LyondellBasell's partnership fuels education, industry excellence
The San Jacinto College Foundation works with donors of all kinds to remove financial obstacles that hinder student success.
These donors range from individual community members and employees to corporations with a vested interest in student achievement. Donor LyondellBasell — along with Peter Vanacker, the company’s chief executive officer — understands this all too well.
“LyondellBasell is dedicated to educating, training, and preparing tomorrow’s workforce to be leaders in multiple industries, including petrochemicals,” Vanacker said. “We wouldn’t want financial need to be a hindrance to that goal for any student.”
“The LyondellBasell scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “Our partnership has already done so much to open doors for students, offering industry- leading resources and networking connections for our future workforce. We’re so grateful to LyondellBasell for their commitment to San Jac.”
Beyond scholarships, the partnership between the College and LyondellBasell runs even deeper. In 2019, with the grand opening of the Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology (CPET), LyondellBasell was revealed as the facility’s naming rights partner, honoring the company’s generous $5 million donation and its support in developing the facility’s curriculum.
“The CPET program embodies our values of championing people, pursuing ever-better performance, and shaping the future — not just for ourselves but also for the communities that welcome us as neighbors and beyond,” Vanacker said. “That is why we are immensely grateful for the collaboration we have with San Jacinto College through CPET and other initiatives that further education and workforce development.”
The company has also created a scaled model glass distillation lab at the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology. The lab was exclusively designed and built by a team of LyondellBasell employees who dedicated 14,000 hours to its construction over two years.
“There is nothing like this lab anywhere else in the world,” said Jim Griffin, CPET associate vice chancellor and senior vice president. “Our students have the opportunity here to learn hands-on using innovative technology in a one- of-a-kind facility thanks to LyondellBasell.”
Goals between the College and LyondellBasell align, each aiming to lead by example for their respective industries.
“Our company is setting the example for others in our industry by integrating student and faculty learning environments, student career preparation, scholarships, speaking engagements, summer camps, and our signing days,” Vanacker said. “We hope to lead the way in workforce development and look forward to our continued partnership with San Jacinto College.”
