The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Education Center on the Northwood University campus in Midland MI is another step closer to reality, thanks to a donation of $150,000 from ArvinMeritor Inc, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced.
Dan Daniel, senior vice-president and president of ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Aftermarket, made the contribution at a recent reception during the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in Chicago IL.
Since AAIA announced the fund-raising campaign to construct a $5-million education center in January 2001, corporations and foundations have donated more than $1.5 million. AAIA, which is spearheading the campaign, contributed $100,000. The 25,000-square-foot education complex will house Northwood's aftermarket program and University of the Aftermarket offices.
“Smart” classrooms in the new building will link to interactive classrooms on the Texas and Florida campuses. This feature will allow resident faculty or visitors on any campus to address aftermarket students on all campuses simultaneously.
The university will provide the land, parking, entrance facilities, and utility infrastructure, according to AAIA. The estimated $5 million that will be sought through donors will be used solely on the structure. A fund-raising committee has been formed to solicit donations from aftermarket companies, organizations, foundations, and individuals.
