Sumitomo Metal Mining Arizona increases scholarship endowment at Eastern Arizona College

Contributed Photo/Courtesy EAC: From left, President and Director Eiichi Fukuda, Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd, President Todd Haynie, Eastern Arizona College, and Executive Vice President, Toshiaki Maeda, Sumitomo Metal Mining America, meet to discuss a recent Sumitomo donation.

By Kris McBride

THATCHER — Sumitomo Metal Mining Arizona (Sumitomo), a Fortune Global 500 company and 13 percent owner of the Morenci Copper Mine, recently donated $10,000 to Eastern Arizona College (EAC) in celebration of more than 30 years as a valued member of the Gila Valley community. This donation increases the capacity of a $100,000 scholarship endowment the company made to EAC 10 years ago.

Eiichi Fukuda, president and director of Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd., and Toshiaki Maeda, executive vice president of Sumitomo Metal Mining America, met with EAC President Todd Haynie and members of the College District executive team.

“This donation conveys Sumitomo’s enduring promise to enrich student lives,” Haynie said. “We value their support and commitment to help provide pathways for students to find well-paying jobs.”

Sumitomo’s initial $100,000 donation was used to build a scholarship endowment.

“Twenty-four students have already benefitted from their generosity,” said David Udall, executive director of the EAC Foundation. “Earnings from their initial contribution have provided scholarships for students from Greenlee and Graham counties to obtain training and skills leading to strong employment.”

Recipients of Sumitomo scholarships have received instruction in diesel mechanics, auto mechanics, welding, electrical and instrumentation, computer-aided drafting, engineering, and chemistry.  Most are still living and working in the local area – many for Freeport McMoRan and other mining-related companies.

Scholarships and financial aid are available for students to attend EAC. For more information call (928) 428-8287.