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 Trustees
of the California State University system today (Nov. 19) approved
naming Fresno State’s engineering college the Lyles College of
Engineering to honor a $10 million commitment by Bill Lyles, his family
and companies.
The Lyles gift, announced by university President John D. Welty on Aug.
18, will be matched by $10 million in support gathered by the university
for the Lyles College in the coming years. The total impact could be $20
million for the college.
“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
years ahead,” Lyles said. “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.”
A ceremony celebrating the naming of the college will be held on campus
at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 3.
“I wanted to do something macro that I have confidence can make a big
difference in our regional economy,” he said. That “something” is a gift
to provide a top-quality engineering college in the region staffed by
inspiring faculty and offering research opportunities to faculty and
students.
Lyles said Fresno State is a key component in his vision to encourage
excellent mathematics and science education beginning in the region’s
middle schools. The goal is to interest students in studying health,
sciences and engineering at Fresno State, which will enhance the
region’s stature, visibility and attractiveness outside the area, while
addressing regional needs to improve the economy and regional
livability.
“I can’t do them all, so I’ve focused on engineering,” said Lyles,
trained as a civil engineer. “But if I do something, then someone else
may, too.”
Another important element of Lyles’ improvement plan is establishing a
regional industrial area. It would become a home for the kind of
high-tech, innovative, high-paying businesses being imagined by
entrepreneurs and developed by the Lyles Center for Innovation and
Entrepreneurship at Fresno State.
Lyles is a community optimist who has donated millions over the years to
make the region a better place. The Lyles Center has helped start
several business ventures and created a climate of entrepreneurial and
innovative spirit through outreach and competition into middle and high
schools.
The goal is identical to his hopes for the engineering gift: provide a
place locally where business innovators can be trained and encouraged in
a region hungry for businesses that employ well-paid workers and
stimulate the economy.
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