Fischer Connectors, a supplier of electronic connectors for the broadcast industry and automotive applications, will sponsor Auburn University's Formula SAE Racing Team.
The donation, of an unspecified amount, will be used to purchase connectors from Fischer to be incorporated into Auburn's 2007 car that will participate in the international Formula SAE 2007 competition to be held May 16-20 in Romeo, MI.
Eric Fage, president of Fischer U.S., said the company initiated a program in 2006 that reached out to engineering schools that create projects needing connector products. Thus far, it has awarded sponsorships to four universities and is in discussions with two more, all engaged in innovative engineering projects.
Under the program, engineering students in the Auburn College of Engineering are instructed to design a car under the assumption that a manufacturing firm has engaged them to produce a prototype. The car is expected to have very high performance in terms of acceleration, braking and handling qualities.
Fischer said corporate sponsorship of universities had many far-reaching benefits because many of the engineering students would soon enter the workforce.
