Lockheed Martin donates $25,000 to Riley Center

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
March 14, 2003
Lockheed Martin will make good on a major commitment to the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center today, donating $25,000 to the Mississippi State University-led project.
Lockheed Martin, which has operated in Meridian since 1969, is a leader in the design, development and support of military aircraft. Steve Cobb, plant manager, said the company backs local communities.
Lockheed Martin plans to make a formal presentation at 1:30 p.m. today at Dumont Plaza. In case of rain, the event will be in Kahlmus Auditorium at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus.
Bev. Norment, a special assistant to the MSU president who is overseeing the Riley Center project, said the Lockheed Martin donation will be used for construction-related purposes.
Norment said money for the project which includes renovation and restoration of the Marks-Rothenberg building and the Grand Opera House is already in place. The project is scheduled to be completed by fall 2005.
The Lockheed Martin contribution is part of about $33 million that has been raised; the company had previously committed to contributing. The city of Meridian has committed $7 million for a downtown parking garage that also will be used by businesses and residents.
Norment also said MSU has an endowment goal of $5 million for the Riley Center; $4.2 million of that money already has been committed. Interest from the endowment will support the center's programs and maintenance.
U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Miss., who plans to attend the presentation, said he was pleased to see the company help the Riley project.