NiSource Foundation makes first gift
for renewable-energy initiatives

NiSource Charitable Foundation
helps Trine with donation

ANGOLA, Ind. – NIPSCO leaders recently presented the first gift to support Trine University’s renewable-energy initiatives.

NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company based in Merrillville) leaders Jim Stanley, chief executive officer, and Jill Perillo, public affairs manager, presented a check for $25,000 from its NiSource Charitable Foundation. While it is the first grant money to support the initiative, it is not NiSource and NIPSCO’s first gift to Trine. The foundation and company were recognized as members of the Ivy & Shield Society for lifetime giving of $250,000 to $499,999 during Trine’s homecoming festivities in October. NIPSCO is one of the seven energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc.

“We are grateful for NIPSCO’s ongoing support of the university,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. “The contribution will help move Trine forward as we establish a center to support exploration and learning of solar, wind, water and electric energy.”

The minor in energy engineering to be offered at Trine will focus students on the conversion, storage and distribution technologies used in traditional and renewable energy systems. Possible initiatives and resources that are envisioned include an education focus with solar energy, wind energy, weather tower, fuel cells, thermodynamic energy and mobile energy lab, as well as regional technical assistance through Innovation One.

These efforts align with the construction of the Jim and Joan Bock Center for Biomed and Innovation, which is expected to be completed in spring 2013. The center will house cast metals laboratories, materials science and metallurgy laboratories, alternative energy studies center and bioprocess laboratories, and Innovation One, an incubator for business and research.

Shown in photo : From left, Mike Bock, Trine’s senior vice president for student and university operations; NIPSCO’s Jim Stanley, chief executive officer, and Jill Perillo, public affairs manager; and Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. Photo by Dean Orewiler, Trine photographer.