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DILLARD UNIVERSITY                         

Excellence & Heritage

Office of University Communications and Relations           2601 Gentilly Blvd., NO, LA 70122

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Contact:            Maureen Larkins

April 5, 2004                                                                                                        504-816-4711

 

 

DILLARD UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES “MAZDA DAY”

Receives two awards: Mazda Visionary & Partner in Minority Education

 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Fun and commitment were the order of the day at Dillard University as the school and Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) celebrated their relationship by showcasing their support of minority education with the inaugural  “Mazda Day @ Dillard University.”

 

Students, faculty and staff took part in the April 1st day-long celebration that included an awards ceremony, job fair, guest lectures, free food and giveaways. Laptop computers were presented to Dillard’s Mazda Scholars.

 

Mazda honored Dillard University and its president Dr. Michael L. Lomax for their achievements in minority education by presenting the Visionary in Minority Education and Partnership in Minority Education awards.  Mayor C. Ray Nagin and representatives from the State of Louisiana Department of Economic Development were on hand to recognize the partnership by honoring Mazda with official proclamations for the work it has done to promote economic freedom for students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) such as Dillard.

 

Dillard and Mazda have been partners since 1998.  Since that time, Mazda has awarded nearly half a million dollars to Dillard for its Japanese Studies and International Business scholarship program, a language laboratory and capital support for the University’s new academic building.  Mazda has also hosted a number of Dillard students to intern at Mazda both in North America and in Hiroshima, Japan.

 

“Mazda is a prime example of what it means to be a good corporate citizen,” said Dr. Lomax.  “The company recognizes the importance of establishing solid relationships with HBCUs, in particular, to ensure that Mazda’s workforce is diverse and represents some of the world’s best and brightest minds.”  

 

John Mendel, executive vice president and COO for MNAO, sees Mazda’s association with Dillard as an important way to introduce students to the company and educate them about the realities of today’s global economy.  

 

“Since our involvement with Dillard six years ago, our relationship has grown into a full-fledged partnership aimed at preparing students for the professional world, and possibly, employment with Mazda,” said Mendel.  “No matter how you look at it, our relationship with the University is a win-win situation and we look forward to seeing these students succeed with their career goals.”

 

Mazda set-up its event headquarters under a grand tent on Dillard’s Kabacoff

Quadrangle where students could come relax, listen to music, enjoy a free lunch and check out some of Mazda’s new products that were on display - a velocity red RX-8 rotary-engine sports car, the all-new 160-hp MAZDA3 5-Door and the stylish MAZDA3 4-Door. 

 

Business and communication students talked with MNAO executives

during class lectures and round table discussions, while others participated in a

scavenger hunt with the winning team earning generous gift certificates and prizes.

 

For more information about Mazda or Dillard University, please contact Maureen Larkins at 504-816-4514 or via e-mail at mlarkins@dillard.edu or Annemarie Pender with MNAO at 202-427-5062 or via email at apender@mazdausa.com.

 

 

PHOTO by Jose’ Garcia (from left to right): Mr. Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, Mazda North American Operations; Mr. John Mendel, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mazda North American Operations; Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President, Dillard University; Mr. Charles Walker, President M & W Marketing; Mr. Von Hatley, Director or Durable Goods Manufacturing Cluster Development, State of Louisiana Department of Economic Development; and Mayor C. Ray Nagin, City of New Orleans.