The Hess Corporation has donated 189 computers to Minot State University, according to information provided by MSU.

MSU will use the laptops for HyFlex and virtual learning. The donation will increase the number of computers available for check-out by nearly five times.

“We appreciate the generosity of Hess Corporation with the donation of laptops for our students,” said Rick Hedberg, MSU vice president for advancement and MSU Development Foundation executive director, in the press release. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely disruptive to many of our students and we have a large number of students taking at least a portion of their classes online. This wonderful donation from Hess Corporation has allowed us to distribute these laptops to students in need, allowing them to continue their education and keep them on track for a degree.

“Hess continues to be a wonderful community partner in so many ways and with so many non-profits in our region. We are fortunate to have Hess Corporation and their employees in Minot.”

Hess Corporation’s IT department worked with MSU IT in the transfer process. Hess has also worked with the MSU Development Foundation for its MSU Summer Theatre Revitalization project that broke ground in October.

“We have seen a positive impact on getting technology into the hands of students,” said Brent Lohnes, Hess ND general manager, in the press release. “It’s a pleasure to continue our collaboration with Minot State University and to provide computers to help students on campus.”

The MSU IT department has been busy reimaging the computers for use in the classroom and has doubled its current capacity for check out. Along with students virtual learning environments, the computers can be used by faculty and staff that have been forced to work from home.