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Toyota donates Tundra for SIU automotive technology program

BY JOHN D. HOMAN, The Southern

Monday, October 8, 2007 12:30 PM CDT

MARION - SIUC automotive students will now have the opportunity to learn the latest in truck technology on the market today as Marion Toyota has donated a 2007 Tundra to the university.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. field truck manager Dan Williams, himself an SIUC graduate of the automotive technology department, made the presentation Thursday, along with Marion Toyota General Manager Jeff Mayer, to department chairman Jack Greer.

"This is an all new technology for students to learn about," Williams said. "Now they can get the hands-on experience that is needed to get them prepared to be a technician once they graduate - and we hope it's a Toyota technician because we need them."

Williams said SIUC has one of the top-rated automotive technology departments in the nation. Approximately 30 grads have accepted jobs with the Toyota corporation in past years.

Mayer, also an SIUC grad, said the dealership has been involved with the university in various capacities for years.

"I think this is a step up for the automotive program," he said, "because the Tundra is the most advanced full-size pickup truck on the market."

Mayer said three students have worked part-time in the service department at the Marion facility in recent years and have moved on to work for the company's corporate headquarters in California.

Greer said the Tundra donation will prove invaluable to his department.

"We enjoy strong industry support from all of the automotive companies, including Toyota," he said. "The vehicle will be used in our classes for training purposes to ensure that our faculty and students are up to date with the changing automotive technology."

Greer added that 184 students are enrolled in the university's automotive program.

"We brought in 45 new students this fall and had to turn away 60 more. We just don't have enough room for everyone."

In 2005, the automotive program earned the Automotive Industry Planning Council's Award of Excellence. It was the third time the university has been judged the nation's top program.

john.homan@thesouthern.com

351-5805