East Carolina University's Department of Chemistry received a $10,000 gift from the local branch of an international chemical company. Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd. in Greenville donated the funds that will be used to support special projects within the department.

Fuji Silysia Chemical is also supporting a master's-level chemical scientist, Mr. Takafumi Urushibara, who will serve as visiting scholar in the chemistry department for two years.

"This is our way of building our relationship with East Carolina University, and a way that we give back to the community," said Wanda S. Williams, human resources manager for Fuji Silysia Chemical. " Fuji Silysia Chemical supports the advancement of technology of our local chemistry department. We are hoping, in our own small way, that this will help give back to our community as our community has helped us."

Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd. is an international company established in 1965, which produces synthetic silica products used in various industries ranging from plastics and coatings to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The corporate headquarters are located in Japan, with additional offices in Italy, Switzerland, and North Carolina.

In the photo: pictured from left to right are Wanda Williams, human resources manager, Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.; David Steffensen, controller, Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.; Takafumi Urushibara, technical center, Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.; Dr. Michael B. Brown, associate dean, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences; Jennifer Tripp, major gifts officer, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Rickey Hicks,chairman, Department of Chemistry.