BUFFALO, NY – Canisius University is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship program. Representatives from Honeywell’s Buffalo Research Laboratory presented the check to Mariusz Kozik, PhD, chair of chemistry and biochemistry and coordinator of the Western New York Chemistry Olympiad, at a gathering of Honeywell and Canisius University administrators.
The funds will be used to offset costs associated with students’ preparation and participation in the Western New York Chapter of the International Chemistry Olympiad. The Chemistry Olympiad is a local, national and international competition designed to stimulate and promote achievement in high school chemistry. It is sponsored nationally by the American Chemical Society and hosted locally by Canisius University.
“We have supported Canisius University and the Chemistry Olympiad Program for more than two decades,” said Bob Sikorski, site leader for Honeywell’s Buffalo Research Laboratory. “This competition is a great way to inspire the next generation of science, technology and engineering professionals and we are proud to be a part of it.”
The grant funding is also used to support two top high school students in summer research positions in Canisius University’s Chemistry Department. In addition to the grant, Honeywell employee volunteers help mentor 80 students in preparation for the local competition.
“Canisius University is extraordinarily grateful for Honeywell’s dedicated commitment to this worthwhile educational experience,” says Kozik. “Honeywell’s support is an investment in the future successes of our high school participants and the strength of the Western New York community.”
Honeywell’s Buffalo Research Lab has supported the Western New York Chapter of the International Chemistry Olympiad for more than 20 years and has donated $198,000 in support of this initiative since 2002. The lab houses the primary research and development facility for the company’s Fluorine Products business, a world leader in fluorine technology. The business manufactures and supplies a wide range of products, including non-ozone-depleting and low-global-warming-potential refrigerants and blowing agents.
Pictured from left to right: William Collins, vice president for advancement at Canisius University; Patricia Erickson, PhD, interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Canisius University; Mary O’Sullivan, PhD, professor of chemistry/biochemistry at Canisius University; David Nalewajek ’74, PhD, Research Fellow at Honeywell’s Buffalo Research Lab; Robert Sikorski, plant manager at Honeywell’s Buffalo Research Lab; and Marci Gregson ’98, MS ’08, Senior Manager, Human Resources at Honeywell’s Buffalo Research Lab.
Canisius University is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and the premier private university in Western New York.
