The American Electric Power Foundation recently contributed $30,000 to Shawnee State University’s Immersive Technology and Arts Center (ITAC), bringing AEP’s total support of the project to $120,000 since 2007.
            Shawnee State is home to nationally recognized gaming and simulation academic programs. In February, a Motion Capture Lab was introduced as the first component of ITAC located in the Advanced Technology Center. The commercial state-of-the art motion capture system is used in interactive media and engineering simulation applications.
            “Thanks in part to the vision and generous support of AEP, ITAC facilities are on their way not only to promoting Shawnee’s national reputation in the fields of simulation technology and gaming arts, but the center is also an engine of regional economic development,” said Eric Braun, executive director of the SSU Development Foundation. “AEP’s continuing commitment to Shawnee State is an example of the company being active and making a positive impact on an area where they do business.”
            Work is underway to expand computing capability, video editing hardware and other resources at the Immersive Technology and Arts Center.
            For more information on how to support this and other initiatives at Shawnee State University, contact the SSU Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284 or go to http://giveto.shawnee.edu.