Lee College proudly hosted ExxonMobil Foundation President and Global Manager of Corporate Giving Alvin Abraham and his team for a tour of the college’s new Student Resource and Advocacy Center and Process Technology labs in May. This visit underscores the strong partnership between Lee College and the ExxonMobil Foundation, which has been instrumental in advancing the college’s educational mission.
During the visit, the ExxonMobil Foundation announced substantial gifts to the Lee College Foundation, supporting three critical initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development. The grants include:
- $125,000 for the Industrial Technology Program: This generous contribution will help expand and modernize the Industrial Technology Program, ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge technology and training to meet the demands of the evolving workforce.
- $20,000 for Two Endowed Scholarships: These scholarships will provide lasting support to deserving students, helping them to achieve their academic goals without the burden of financial constraints.
- $15,000 for the Energy Venture Youth Summer Camp: This funding will support a dynamic summer camp aimed at inspiring and educating young students about the energy sector, encouraging them to explore careers in this vital industry.
Dr. Lynda Villanueva, president of Lee College, expressed her gratitude for the ExxonMobil Foundation’s ongoing support, stating, “We are deeply appreciative of the ExxonMobil Foundation’s sustained commitment to our students and our community. These gifts will have a profound influence on our programs and help us continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities.”

Selah Tacconi, M.Ed., CFRE, executive director of the Lee College Foundation and chief advancement officer, also highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, “Partners like ExxonMobil and the ExxonMobil Foundation are integral to the work of the Lee College Foundation. Due to this collaboration, we are impacting our community through the lives of our students.”
The visit by Abraham and his team provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs at Lee College. It also reinforced the shared commitment to higher education and community development between Lee College and the ExxonMobil Foundation.
About Lee College
Lee College in Baytown, Texas is a comprehensive higher education institution offering associate degrees, academic transfer programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, and a wide array of workforce degrees and certificates that prepare students for careers with family-sustaining wages. Founded in 1934, Lee College enrolls more than 8,400 students and has four locations in Harris, Walker and Liberty Counties. Learn more at lee.edu


