Raymond supported STEM education, contributed to 75 nonprofit organizations in 2015

The Raymond Corporation contributed to 75 nonprofit organizations in 2015, as well as concentrated its efforts on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

In 2015, Raymond collaborated with high schools, trade schools, colleges and universities to stress the critical role STEM plays in manufacturing and the material handling industry. Through financial contributions, facility tours, mentoring, a cooperative and other programs, Raymond encouraged students to see manufacturing, engineering and related fields as viable choices for future careers. Here are a few highlights from the year:

National Manufacturing Day: In October, more than 250 students from 12 Southern Tier of New York high schools attended National Manufacturing Day at Raymond’s headquarters in Greene, N.Y. Students went on facility tours, participated in hands-on experiences, and heard about career possibilities from Rick Harrington, Raymond senior vice president of operations and engineering.

Southern Tier of New York Robotics Competition: Ninety-four students from nine Southern Tier of New York high schools showcased their talents by building and designing robots in an annual robotics competition. The competition gave students a chance to test their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Raymond Co-op Program: Twenty-eight college and graduate students participated in the co-op program at Raymond headquarters in Greene, N.Y., working in departments ranging from engineering to accounting to marketing. These students were from a number of universities including Binghamton University, Clarkson University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Roger Williams University, St. Joseph’s University and Syracuse University. Students from all universities and curricula are encouraged to apply to Raymond’s co-op program.

University Involvement:
Binghamton University - For the fourth year in a row, Raymond collaborated with the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science on a Senior Capstone Design course, converting a go-kart from gas-powered to electric.

Cornell University - Students from the Cornell School of Engineering and the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, regularly visit Raymond for facility tours, talks and hands-on experiences.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) - Raymond supports post graduate work in Manufacturing Management at the Kate Gleason College of Engineering School.

“Working in part with educational organizations, we hope to encourage students to see careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics as exciting and rewarding,” said Steve VanNostrand, executive vice president of human resources at Raymond. “Raymond will continue to support STEM efforts in 2016 and we are eager to support the STEM fields of study as they’re the future of our industry, as well as a multitude of other industries.”

Additional organizations that Raymond supported this year include:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Raymond customized a Model 8210 pallet truck for Breast Cancer awareness month in October. Proceeds from each pallet truck purchased went to breast cancer research — totaling $5,000. Raymond also donated a customized truck for auction to the American Breast Cancer Foundation in Baltimore, Md.

No-Shave November: Raymond employees raised over $1,700 to raise awareness for men’s health and the fight against cancer during No-Shave November. Raymond contributed to the employee’s donation with an additional $1,000.

“Raymond continually supports its employees who selflessly give their time and raise donations for a number of causes,” VanNostrand said. “We could not do all of these great things without our dedicated employees who believe in these causes as much as we do.”