Rockwell Automation, a business of Rockwell International Corp., recently awarded Kettering University a 20-user software license with a commercial value of $270,000.

Kettering will use Rockwell's coveted Arena Standard Edition simulation software package to teach discrete event simulation in classes conducted through the University's Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and Business Dept. (IMEB).

The simulation software will also enable students and faculty to apply this state-of-the-art technology in solving complex business and manufacturing problems in conjunction with specific academic projects.

University officials said this gift will immediately enhance the IMEB curriculum and build on the department's No. 1 ranking by U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition published last fall.

"This contribution will be a great service to the IMEB Dept.," said Jack Stock, director of Corporate and Foundation Gifts and the Kettering coordinator for this gift. "Paul Wong, an employee of Rockwell as well as a 1997 graduate of Kettering University, helped us win this award by notifying Kettering of its availability, so we thank him for his tremendous support."

Rockwell Software is the leading brand of software technology that helps automate a factory and integrate it with the rest of the plant. Rockwell International Corp. is a $7 billion electronic controls and communications company with global leadership positions in industrial automation, avionics and communications, and electronic commerce. The company employs approximately 40,000 people at more than 450 locations in more than 80 countries.