UTC Named Corporate Partner of the Year by Penn State University

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Nov. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- United Technologies Corp. UTX was recognized on Friday, Nov. 14 by Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) as its 2014 Corporate Partner of the Year. This award, presented annually by Penn State, recognizes corporations that have demonstrated extraordinary generosity in promotion and support of the university.

UTC has built a robust partnership with Penn State to develop student programs and facilities, support research and develop innovative technology. Since 1990, UTC and its Pratt & Whitney unit have sponsored more than $17.8 million in research at Penn State, including projects at the university's Applied Research Laboratory and the Materials Research Institute, and in the Departments of Architectural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, and Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering.

In 2008, Pratt & Whitney enhanced this longstanding relationship with Penn State by establishing a Center of Excellence, which sponsors research into such areas as gas turbine engines, acoustics and advanced materials. In 2011, Pratt & Whitney furthered the relationship with an investment to create the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) laboratory, the country's most advanced turbine testing facility.

"We are proud of our partnership with Penn State and honored to receive this prestigious award," said Tom Prete, vice president, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney. "The corporation has a rich history built on innovation. Our technologies are redefining the industries we operate in and are made possible with world-class talent and research. Our relationship with Penn State gives us access to both and provides extraordinary research and internship opportunities to the university."

In addition to research sponsorships, UTC has provided philanthropic support for the Engineering Ambassadors program, a professional development program in which Penn State students inspire young people to consider careers in engineering. UTC also maintains a strong recruiting presence at Penn State and has hired numerous Penn State graduates.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC. For information about UTC's commitment to the communities where our employees live and work, visit www.utc.com/makethingsbetter.

Jennifer Pomichter
Pratt & Whitney
+1-860-565-8710
Jennifer.Pomichter@pw.utc.com

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney