WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. --Scott M. Niswonger, the Greeneville business leader and philanthropist, has been named co-chair of the Purdue Foundation Development Council.

Purdue University President France A. Córdova announced recently the names of 35 prominent members of the business and civic worlds who have accepted her invitation to serve on the newly activated Purdue Foundation Development Council.

She said, "This group of creative leaders will be charged with the task of helping to accomplish the goals set forth in the Purdue strategic plan.

The council will fill an extremely important role in finding the resources to help to put the plan into action."

Niswonger, who attended Purdue, in northwestern Indiana, has been a strong financial supporter of the school.

Niswonger commented, "I'm very excited about leading this newly formed Council. This Council's efforts will have a significant impact on the future plans and growth of Purdue. I've always had a passion for Purdue's success since my own graduation in 1968."

Niswonger has been very active at Purdue where he serves on the President's Council and also the Dean's Executive Council for the College of Technology.

He has given significant donations to Purdue through the years. Niswonger established a scholarship fund in honor of one of his aviation professors to benefit current aviation students and was instrumental in building the Holleman-Niswonger Simulator Building.

He is now involved in completing the new Niswonger Center for Aviation Technology building at Purdue.

Córdova said, "One of the best ways for Purdue to move forward is to raise its visibility, both nationally and internationally.

"That means choosing partners who possess bold, innovative ideas and applying resources strategically. This forward-thinking group, made up of successful leaders from a variety of industries, will be integral to helping propel the university's reputation to new heights."

The Purdue Foundation Development Council will meet twice a year to talk with top faculty and administrators about ideas and innovations and to facilitate partnerships. Each member can serve two three-year terms.

Named co-chair of the Purdue Foundation Development Council with Niswonger was Carol Shuttleworth Sanders, of Fort Wayne, Ind., president and CEO, Shuttleworth Inc.