IMPACT REPORT
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The future holds an exciting adventure for all of us. Throughout history, our greatest advances and rewards have come as a result of adversity. Our challenges are clearly defined. All we have to do is face our problems head on and recognize the opportunities our challenges represent.
– J.R. SIMPLOT
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2024 PARTNERSHIP REPORT
28 UW ALUMNI EMPLOYED AT J.R. SIMPLOT AND SIMPLOT PHOSPHATES (SOURCE: LINKEDIN)
$327,540 LIFETIME GIVING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
FEATURED INVESTMENTS
UW CAMPUS RECOGNITION AND BRANDING • J.R. Simplot Company Collaboration Space in the Engineering Education and Research Building
• 2023: Siemens S7-400 CPU cards Department of Chemical Engineering • 2020: J.R. Simplot Excellence Fund • 2019: J.R. Simplot Company Collaboration Space
• Wyoming Athletics sponsorships
KEY AREAS OF COLLABORATION
• Career Fair Attendance: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 • September 2023 - Campus visit, gave presentations, and met with students • Advisory Board: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science • Internships • Wyoming Athletics Support ENGAGEMENT
• College of Engineering and Physical Sciences » Dean’s O ce » Chemical Engineering » Electrical Engineering and Computer Science » Process Control » American Institute of Chemical Engineers • College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources » Plant Sciences • Cowboy Joe Club
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INTRODUCTION
J.R. Simplot Company feeds the world with its commitment to global food and agriculture. It is forward-thinking in its investments in the future of agriculture, and its portfolio spans the soil to the sea to dinner tables around the world—and all the agriculture-related interests in between. Simplot pioneers innovations in plant nutrition and food processing, researches new ways to feed animals and to sustain ecosystems, and strives to feed a growing global population. Its work encompasses a broader view of the entire food system that is unique among companies. With operations in Rock Springs and Afton, Simplot plays a key role in Wyoming’s economy. The University of Wyoming is so grateful for Simplot’s commitment to Wyoming and our shared future. Since 1994, J.R. Simplot Company and Simplot Phosphate have partnered with the University of Wyoming, impacting the growth and strengthening programs that support innovations in agriculture. A true partner with the University of Wyoming, Simplot understands the challenges that exist in the industry and invests in programming and research to help meet those challenges head on. The invaluable connections, information, and experience UW students have gained from campus visits and internships with Simplot launches them into successful futures. In addition, Simplot is a true partner with the state of Wyoming. During his time as Plant Manager, Bret Pizzato served on the Executive Council of the state’s ENDOW program (Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming). The program focuses on building a sustainable, diversified, and value-added economy in Wyoming by 2038. A HISTORY OF SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT
Simplot has committed a remarkable $327,540 to the University of Wyoming since 1994.
On behalf of the University of Wyoming, we wish to express our greatest appreciation for the partnership J.R. Simplot Company has with the University of Wyoming.
Our plant is crucial for the economy of our community as well as the county and the state of Wyoming.”
– BRET PIZZATO, PLANT MANAGER, SIMPLOT PHOSPHATES AS REPORTED ON LIVABILITY.COM, 2017
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UW CONNECTIONS
DR. SURESH S. MUKNAHALLIPATNA – Dr. Muknahallipatna’s work is supported by the J.R. Simplot Excellence Fund Scholarship, which supports faculty salaries and undergrad and grad student research. The work supported by this fund developed warehouse inventory measurements and smoke stack inspections using autonomous drones. Dr. Muknahallipatna teaches computer network hardware, computer architecture, advanced microprocessors, multicore programming, and neural networks or deep learning. His research interests include autonomous drones, medical imaging using deep learning, stability and contingency of the power grid, and high-performance computing. He particularly loves working with students, creating opportunities for students to engage in industry work ranging from medicine to technology. DR. SAMAN ARYANA – Dr. Aryana is the Occidental Chair in Energy and Environmental Technologies and a professor and head of the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wyoming. He founded and serves as the inaugural president of the Northern States Section of the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Prior to joining UW, Dr. Aryana served as a reservoir engineer on the asset management team at Occidental Petroleum Inc. His research focuses on multiscale multiphysics systems at the nexus of energy, water, and the environment, especially transport and mass transfer. Dr. Aryana also works to broaden the reach of new technologies for more impact in the state and the nation as well as globally. His work has benefited from the contributions of Simplot. BRET PIZZATO – The late Bret Pizzato had a 25-year career at FMC as an electrical engineer and a manager of many different areas. He then became the plant manager of the Simplot Phosphates Rock Springs facility. Born in Kemmerer, Bret graduated from UW with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering, and his wife and three kids also attended UW. He was an avid Cowboys fan and loved the outdoors. In 2017, Pizzato talked about the importance of Simplot Phosphates to Sweetwater County and to the state in diversifying the economy: “Our plant is crucial for the economy of our community as well as the county and the state of Wyoming.” He also talked about Simplot sponsoring events throughout Sweetwater County to be a good neighbor and give back to the community: “(Simplot Phosphates) is a major sponsor of the annual Wyoming’s Big Show fair, and we also back the National High School Finals Rodeo along with several events affiliated with the University of Wyoming.” UW is grateful for Bret’s leadership, which played a critical role in the partnership between UW and Simplot. This is a part of Bret’s legacy at the University of Wyoming.
