FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 16, 2005
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124

Eka Chemicals contributes $10,000 to Plymouth Bluff Center Fund
 
COLUMBUS, Miss. – A $10,000 contribution from Eka Chemicals will help enhance and create new programs at the Plymouth Bluff Center operated by Mississippi University for Women.
   
“It’s going to help us make Plymouth Bluff Center even better for our campus and community,” said MUW President Claudia A. Limbert at a luncheon where officials from Eka Chemicals and MUW were given an overview of the various projects taking place at the environmental education facility.
   
Dr. Suzanne Bean, director for the Roger F. Wicker Center for Creative Learning, discussed the outdoor science laboratory along with the mathematics lab and low ropes challenge course, which will be used for teambuilding and problem-solving activities.
   
“We’re excited about the partnership,” she said.
   
Dr. Marty Harvill, associate professor of biology, discussed another exciting project involving a 36 feet long, 10 feet wide floating laboratory, where students will be able to collect real data and organisms.
   
“We are trying to reintroduce students to the outdoors,” he said.
   
The boat is being constructed in Florida and is expected to arrive at Plymouth Bluff late December.
   
Other projects in the works include four new natural history exhibits featuring mounted specimens of animals that are in the Plymouth Bluff area.
   
Sherman said they also plan to improve the four miles of walking trails that go through a variety of habitats.
   
“The gift they (Eka Chemicals) are providing will help us with all of these projects and will be well spent.”
   
For their generosity, Eka Chemicals’ name will go on a plaque as a corporate sponsor that has had a substantial impact upon the development and operation of the Plymouth Bluff Center.
   
Plant manager Andy Gressett said, “Eka Chemicals is pleased to provide support to our local university with a $10,000 contribution to the Plymouth Bluff Center. Our company has used these excellent facilities numerous times for meetings and social events. 
   
“The company appreciates the work that Dr. Sherman has done in facilitating our Community Awareness Panel. This donation cannot compensate Dr. Sherman or MUW for his efforts; however, it is an attempt to show our gratitude for his assistance.”
   
Eka Chemicals, Inc. is an Akzo Nobel company and is the leading supplier of chemicals to the pulp and paper industry. The local site, which sits on 300 acres, was established in 1954 and employs 109 people.
   
The Plymouth Bluff Center has a state-of-the-art conference center, making it an ideal setting for retreats, workshops and meetings. For more information, call (662) 241-6214.