A new fluid lab for Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology is slated top open in late October because of a gift from the Parker Hannifin Corporation.
Parker Hannifin, an international motion and control company, made the gift of more than $180,000 in honor of longtime employee and 1973 OU alumnus Jack Myslenski.
The new fluid lab will feature Parker Hannifin products for student use.
“It will be a state-of-the-art training lab for Russ College students,” said Colleen Carow, director of external relations for Russ College. “It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for them to work with the same equipment that they would work with in the real world.”
Fluid power has to do with pneumatics and hydraulics and has practical application in activities such as aircraft landing gear and lifting tools used by construction vehicles. The lab will allow students to explore some of these concepts and techniques, according to a university news release.
Parker Hannifin and OU have a unique relationship; after hiring many Russ College graduates, Parker now is becoming involved in training those students.
“This lab, through the generosity of Parker and in honor of Jack Myslenski, will certainly serve to continue and strengthen an already strong relationship between the university and Parker,” said Russ College Dean Dennis Irwin, according to a university news release.
According to Carow, the gift from Parker Hannifin is made even more significant due to Myslenski’s dedication to his alma mater.
“I think Parker did a wonderful thing. They recognized a longtime, hardworking employee in a very personal, meaningful way,” said Carow. “Jack is a very involved alumnus. He’s on our advisory board, and he mentors students at OU and other institutions. The way they chose to recognize Jack was very special, because it will be helping students for years to come.”
Myslenski said having a fluid lab constructed in his name means a lot to him.
“This lab is so meaningful because it links the university I love, education — which is my passion — and the company I worked at for 35 years,” he said, according to the release.
jf392708@ohiou.edu
@ThePostCampus
