The University of Alabama at Birmingham has announced that the first named academic program, outside of their graduate medical school program, is the Charles and Patsy Collat Industrial Distribution Program. This announcement was made after the couple’s most recent contribution of $1 million to the school. “A more fitting name could not be possible,” School of Business Dean, Robert Holmes, said. “This honors not only their most recent gift toward the program, but also the leadership and vision that created the program and continues to influence its excellent reputation.”

The Collat family and a number of other individuals and firms provided funding in 1990 to establish the Ben S. Weil Endowed Chair of Industrial Distribution.  Ben S. Weil, Patsy’s father, established Mayer Electric Supply Company over 77 years ago.

Charles Collat is the Chairman of the Board of Mayer Electric Supply, which is a family- and woman-owned company. “We are very proud of this program and the support we have received from UAB,” Charles Collat said. “It is an important program since we have had a 100% placement rate for graduates, and in fact, there have been more jobs available than students to fill the need. Therefore, the program is being expanded to meet the need for these graduates.

The program is nationally recognized for the quality of its graduates.” Patsy Collat added, “We have grown up with Birmingham, just like UAB. My father would be so happy to know the company has grown and through our children, will continue to grow and contribute.” Charles and Patsy will spearhead a drive to raise an additional $1million for the school from the industrial distribution community.