For Immediate Release: March 7, 2001
Contact: Derek Smolik, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations

Calpine Corporation Donates $20,000 to UT Pan American Athletic Department

EDINBURG – Calpine Power has presented the University of Texas-Pan American Athletic Department with a contribution of $20,000 to benefit the Athletic Department’s general fund for the 2000-01 academic year, it was announced on Wednesday.

Calpine is one of the nation's leading independent power producers and the largest operator in Texas.  They promote youth activities, education and environmental conservation in all the communities in which they operate, making their partnership with UTPA a natural one.

“It’s Calpine’s great pleasure to support UT Pan American and the local community,” said Bob Callery, Plant Manager for Calpine in Edinburg.  “We look forward to a great season for UTPA Athletics.”

UTPA Athletic Director William Weidner stated that, “We are very appreciative of the outstanding support that our athletic program has received from Calpine since their arrival in the Rio Grande Valley.  The partnership with Calpine will greatly assist our continued efforts in developing an NCAA Division I athletic program that will proudly represent, not only our great University, but the entire Rio Grande Valley.”