DETROIT-Skilled tradesman Mat Dawson Jr., nationally known as the "blue collar philanthropist," will donate $200,000 to Wayne State University at a special ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb.15, in the McGregor Memorial Conference Center on campus.

The donation will establish the Bessie and Mat Dawson Sr. Memorial Scholarship, in honor of Dawson's parents. Bessie Dawson instilled in her seven children the need to give something back to society, and Mat has taken her advice to heart. He specifically selected Black History Month as the time for his donation as away of emphasizing that others should follow his example.

Dawson, 80, is a forklift rigger at Ford Motor Co., at which he recently celebrated his 60th anniversary. He often works seven days a week, piling up as much overtime as he can. This hard work has enabled him to build up a savings from which he has donated more than $1.3 million to a variety of charitable causes.

This newest donation brings Dawson's total gifts to Wayne State University to more than $600,000, providing scholarships to students regardless of race.

Following Dawson's presentation of a check to WSU President Irvin D. Reid, a portrait of Dawson's parents will be unveiled. The portrait later will be installed permanently at the university.

Other organizations to which Dawson has donated are Louisiana State University, the United Negro College Fund, churches and select community colleges. In 1996, WSU presented Dawson with an honorary degree.

Dawson, a resident of Highland Park, Mich., will be available for interviews shortly before and after the presentation ceremony.

Members of the media who wish to attend the event may park in Lot NS, on Anthony Wayne Drive at Ferry, just north of the Faculty/Administration Building on campus.