Alumni

Alumni Connections Week

eoboyle — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:36:39 +0000

Alumni Connections Week

Alumni

eoboyle Fri, 06/27/2025 - 09:36

2025-09-08T00:00:00-0400 _2025-09-13T23:59:59-0400

For the Schedule of Events, click here

Why Industry Grabs ɫ��Ƶ Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

rnorris — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:34:30 +0000

Why Industry Grabs ɫ��Ƶ Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

Alumni

Co-op

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Mon, 06/23/2025 - 11:34

In a conversation with Chris Holman of Michigan Business Network at the Mackinac Policy Conference, ɫ��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan lays out what makes a ɫ��Ƶ education different — and why that difference matters.

ɫ��Ƶ students don’t wait to learn by doing. From year one, they rotate between intensive academic terms and full-time professional Co-ops in leading industries. This fusion of theory and practice builds more than résumés. It builds leaders who graduate into positions far beyond the entry-level.

ɫ��Ƶ students build their careers alongside industry leaders. Employers guide their growth through each Co-op term, often resulting in job offers before graduation.

Listen to the full interview to hear how ɫ��Ƶ’s model builds a workforce industry needs.

Eight ɫ��Ƶ Alumnae Named Among Top 100 Women in North American Auto Industry

rnorris — Wed, 28 May 2025 12:45:25 +0000

Eight ɫ��Ƶ Alumnae Named Among Top 100 Women in North American Auto Industry

Alumni

Rankings

rnorris Wed, 05/28/2025 - 08:45

ɫ��Ƶ Built leaders are recognized for their innovation, impact, and influence in shaping the future of mobility.

Eight trailblazing ɫ��Ƶ alumnae have earned a spot on Automotive News’ 2025 list of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry. Representing global companies like General Motors, 3M, Toyota, Novelis, and Sion Power, these women are driving innovation, leading teams, and redefining what leadership looks like in the future of mobility.

Each of these accomplished professionals started with the same foundation: a ɫ��Ƶ education rooted in real work, high standards, and relentless drive. From executive roles in engineering to battery innovation, manufacturing, sustainability, and connectivity, these women exemplify the results of ɫ��Ƶ’s rigorous academic and paid professional Co-op model: They’re decisive, future-focused, and in positions of influence in the North American Auto Industry.

Meet the Honorees

Mary Barra ’85, Chair and CEO, General Motors

Marking 20 years on the Automotive News Leading Women list, Barra continues to guide GM through one of the most ambitious industry evolutions in history. The first woman to lead a major global automaker, she has overseen GM’s pivot to electric and autonomous vehicles while championing agility, innovation, and a culture of rapid problem-solving. Her leadership is about more than business — it’s about inspiring a generation of future engineers and decision-makers.

Wendy Bauer ’98, Group President, Transportation & Electronics, 3M
With a career spanning GM, Eaton, Denso, AWS, and now 3M, Bauer understands the complexity and pace of the auto industry better than most. At 3M, she leads global teams in delivering next-gen materials and solutions for transportation and aerospace. Her experience bridging legacy systems with cutting-edge tech makes her a vital force at the intersection of digital and physical innovation.

Erin Buchanan M’00, General Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
Buchanan began her career as one of six employees launching a supplier factory from the ground up. Today, she leads a three-plant operation responsible for Lexus and Toyota production, where she oversaw the first global dual-brand line transition — completed remotely during the pandemic. Known for her empathetic and empowering leadership style, she builds cultures that welcome innovation, inclusion, and risk-taking.

Mandi Damman ’07, Executive Chief Engineer, Autonomous and Electric Vehicles, General Motors
From Co-op student to executive chief engineer, Damman has spent two decades advancing EV and AV technology at GM. Her work on the Cadillac Escalade IQ, a program she likens to a third child, showcases her passion for innovation and attention to technical excellence. A mentor, mother, and relentless problem-solver, she founded GM’s Empower Hour to create community and opportunity for women across the company.

Pamela Fletcher ’89, CEO, Sion Power
Fletcher was 17 when she walked onto the factory floor with a stopwatch and never looked back. As a pioneer in electric propulsion, she led the Chevy Volt program and helped bring the Bolt EV to life. Now CEO of a next-gen battery firm, she’s focused on embedding AI and material science innovation into energy solutions. Fletcher leads with confidence, curiosity, and a belief in giving people room to exceed expectations.

Doneen McDowell M’02, Vice President, Manufacturing – Full-Size Trucks, General Motors
McDowell has built a career across nine GM plants in stamping, assembly, supply chain, and labor relations. She led GM’s ventilator partnership during the pandemic and oversaw the launch of the Escalade IQ, applying her philosophy of inclusive, servant leadership. A former college athlete, she views manufacturing as a team sport and is committed to developing diverse talent and high-performing cultures across GM’s operations.

Kristin Toth M’02, Executive Director, Electrical Systems, Software and Connectivity, General Motors
Toth’s career spans nearly three decades of GM’s technology evolution. From early purchasing roles to leading the semiconductor response during a global supply chain crisis, her leadership is collaborative, focused, and future-facing. Now at the helm of GM’s vehicle intelligence systems, she guides the company’s transformation into a tech-first mobility leader, driven by data, connected systems, and autonomous capability.

Jamie Zinser ’99, Vice President, Automotive, North America, Novelis
An engineer by training and a sustainability advocate by mission, Zinser leads Novelis’ North American automotive business. Her team is pioneering high-recycled-content aluminum and sustainable manufacturing practices. A champion for women in STEM, she mentors young professionals through programs like Women of Tomorrow and balances high-level strategy with hands-on leadership and the occasional waffle breakfast with her four kids.

