December 3, 2008

A ceremony celebrating the naming of the Lyles College of Engineering will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at California State University, Fresno. The public is invited to attend the event, which will be held outdoors on the south side of the Engineering East building.

A $10 million gift from William Lyles, his family and his company to the college prompted university President John D. Welty to request the Lyles College of Engineering naming. That request was approved by California State University trustees on Nov. 19.

The Lyles family are long-time supporters of Fresno State and the family name also graces the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a launching pad for regional businesses.

The Lyles gift, announced by 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.

During the ceremony, an artist’s rendition of the new Lyles College of Engineering sign will be unveiled, along with the college’s new logo.

Speakers include President Welty, Provost Jeri Echeverria, Lyles College Dean Dr. Michael Jenkins, alumni and business community representative Mike Patton and Lyles College of Engineering student Graham Wahlberg, who is Associated Students Inc. president. Bill Lyles will speak on behalf of his family.

The Lyles family’s generosity extends across the Fresno State campus. Students, faculty and visiting performers enjoy playing the Elizabeth Lyles pipe organ in the Concert Hall of the Music Building.

The Lyles family has provided major gifts to the Craig School of Business, including its Business Associates program and 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.