“Giving back” is exactly what third-generation engineer, local business owner and community member Dr. William “Bill” Lyles is about. He is leaving a legacy of education, hope and a chance for what he calls, “upward mobility” for students attending Fresno State’s Lyles College of Engineering.

“What else is available for the chance of upward mobility except education and what type of education except things that come from the STEM program, and engineering is a major part of it,” Lyles says.

To ensure engineering in the Valley, in 2008, Lyles (who serves as chief executive officer of Lyles Diversified, Inc.), his family members and their group of companies contributed generously to the college.

“You’ll hear me say we’ve never produced enough engineers in the state of California to meet our needs, and now in the technological age it’s even worse. So, we’re bringing engineers home from overseas. My gosh, why shouldn’t we help the people that are here and left behind,” Lyles says.

Over the last 10 years, the college has made great strides in the expansion of engineering and construction management educational opportunities. By increasing outreach efforts to area K-12 schools and community colleges, the college has seen an increase in enrollment and in 2017, it reached the highest enrollment in its history.

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