The Azmat A. Assur Foundation awarded a total of $314,629 to the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) to support three strategic proposals that will have a direct impact on the student community. This allocation, managed by the Office of Alumni Relations and Philanthropy, will enable improvements to academic facilities, facilitate the transition of high school students into engineering careers, and expand access to education through scholarships.
“We are honored to support UPRM in its mission to develop world-class STEM talent on the island. These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to academic innovation, equitable access, and long-term student success. From strengthening classroom infrastructure to bridging the gap between high school and higher education, we see this partnership as a powerful step toward cultivating local leaders who will shape Puerto Rico’s future in science, engineering, and technology,” said Mark Domzalski, Director of the Foundation.
“These proposals represent a firm step toward strengthening our academic capabilities, supporting new generations of students, and providing the financial backing necessary for them to complete their studies. We deeply appreciate the trust of the Azmat A. Assur Foundation and the dedicated work of our Office of Alumni Relations and Philanthropy in making this tangible impact on our university community possible,” stated Dr. Agustín Rullán Toro, Chancellor of UPRM.
He explained that the first initiative, with an allocation of $141,458, will enable the creation of two classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology in the Luchetti building of the College of Engineering and the Monzón building of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“These spaces will be dedicated to courses with high computational demand and will benefit students in Software Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematical Sciences. The renovation includes furniture, computers, and software licenses, impacting both introductory and advanced courses in these disciplines,” he added.
In addition, $110,771 was allocated to implement a pilot project aimed at strengthening the transition of high school students into university engineering programs.
“This proposal seeks to improve the mathematical and quantitative skills of students from ninth through twelfth grade, preparing them to take calculus courses upon entering the university. It also integrates educational experiences with university professors and fosters a problem-solving mindset aligned with the needs of the 21st century,” the Chancellor elaborated.
Likewise, the Foundation awarded $62,400 to continue supporting talented young students through the granting of ten scholarships of $6,000 each. This financial support will allow recipients to focus on their academic and professional goals, as part of the institution’s commitment to equity and educational excellence.
“This approval is the result of a strategic and collaborative effort aimed at positioning UPRM as a benchmark of academic excellence and educational innovation. We are proud to see how philanthropy can open doors and transform lives. Our gratitude to the Foundation for trusting and investing in our projects,” said Carmen Patricia Parés Parés, Director of the Office of Alumni Relations and Philanthropy.
Dr. Cristina Pomales García, Dean of the College of Engineering, also celebrated the philanthropic partnership.
“With great enthusiasm, we celebrate the approval of the agreement between the Azmat A. Assur Charitable Foundation and UPRM. This support will expand our capacity to serve a diverse and highly committed student population. The establishment of modern computer laboratories and the launch of the STTEP pilot program are strategic steps that position us as leaders in educational infrastructure and pre-university preparation in STEM fields. This partnership reinforces our mission to train engineers with a global vision, strong technical skills, and a commitment to Puerto Rico’s sustainable development. We thank the Foundation for supporting and believing in the transformative potential of education,” the Dean stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Omar Colón Reyes, Director of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, noted that “these collaborative agreements are very healthy for the University, and this alliance between the College of Engineering and the Department of Mathematical Sciences fulfills that need. Being able to share our physical facilities to create this teaching laboratory for advanced engineering and mathematics courses was a long-standing goal, and now we have achieved it thanks to this donation.”
To contribute to the institution or support student scholarship funds, visit:
https://www.uprm.edu/exalumnos/
or call 787-832-4040, extensions 2998 and 2999.
“Every donation, regardless of size, has the power to change a story. We invite our alumni, partners, and friends of UPRM to join this mission of hope and opportunity for our students,” Parés Parés concluded.
About the Azmat A. Assur Foundation
The Azmat A. Assur Foundation is a privately funded, independent organization established to honor the legacy of Azmat Assur, a lifelong entrepreneur who built and led his business in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Its mission is to support the development of Puerto Rican youth through grants, scholarships, and donations, with a focus on empowering future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
For more information, visit: www.assurfoundation.org.