Evonik Degussa Corporation Donates $1,200 For Music Programs At Area Schools   

Performances at Hollinger's Island Elementary, Theodore High School Scheduled    

Evonik Degussa Corporation Donates $1,200 For Music Programs At Area Schools Performances at Hollinger's Island Elementary, Theodore High School Scheduled   MOBILE, Ala., April 22, 2008 – Evonik Degussa Corporation, one of the largest employers in the area, has donated $1,200 to fund two classical programs at area schools.  

The contribution will enable a string quartet of musicians to perform for students at Hollinger's Island Elementary as well as a brass Quintet performance for members of the band at Theodore High School. Both educational institutions are “Partners in Education” with Evonik Degussa Corporation.  

“We are thrilled that Evonik Degussa Corporation has agreed to fund these two performances,” said Sarah Wright, Education Director of the Mobile Symphony. “Evonik is a great neighbor to these schools, setting an example for corporate citizens all over south Alabama.”  

She noted that Mobile Symphony's Education Programs make music available to as many children as possible every year through weekly activities in partner schools, the Symphony’s annual Young People's Concerts, and In School Concerts. The number of schools that can be served is limited by the funds available for those these programs, she added, which is why Evonik’s support is important.  

At Hollinger's Island, she added, school music programs are likely to be the only opportunity that many of these children have to learn about music, instruments, composers, and the joy that music brings to young lives.  “Evonik's generosity makes it possible for all of the Hollinger's Island students to have fun and learn at the same time,” she said.  

Dr. Joerg U. Kemnade, Vice President, Process Technology & Engineering North America for Evonik Degussa Corporation in Mobile, noted that many of the children at Hollinger’s Island Elementary school come from families who do not have a tradition of classical music and string instruments. “A performance at school is probably the first opportunity for many of the children to experience chamber music, something that should be a part of every child's education,” he added.   

At Theodore High School, the performance of the professional brass musicians will demonstrate the proper tone and musicality that the schools concert band should strive for. “At Theodore, Dr. Byron Dawes directs a great marching band program,” said Kemnade. “But when spring comes, the young musicians have difficulty making the transition from the football field to the concert stage. They need to hear the tone, phrasing, and musicality required for classical repertoire.”  

\dded Wright: “Evonik came to the rescue, making it possible for Mobile Symphony to send its brass quintet for an Informance ─ part performance, part information ─ for the Theodore High School Band.”  

With approximately 700 workers, the Evonik Degussa Corporation Mobile site is one of the area’s largest employers. This site manufactures a wide range of products that create the essentials necessary to enjoy a better standard of living today and tomorrow.  

For more information about Evonik Degussa Corporation’s North American operations or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit http://www.degussa-usa.com/north_america/en/media/news/.  

Company information
Evonik Industries is the creative industrial group from Germany which operates in three business areas: Chemicals, Energy and Real Estate. Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, an expert in power generation from hard coal and renewable energies, and one of the largest private residential real estate companies in Germany. Our strengths are creativity, specialization, continuous self-renewal, and reliability. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In its fiscal year 2007 about 43,000 employees generated sales of about Euro 14.4 billion and an operating profit (EBIT) of more than Euro 1.3 billion (preliminary figures).

Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.