By Kelly Lucas
Campus Editor

The Krannert School of Management has received yet another monetary gift.

Wabash National Corp. of Lafayette has pledged $2.5 million toward the building's expansion, which will be located at the corner of State and Grant streets across the street from the existing Krannert Building.

"This is (an especially) meaningful gift because it comes from a local company," said Richard Cosier, dean of the School of Management. "We are extremely thankful. The campaign is coming along very well through support of friends, alumni and corporations that have relations with us."

In recognition of the monetary gift, a room in the new facility will be named in honor of the Wabash National Corp. The room will be named the Wabash National Corporation Distance Education Amphitheater and will be used as a large lecture room.

Bill McKee, a senior in the School of Management, said that although he will not be able to use the new facilities of the Krannert expansion, it will benefit future Krannert students and make his degree look better to future employers.

"The School of Management has grown over the years as far as its nationwide rankings, and this will help continue the strength of Krannert's programs," said McKee.

Wabash National's founder, Donald Ehrlich, president and chief executive officer, is an alumnus of Purdue. Ehrlich came to Purdue from Francesville, Ind., to study engineering and has been a long-time supporter of Krannert. Ehrlich is also a member of the Dean's Advisory Council.

Purdue scholarships in Ehrlich's name have also been funded by friends of Wabash National Corp. and total $500,000. Since the scholarships start in 1996, 12 students have received $8,000 annual renewable grants to pursue Purdue degrees. Many students are also Ehrlich scholars.

"We are very fortunate to have a university of the caliber of Purdue right here in our own backyard," said Ehrlich, in a statement. "And even if the Krannert School weren't located here, Purdue would be one of the institutions we would support. We feel Purdue does one of the best jobs anywhere preparing its students to succeed."

Wabash National Corp. is one of the largest truck trailer manufacturers as well as the leading manufacturer of bimodal vehicles and composite trailers.

Ehrlich was named entrepreneur of the year in 1992 by Inc. magazine, and Wabash National was named one of the 200 best small companies in America by Forbes magazine.