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Eastman Partners with Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries
Eastman Partners with Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries
Published 06-23-16
Submitted by Eastman Chemical Company
Yesterday, Eastman and Clemson University announced an exciting new partnership with Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries (CEDC), a nonprofit service learning organization that develops solutions to improve the quality of life for the people of Cange, Haiti. Through donation of time, talents and resources, Eastman and CEDC will work together to advance the field of engineering and develop innovative solutions.
Eastman and CEDC have identified three projects focusing on improvements to the water infrastructure systems in Haiti that will enable residents in rural communities to access clean water. The projects include water system analysis, development of a prototype solar-powered refrigeration box to store and deliver vaccines to remote villages in Haiti, and development and implementation of a water system in Morne Michel Village of Haiti. The students of Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries work with local communities in the Central Plateau of Haiti to develop sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life through student-led initiatives and key partnerships.
Eastman is also supporting the creation of a maker space where CEDC students will have the opportunity to simulate real-world situations, helping them to develop interdisciplinary skills and gain hands-on experience in an academic environment.
“We are pleased to launch this partnership with Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries,” said David A. Golden, senior vice president, chief legal & sustainability officer and corporate secretary. “The organization’s goals and projects are a perfect fit with Eastman’s corporate responsibility focus areas of education, empowerment, economic development, and environment. We want to invest in solutions that will enhance the quality of life and bring beneficial change to ensure long-term success for all.”
Through this collaboration, CEDC is receiving much more than financial resources. Eastman’s corporate responsibility commitments drive collaboration and engagement beyond philanthropy and Eastman team members are serving as hands-on resources and advisors on the identified projects.
“We are excited to be working with such an innovative leader in engineering and sustainability,” said Jeff Plumblee, PhD, MBA, research assistant professor, and founder of CEDC. “Eastman and its employees will make excellent role models and mentors for our students. CEDC’s mission aligns very well with Eastman’s corporate responsibility initiatives, and we are looking forward to the impact we can make together. This partnership will not only improve the lives of thousands in Haiti, but it will also enrich the educational experience of countless students at Clemson University.”
About Eastman
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2015 revenues of approximately $9.6 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 15,000 people around the world.
About Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries
Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries is a student-led service learning initiative from Clemson University that does work in rural Haiti. Their mission is to work with local communities in the Central Plateau of Haiti to develop sustainable solutions that improve quality of life through interdisciplinary student-led initiatives that embody our core values in partnership with Clemson University, non-profit organizations, and industry.
