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��Ӱֱ�� State College has received a gift of $50,000 from Laverne (’56) and Mary Lou Billings of Boynton Beach, FL, to support equipment purchases for the heavy equipment operations program.

“This is a critical gift during a critical growth period for this popular program,” said College President John M. Anderson. “Heavy equipment operators acquire their skills through the hands-on instruction for which ��Ӱֱ�� State is famous. Gifts like this allow us to purchase large pieces of machinery that give the students an excellent education and prepare them for the large infrastructure construction projects that will build the future of New York State. Mr. Billings is committed to the long-term growth of this program.”

The heavy equipment operations program provides instruction in the skills required by heavy equipment operators for the light construction and heavy highway industries. Instruction is provided in the theory connected with heavy equipment operations, as well as grades, soils, blueprint reading, safety, and project supervision. The program is offered at the School of Applied Technology Campus in Wellsville. The Wellsville campus offers a variety of AOS, AAS, and certificate programs in areas ranging from construction workforce development to culinary arts.

This is the Billings’ second major gift to the College. In 1999, the Billings contributed $503,000 to create a scholarship endowment. “The Billings are friends who provide truly transformational gifts to the College,” said Anderson. “Their student-focused gifts perfectly reflect our philosophy here at ��Ӱֱ�� State, and our students are fortunate to have such advocates.”