The Enterprise Holdings Foundation has donated $1.5 million to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE). The three-year, $500,000 annual contribution marks the SOE’s largest gift to date.

The donation will be used to support the renovation of the school’s atrium into a collaborative student workspace. The technologically reimagined and renovated Enterprise Holdings Foundation Atrium will prominently display the strong partnership between the SOE and Enterprise Holdings.

Enterprise is repeatedly recognized as one of the largest college recruiters in the U.S. — largely for hiring into the company’s Management Training Program. Locally, Enterprise also hires for its robust team of more than 2,000 Information Technology (IT) professionals, who work to build tech solutions that are redefining how customers buy, rent and share vehicles.

Enterprise Holdings has partnered with the SIUE School of Engineering for several years to connect students and graduates with career opportunities in its IT department. And with SIUE’s rigorous academic standards and aggressive approach to innovation, the partnership has created an ongoing talent pipeline to meet changing demands for technical talent. In the past five years alone, Enterprise has hired more than 80 SIUE engineering students and graduates into full-time roles as well as the company’s IT internship program.

The Enterprise Holdings Foundation was established by Enterprise founder Jack Taylor in 1982 to give back to the communities where partners and employees live and work. Since then, the Enterprise Holdings Foundation has contributed more than $405 million to thousands of local nonprofits focused on community improvement, education, and environmental stewardship. Commitments range from global philanthropic initiatives to community-focused projects.

Once complete, the Enterprise Holdings Foundation Atrium will feature multiple IT ports, projection capabilities, ample charging stations, and numerous electrical outlets. In addition, new, high-quality furnishings will offer students, faculty, alumni, and industry stakeholders a welcoming place to convene for the sharing of ideas and to comfortably accomplish academic and professional goals.

The first installment of upgrades to the atrium space is slated for completion in spring of 2020. A ribbon cutting ceremony will follow to unveil the new Enterprise Holdings Foundation Atrium.