MIDLAND, MI -- Northwood University recently received a $50,000 donation from United Components, Inc. (UCI) of Evansville, IN, for its building project, The Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies.

Northwood's Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies will be constructed on the university's Midland campus. A faculty office will be named in recognition of United Components and will become part of the 26,000-square-foot, $6 million facility, which will consist of several classrooms, a lecture auditorium, an interactive classroom, board room, faculty offices and a large atrium area.

Bruce Zorich, chief executive officer of United Components, said, "In order for the automotive aftermarket to be successful in the future, our industry must make investments in the present. With that in mind, United Components is making a $50,000 donation to the capital campaign project for the construction of Northwood University's The Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies. United Components, Inc., applauds your efforts in developing the next generation of leaders for our industry.

Dr. David Fry, president of Northwood University, said, "This donation from United Components demonstrates the trust and partnership between Northwood University and the aftermarket industry. We have many alumni who are enjoying careers in the aftermarket business including two corporate executives at United Components."

Bruce Reau, president of Pioneer Automotive Inc., and Ray Swetman, vice president of sales and marketing for Airtex Products, L.P., are both Northwood graduates and work for a UCI company.

The Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies will become home of Northwood's automotive aftermarket program -- called the O. Temple Sloan Aftermarket Management Program. This unique four-year undergraduate dual major enables students to enroll in core industry courses in aftermarket manufacturing, heavy-duty marketing, aftermarket retail/wholesale management, supply chain management, lean distribution, logistics and current issues affecting the industry, as well as general education and strategic management courses. The University of the Aftermarket and executive level training programs will also be located in the facility.

Dr. Timothy Nash, provost and chief operating officer of Northwood University's Michigan campus, said, "This gift represents a significant amount of faith and trust on the part of United Components."

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