We are so grateful to Simplot for their contribution of the Siemens CPU cards for the Department of Chemical Engineering. We greatly value the opportunity to build longstanding relationships with industry partners like Simplot. These relationships not only build a pipeline of talented students who will serve industry in Wyoming but also provides opportunities for students and faculty to connect with industry in impactful ways. – SAMAN ARYANA, OCCIDENTAL CHAIR FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
TECHNOLOGIES PROFESSOR AND HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
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FEATURED INVESTMENTS Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science – The J.R. Simplot Excellence Fund supports faculty, graduate student, and undergraduate student research in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. This fund supported research activities to develop warehouse inventory measurements and smoke stack inspections using autonomous drones. Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering – In 2023, J.R. Simplot donated 11 Siemens Simatic S7- 400 CPU cards, which support demanding applications in the process industry, to the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) at the University of Wyoming – J.R. Simplot Company sponsored the AIChE Rocky Mountain Regional Conference in 2023. Nearly 100 students representing 11 colleges attended workshops and competed in multiple competitions on April 21–22. The UW AIChE student chapter hosted the “ChemE Car” “Jeopardy!” and 3D printing competitions. It also included a poster symposium and a mini engineering job fair. Engineering Dean’s Office – The J.R. Simplot Company Collaboration Space in the Engineering Education and Research Building allows students to come together to share ideas. Opened in 2019, the Engineering Education and Research Building is one of the most advanced and collaborative engineering learning facilities in the nation. The building is a key part of the Tier-1 Engineering Initiative and was made possible by generous private donations—such as that of J.R. Simplot—and a significant investment by the Wyoming Legislature. The initiative is designed to promote engineering education, workforce training, and research relevant to the economic interest of Wyoming. Cowboy Joe Club – An investment in the Cowboy Joe Club is an investment in Wyoming’s student-athletes and the sports that bring our state together. Alumni, fans, and friends are committed to providing University of Wyoming student-athletes with the opportunity to succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in life.
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RECOGNITION On Campus
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Campus Visits
J.R. Simplot Executives Garret Lofto (with wife Carol), Darron Page (with wife Tobie), Klaas Hutter (with wife Gail), and Bret Pizzato, guests of former UW President Laurie Nichols and the UW Foundation’s Craig Russow at the Boise State football game, 2016.
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Wyoming Athletics Sponsorships
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In UW Publications https://issuu.com/uwyo/docs/foresight_fall19_web
Foresight , Fall 2019
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https://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/publications/reflections/reflections-2011-web.pdf
Foresight , Spring 2019
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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
J.R. Simplot has had a great impact on the state and Wyoming’s university. The University of Wyoming would like to express our deep appreciation for J.R. Simplot’s collaboration and investment. The University of Wyoming welcomes the opportunity to visit with Simplot’s team to understand how we can continue to grow our relationship. For questions or additional information about the partnership between J.R. Simplot Company and the University of Wyoming, please reach out to Angela Ver Ploeg, Senior Director of Corporate Relations, at angela.verploeg@uwyo.edu or (307) 399-0434.
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CREATING CONNECTIONS CULTIVATING PARTNERSHIPS CATALYZING COLLABORATION
Angela Ver Ploeg Senior Director of Corporate Engagement (307) 766-1939 · angela.verploeg@uwyo.edu
222 South 22nd Street · Laramie, WY 82070 (307) 766-6300 · (888) 831-7795 www.corporate.uwyo.edu · uwcorporate@uwyo.edu
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