920s, gifts such as this will significantly alter our college and are critical to fueling the evolution of this region that we call the New California. The generosity of this gift is inspiring and we hope that it motivates others to join us in our efforts,” said Jenkins.

The Engineering College has seen a steady enrollment growth over the past five years, but current national trends indicate a need to increase engineering and construction management degrees to meet demand.

Jenkins said the Lyles gift will allow the college to do that by advancing student academic excellence and scholarship, enhancing laboratories and equipment and promoting faculty excellence.

William Lyles is a third generation engineer. His companies have been involved in construction, real estate and development, underground pipeline and utility construction, heavy concrete and mechanical construction.

He is a long-time member of the university's President's Circle and a member of the Board of Governors for the California State University, Fresno Foundation. In 1999, he was awarded one of the university's highest honors – the California State University, Fresno Foundation Service Award. His combination of philanthropy and service was recognized by Fresno State in 2001, when an honorary doctorate of humane letters was conferred on him by the California State University trustees.