Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The number of women at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science (EMS) has grown to nearly 16 percent in the last six years. The women span all areas of academia including seven engineering disciplines, math, chemistry, physics and computer science. To honor women in these areas of study, The Durrant Group, of Dubuque, Iowa, has established a partnership with UWP to fund the first annual Women in Engineering banquet.

Dubuque is Durrant's headquarters and the company has over 300 employees in 12 office locations across the country. A leader in the architecture and engineering industry for almost 75 years, they continue to build on the initial vision for growth, service and success. The company donated approximately $2,000 to fund the banquet. "One of Durrant's strategic initiatives is to develop a more diverse workforce. We are the largest architectural and engineering firm in Iowa and it's obvious to us that a lot of groups are underrepresented in this profession. As a company we've established the initiatives to diversify the workforce. UWP presented the opportunity to collaborate on this event and we're very excited about participating as it aligns with some of the company's goals," said Kevin Eipperle, managing principal for the Dubuque office.

The first annual Durrant Women in Engineering Banquet will be held April 20 from 6-8 p.m. in the Velzy Commons North of the Ullsvik Center on the UWP campus. There is no cost to women in the college of EMS who would like to attend this semi-formal event, but there is a cost of $15 for guests. A reservation is required and must be made prior to April 7 to the UWP Women in Engineering Program office. Commented Tammy Salmon-Stephens, director of the UWP Women in Engineering Program, "The purpose of the event is to celebrate the decision of women to pursue degrees in the college of EMS and to network with other women." She emphasized that all women in the college of EMS are invited to attend. For more information about Durrant,http:// visit www.durrant.com For more information regarding this event, contact Salmon-Stephens at (608) 342-1563.

Contact: Tammy Salmon-Stephens, Women in Engineering Program, (608) 342-1563,salmont@uwplatt.edu; Brenda Averkamp, Durrant, (563) 583-9131,baverkamp@durrant.com Prepared by: Rachael Lehr, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, lehrr@uwplatt.edu