Lithia Donates Ram Truck to Oregon Tech
Two-year vehicle lease will support engineering students traveling to national competitions and industry events
Matthew Haines, Dean Neslihan Alp, Owen Haugh (OIT)
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Klamath Falls has donated a two-year lease of a Ram 3500 truck to Oregon Tech’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Management (ETM), providing transportation support for student competitions and industry engagement activities.
The six-passenger truck, valued at more than $40,000, will support student travel for several engineering competition teams, benefiting more than 500 students annually.
The vehicle will be used by student clubs participating in Baja SAE, Formula SAE, Concrete Canoe, and Steel Bridge competitions. These programs require students to design, build, and test complex projects throughout the academic year before traveling to regional and national events.
Students from several Oregon Tech programs will rely on the truck to transport equipment and materials required for competitions, including those studying Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering and Technology, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Geomatics.
“Our team is proud to deliver this Ram 3500 to Oregon Tech,” said Juan Maldonado, general manager at Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Klamath Falls. “We recognize the role applied experience plays in preparing students for careers in engineering and technical fields. Supporting these students as they compete and represent the region aligns with our commitment to workforce development.”
The partnership developed through ongoing conversations between university leaders and Lithia representatives.
In 2025, ETM Dean Dr. Neslihan Alp discussed the college’s equipment needs with Lithia leadership, including the lack of a reliable truck for student travel. Lithia Motors, which already supports Oregon Tech Athletics, expressed interest in expanding its support to the engineering college.
David Stork, senior vice president and chief administrative officer of Lithia Motors Inc., worked with Klamath Falls general manager Juan Maldonado to formalize the two-year lease donation.
Image: OIT
“We are deeply grateful to Lithia Motors for their generous donation of a lease truck to our College of ETM at Oregon Tech,” Alp said. “This meaningful gift will serve students across our programs by supporting hands-on learning, industry engagement, and student activities. On behalf of our students and faculty, I sincerely thank Lithia for their continued generosity and partnership.”
University officials say the partnership highlights a shared commitment to applied learning, workforce development, and community support.
With Lithia Motors’ support, Oregon Tech students will continue gaining real-world experience through engineering competitions while representing the university at events across the region and nation.
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