POTSDAM -- Clarkson University alumnus David D. Reh '62 and his wife Sue have provided a $1.5 million gift to name the Reh Center for Entrepreneurship at Clarkson University.

The Rehs, of Victor, N.Y., have established an endowed fund to support the Reh Center for Entrepreneurship, which is focused on student learning, coupled with regional outreach to area entrepreneurs.

The Reh Center for Entrepreneurship, formerly the Center for Entrepreneurship, will make a significant impact on regional economies using an entrepreneurial model in which students, entrepreneurs and communities work together.

This is accomplished by leveraging existing and new resources in a focused integration of regional outreach, experiential learning opportunities, individual entrepreneurial support and strategic partnerships.

The Reh's $1.5 million commitment also kicks off David's class of 1962 50th reunion fundraising effort. "We are delighted to acknowledge and recognize this generous gift from Dave and Sue Reh," said Clarkson President Tony Collins. "The Reh Center for Entrepreneurship has set the stage for Clarkson to expand our students' educational experience by involving them in project-based learning programs with small local businesses that will benefit our local community and economy."

"My time at Clarkson provided more than an excellent education -- it became a transformational experience for me," said David Reh. "I entered as a 17-year-old kid off a farm and graduated having been a dorm counselor; and a member, treasurer, and president of many clubs and activities. I totally immersed myself in Clarkson and the student community. Sue and I are investing in Clarkson to help provide current students a similar experience."

The Reh Center for Entrepreneurship is a resource center that builds upon Clarkson's nationally recognized expertise in entrepreneurial education and the University's longstanding commitment to boost regional economies through small business development.

"Since 2008, the Center has supported 585 small businesses through education and support," says Marc S. Compeau, the center director. "Our current emphasis is the integration of Clarkson's innovation and entrepreneurship students into the process of supporting regional small businesses. The Reh family gift will allow us to integrate more students into the process, resulting in an enhanced positive impact upon the small businesses in our region."

David Reh is the past president and owner of the Raytec Group Inc., which he formed in 1971. It consisted of two principal operating companies: Gorbel, Inc., which manufactures jib and work station cranes; and Retrotech, Inc., which specializes in the design, installation, modernization and support of automated material handling systems.

Retrotech was recently acquired by Savoye Inc., a $100 million European logistics company, while David and Sue Reh's son, Brian Reh, now owns and manages Gorbel Inc. David Reh remains chairman.

Sue Reh graduated from the University of Rochester in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and became a social worker in Jersey City, N.J., for a few years. She was then employed by the Monroe County Department of Children's Services, received her master of social work degree from the University of Buffalo and was employed for several years at Family Service of Rochester before establishing a private psychotherapy practice in Victor, N.Y. She retired from her practice in 2009, and is an active grandparent of nine, enjoying yoga, tennis and cycling.