Autodesk and Marvin Windows and Doors Donate Leading 3D Mechanical Design Software to Local Post-Secondary Students

LAS VEGAS, Autodesk University, Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced the Invest in Education Program, an initiative that connects companies with their local schools through the donation of software. Under this industry-leading program, when a company purchases five new seats of Autodesk Manufacturing software, they are able to grant a 25-seat classroom lab of Autodesk software to the post-secondary school of their choice. This grant, worth up to $25,000, is part of Autodesk's ongoing commitment to foster the next generation of engineers and designers.

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One of the first companies to participate in this program is Minnesota-based Marvin Windows and Doors who have purchased 30 seats of Autodesk Inventor over the past year. As a result of their investment in Autodesk Inventor, the world's best-selling 3D mechanical design software, they have donated six "Invest in Education" grants at a value of almost $150,000. Two campuses of Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MSCTC) will be the fortunate recipients of these grants, receiving Inventor software for their students' use. Giving students the opportunity to learn the tools that are being used by today's top professionals is a huge step towards preparing them for the competitive workforce.

"We are pleased to participate in Autodesk's 'Invest in Education' Program and contribute to student learning in such an effective way," says Rick Corneliusen, CAD license administrator, Marvin Windows and Doors. "Being able to sponsor colleges whose students may one day be employees is very beneficial and strengthens this important relationship with MSCTC."

Bradley Godwin, product director, custom training at MSCTC credits the Invest in Education program and the grant in Marvin Window's name for allowing them to continue offering extensive engineering training to young students as well as to professionals. "Without the grants of Autodesk Inventor software, we would not be able to provide this sought-after training to so many people," Godwin adds.

Many companies and schools across the United States and Canada are participating in the Invest in Education program, giving tomorrow's design leaders a priceless learning opportunity. If you are a company that would like to participate in this program, please contact your local authorized Autodesk reseller.

About Marvin Windows and Doors

Marvin Windows and Doors is a premier manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows and doors. The company's Made for you(R) philosophy enables Marvin to offer the industry's most extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes and options. The privately held, family-owned company is headquartered in Warroad, Minn., a small Northern Minnesota town just six miles from the Canadian border.

About Minnesota State Community and Technical College

MSCTC students and customers have a wide array of programs and services from which to choose. Their online programming and cooperative agreements with other colleges and universities provide students with exceptional opportunities with their more traditional learning opportunities. MSCTC is committed to abundant learning, creativity and responsiveness, and diversity and global readiness.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment, and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage, become more productive, streamline project efficiency and maximize profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit http://www.autodesk.com/.

NOTE: Autodesk, Autodesk Inventor and Inventor, are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

    
Contact:   Carly Herrig  312.233.1356    Alyson Howard  312.297.7430
Email:     carly.herrig@edelman.com      alyson.howard@edelman.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc. 11/27/2006


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6092 11/27/2006 08:30 EST http://www.prnewswire.com