School named in honor of Gene, Linda Voiland

PULLMAN – Washington State University on Friday, Oct. 17, announced the naming of the Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at a 10:30 a.m. press conference in Compton Union Building.

 

The naming of the school honors the Voilands for a $17.5 million commitment to the School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, as well as their long-time support of the College of Engineering and Architecture and WSU. This marks the largest at one-time commitment by an individual donor in the university’s history.

 

Gene Voiland received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from WSU in 1969. He worked for Shell Oil Company for nearly 30 years in a variety of positions. There, he met his wife, Linda, a graduate of the University of Houston. He later became president and CEO of CalResources LLC and Aera Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell and ExxonMobil. He retired in 2007.

 

“We greatly value the education I received at WSU,” said Voiland, “and believe it laid the foundation for our success.’’

 

Voiland lauded the progress at the College of Engineering and Architecture, and said that having chemical engineering and bioengineering working together as one school is “a natural.” During his years on advisory committees, he said he has watched the college grow up and venture into cutting-edge research, and views this donation is “an exciting and a way to help jump start” progress at the school.

 

“We have been fortunate and now is time when we feel we can step up and do a little bit more.”

 

Jim Petersen, director and professor at the School for Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, said Voiland’s gift is “very pivotal and will ensure that the school’s programs will be able to attract the best faculty and students and stay on the cutting edge of research.”

 

 

 

Voiland said he already sees the university doing leading research into future alternatives fuels, and pointed to an initiative being to considered by a major oil company and submitted by WSU’s Institute of Biological Chemistry. That research, being led by Norman Lewis, a fellow, professor and director at the Institute of Biological Chemistry, is looking at how certain nonfood plants can be modified to help resolve the current energy crisis and supply for the future.

 

Part of that research focuses on how plant metabolism can be redirected from lignin and related pathways to increase aromatic hydrocarbons levels, which could allow for replacement of some petroleum fuels and products.

 

Voiland noted that some current fuel replacement efforts, such as the production of ethanol from corn, consume a significant portion of the food supply, which can drive up food costs and cause food shortages. He also noted that production of ethanol can consume nearly as much energy as the fuel ultimately produces.

 

The businesses that likely will be leading most of the development of alternative fuels in the future, Voiland said, are the major oil companies. And WSU is positioned to be a player in this area. 

 

Staying connected to WSU

 

The Voilands have been active supporters of WSU for many years. Gene led the Investment Committee for the WSU Foundation and is a member of the Foundation’s Board of Governors. He also serves on advisory boards for both the College of Engineering and Architecture and the School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. He received the Chemical Engineering Alumni Achievement Award in 1991, the WSU Alumni Achievement Award in 1999, and the WSU Foundation Outstanding Service Award in 2000.

 

“We are so thankful to Gene and Linda Voiland for their generous gift,’’ said WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “It demonstrates their deep commitment to the success of Washington State University. The naming of the school in their honor brings considerable prestige to WSU while also providing lasting recognition of the Voiland’s support for our University. They are truly making a difference in the lives of many future students and helping us achieve our goal to become an outstanding land-grant research university.’’

 

The commitment from the Voilands will specifically provide support for the school and for the College of Engineering and Architecture as they seek to address the great 21st century challenge of meeting a sustainable energy future, said Candis Claiborn, dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture. The nation faces some of the most difficult challenges of our lifetimes. Technologies that have fueled our lifestyle are not going to suffice in the future. Dramatic innovation to create a sustainable future is essential.

 

Support from the Voilands will enable the hiring of faculty who will conduct research in catalytic systems for renewable fuels and sustainable energy.

 

 

 

Voiland emphasized the importance of advisory boards in all programs. “These advisory boards are very important in that they provide students and faculty with a chance to see and talk with people in business and industry who are hiring students. And, it gives people in the real world a chance to see the programs, to hear what the university is doing, and to provide feedback about what we need, like and don’t like.

 

“Not that the universities are not real world, but it’s a little different world … where ideas and research are pursued, and the next generation is being trained. It’s a very good and valuable interchange.

 

Petersen, agreed and said the “insights and counsel given by the advisory boards is invaluable, and Gene Voiland epitomizes that role… The world is always changing and we as an institution need to understand those changes so we can meet the needs of industry. Advisory boards help us ensure that our graduates will be the next generation of Gene Voilands.”

 

 

 

Voiland encouraged WSU faculty to keep in touch with their graduates. He said he didn’t come back to the WSU for 12 years, because he was busy building his career and learning the industry. “I always gave a little bit of money, … but then someone asked me to serve on an advisory board. I think when that happens people feel very complimented and honored that someone has invited them to participate and actually values their opinions and insights.

 

“It’s always a beautiful day when you get to come back on campus. You get to see how the university and programs are growing, learn about research that’s being done, and there’s no homework. … And once people come back to the university, they often get interested and involved. We have top people from all over the nation and world serving on our advisory committees.”

 

“I think it’s important for faculty to keep in touch with their students (graduates) and invite them to be involved. It’s up to the faculty and university” to reach out and make that connection.