By A. Lee Graham Exxon Mobil Corp. of Irving and its employees are donating $2.37 million to higher education institutions across Louisiana as as part of the Exxon Mobil Foundation’s 2012 educational matching gift program. About $700,000 in donations from company employees, retirees, directors and surviving spouses were matched by $1.68 million in unrestricted grants by the Exxon Mobil Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corp. The program matches donor pledges 3 to 1 up to $7,500 to qualified colleges and universities nationwide, as well as the American Indian College Fund, Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the United Negro College Fund. Since the matching gift program began in 1962, more than $500 million has been donated to institutions of higher learning. “Exxon Mobil employees have a history of giving back through both their volunteerism and philanthropy,” said Suzanne McCarron, president of Exxon Mobil Foundation, commenting in a news release. “The corporation and foundation share that philosophy and are proud to join them in their generous support,” McCarron said. In 2012 alone, 332 employees and retirees made individual donations to Louisiana colleges and universities. Although grants are unrestricted, recipients are encouraged to designate a portion to math and science programs supporting student engagement. Over the past 10 years, Exxon Mobil and its employees have given more than $23 million to universities and colleges in Louisiana. More information is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.