A scholarship fund, which was recommended by Holcim's Community Advisory Board, has been established at Mississippi University for Women in memory of Jack Reese, the company's Artesia plant founder. The endowment is being funded over a five-year period.

Plant manager James Boyd said, "Everybody wins. When we help make higher education available to local students, we hope we will be able to help outstanding students who might be forced to give up their vision of a college education without scholarship assistance."

The purpose of the 12-member board, established in 1994, is to serve as a voice for the community by bringing issues of concern to the company and addressing the issues. Suggestions have included inviting the public to tour the plant to learn more about its operation and providing hands-on learning experiences at local schools. Holcim also provides internships each year for area college students.

MUW alumna Lillian Wade ('68), committee chairperson, said, "We have always been proud of Holcim's dedication to and concern for the community. By endowing this scholarship, they are making a commitment to help provide quality education for young people from this area, some of whom will become a part of Holcim's workforce in the future."

Holcim was formed in 1973 as United Cement, a subsidiary of TXI (Texas Industries). It was bought by Holderbank in 1990 and renamed Holnam. In December 2001, all Holderbank companies were renamed Holcim.

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