(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)September 21, 2012

Celebration underscores more than 20 years of corporate support for higher education

(MAHWAH, NJ) – Friends and supporters of Ramapo College joined the community today in dedicating the Sharp Sustainability Education Center to thank Sharp Electronics Corporation for more than 20 years of support during their 100th anniversary year.

Since 1989, Mahwah-based Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s Sharp Corporation, has supported a multitude of projects on campus totaling more than $1.63 million, including donations of electronic equipment to funding for a performing arts theater, a fitness center and most recently a space dedicated to educating students throughout the region about sustainable living.

Support for the Sharp Sustainability Education Center aligns with the company’s social and environmental interests. One of Sharp’s core values is to contribute to global environmental conservation by creating both energy saving and clean energy-creating technologies. Sharp is a world leader in the production of solar panels and strives to conduct business in an environmentally conscious manner.

The Center is a demonstration space for sustainability practices and includes classroom laboratory space, hosts forums for discussion of and symposia on sustainability issues such as water use, open space, land use and development and alternate energy. It is also the headquarters for the New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability.

Toshiyuki Osawa, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Sharp Electronics Corporation, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Ramapo College’s decade-long leadership in sustainability education is truly remarkable,” said Mr. Osawa. “We are very proud to contribute to and attach our company’s name to the Sharp Sustainability Education Center as part of our strong relationship with Ramapo College.”

Sharp provided financial support for the construction of the Center and also significant solar products for demonstrations and educational instruction inside the building. In addition, the corporation has been a Business Partner since 1990 and has been a loyal and generous donor to the Distinguished Citizens Dinner, the Annual Golf Outing and the Performing Arts Dinner Series.

“While Ramapo College has grown both in size and student population since its founding in 1969, the College has not failed in honoring its nascent commitment to sustainability,” said Peter P. Mercer, President of Ramapo College.  “Sharp has been both a steadfast partner and a visionary resource to Ramapo College throughout this process.  It is my privilege to formally recognize their thoughtful and generous contributions through this dedication.”

The Center also allows for advancement of the College’s education outreach programs by offering classes to area schoolchildren.

Paul Hoffman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Science Center served as keynote speaker for the dedication.  “I am delighted to take part in the dedication of the Sharp Sustainability Education Center,” said Hoffman.  “Ramapo College has a rich history of environmental and sustainability education.  The completion of this Center further highlights the College’s commitment to these necessary and important issues, as well as the advances in our understanding and implementation of them.” As part of its efforts to contribute to conservation and education, Sharp recently donated an LCD video wall to Liberty Science Center.

Sharp Electronics Corporate Vice President and Ramapo College Foundation Board member David Alai, and other senior management leaders from Sharp were present. The dedication is one of the highlights during Sharp’s 100 year anniversary celebration.

Other major donors to Ramapo College and our Environmental Studies alumnae attended the event, as well as faculty and students.  Other local corporate partners such as BD, Prudential Financial, Stryker, UPS, BMW of North America, Sony, New York Stock Exchange Technologies, KPMG, and Price Waterhouse Coopers also participated.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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