DES PLAINES, IL (June 7, 2001)- Texans and long-time American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) members Delmar E. Tally, P.E., CSP, and Betty Tally, CSP, CHST, OHST, have made a $10,000 contribution to the ASSE Foundation to establish the "Delmar E. Tally Professional Development Grant."

The Tally Professional Development Grant will provide working ASSE members' financial assistance for their participation in recognized safety, health and environmental certification study courses for certification testing fees or professional development seminars and conferences to improve their professional credentials.

"Many years ago, as a struggling safety professional rearing four kids, a professional development grant such as this would have been greatly welcomed," Del Tally said.

The Tallys are both dedicated safety professionals; Del formerly served as ASSE President from 1985-86, was awarded the prestigious ASSE Fellow award in 1997; and is a charter trustee and past chairman of the ASSE Foundation. Betty was President of the Central Texas Chapter from 1990-91. The Austin-based Tallys have donated nearly $19,000 to the ASSE Foundation. Through this grant, up to $1,000 will be made available each year to ASSE members seeking to advance their careers through professional development.

"The idea is to provide a grant to deserving ASSE members for their attendance at recognized safety, health and environmental certification study courses, for certification testing fees, seminars and conferences," Tally said. "I am delighted to help members advance in their careers and I hope many members will apply for this grant."

ASSE believes that ongoing education and technical updates in the field of occupational safety, health and the environment is paramount to preventing workplace injuries and fatalities. The application for the Professional Development Grant will be available on the Foundation's website at www.asse.org/foundat.htm. The first grant will be awarded in the spring of 2002.

Through its programs the ASSEF is committed to ensuring the future of occupational safety and health by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. Each year the Foundation awards funds for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. The ASSEF was established in 1990 to provide professional development and financial resources to qualified individuals and non-profit organizations. The Foundation seeks to advance safety and health development and research and education in the public interest. Founded in 1911, the non-profit ASSE is the world's largest and oldest professional safety organization with 32,000 members.