Built at ɫ��Ƶ. Leading the Future.

These eight alumnae are not exceptions. They are examples. ɫ��Ƶ’s Co-op model and rigorous academics prepare students not just to enter the workforce but also to lead it. These women prove what’s possible when ambition meets the right foundation. Their recognition is a testament to what ɫ��Ƶ students achieve when they’re challenged to push harder, aim higher, and innovate further. Because while others wait for change, ɫ��Ƶ leaders engineer it.

ɫ��Ƶ Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

rnorris — Tue, 27 May 2025 12:53:52 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

rnorris Tue, 05/27/2025 - 08:53

ɫ��Ƶ announces that Sherry House ’94, Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Company and an internationally recognized leader in finance and mobility innovation, will deliver the commencement address at the University’s ceremony on Saturday, June 21, at its historic Atwood Stadium. In recognition of her industry leadership and profound impact on the mobility sector, ɫ��Ƶ will award Sherry House the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration during the ceremony.

A transformative figure for her work helping shape the future of mobility, House has held pivotal leadership roles at Ford, Waymo, and Lucid Motors. Her work spans electric vehicles, autonomous platforms, and venture capital, driving forward innovation at the intersection of technology, business, and engineering. Her path from Co-op student to C-suite executive is a clear example of the caliber of talent ɫ��Ƶ creates, building high-impact leaders in fast-changing industries.

“The prestige and academic rigor of ɫ��Ƶ is what drew me here initially,” said House. “I was the first person in my family to earn a Bachelor's degree. ɫ��Ƶ enabled me to hold a corporate job at 17-years-old so that I could work while I went to school. At ɫ��Ƶ I learned to thrive in new situations, discovered my passion for innovation, and developed strong analytical skills.”

House earned dual degrees in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, launching her career through ɫ��Ƶ’s signature Co-op model. Her trajectory – from R&D engineer to financial strategist – set the tone for a career defined by both technical fluency and visionary leadership. She pushed innovation further and faster across venture capital, electric vehicle startups, and autonomous platforms in some of the biggest names in automotive manufacturing.

“The skills learned at ɫ��Ƶ transcend industry, function and level,” House said. “Critical thinking and a first principles mindset provides benefits in both high-growth nascent businesses, as well as legacy industries undergoing transformation. It’s not hard for me to see ɫ��Ƶ's impact on my own journey - not just at the outset of my career, but along the way it gave me the confidence and ability to pursue new opportunities successfully.”

“Sherry House exemplifies the kind of innovative leadership that grows from a ɫ��Ƶ education,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ɫ��Ƶ. “Her work in advancing global mobility is a testament to the impact our graduates are prepared to make. As she returns to address the Class of 2025, she brings a message of resilience, vision, and purpose. Her journey is proof of what we know: that ɫ��Ƶ graduates are uniquely equipped to lead through change and shape the future with intellect, integrity, and resolve.”

The 2025 Commencement will honor more than 340 undergraduates from ɫ��Ƶ’s Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Management, and Mechanical Engineering degree programs — students who turn ambition into action and learning into leadership. Due to ɫ��Ƶ’s unique cooperative education model, each of these students has completed a rigorous course of study in their chosen discipline, including a master level thesis, and will have completed 2.5 years of paid Co-op work upon graduation, allowing them to start their careers in positions far beyond the entry-level. This unparalleled integration of academics and industry-embedded Co-op experience has led The Wall Street Journal to name ɫ��Ƶ as one of the Top 10 Schools in the Nation for Career Preparation. As such, ɫ��Ƶ graduates rank number one when it comes to starting salaries in Michigan (SmartAsset).

ɫ��Ƶ will also confer more than 150 graduate degrees in Business Administration, Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Data Science and Data Analytics, Operations Management, Engineering Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering Autonomous Vehicles, Engineering Electric Vehicles, and Technical Master of Business Administration.

The University will also honor Frank Perna, Jr. ‘60, the retired CEO of MSC Software, with the degree of Doctor of Engineering, Honoris Causa. Perna holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from ɫ��Ƶ. Perna spent over 50 years as a registered Professional Engineer working at a number of industry leaders, including General Motors, Sun Electric, Bell & Howell, Whittaker Corporation, EOS Corporation, Software.com, MagneTek, CalAmp, Inc.[CAMP], Intellect Inc., and PingID. He now serves as Director of The Valentine Foundation, which funds critical educational and conservational activities.

Evening of Distinction & Determination

eoboyle — Wed, 07 May 2025 19:05:30 +0000

Evening of Distinction & Determination

Alumni

eoboyle Wed, 05/07/2025 - 15:05

2025-10-16T17:30:00-0400 _2025-10-16T21:00:00-0400

Daxton Hotel

ɫ��Ƶ’s Bastiaan Receives Prestigious Forest McFarland Award at 2025 SAE WCX

rnorris — Thu, 01 May 2025 14:21:40 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ’s Bastiaan Receives Prestigious Forest McFarland Award at 2025 SAE WCX

Alumni

Faculty & Staff

Mechanical Engineering

rnorris Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:21

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan ’97, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, a dedicated leader in engineering education, and a longtime advocate for industry collaboration, has received the 2025 SAE Forest McFarland Award for her outstanding contributions to SAE International’s engineering events. She was given the honor during the 2025 SAE World Congress Experience (WCX), held April 8 through 10 in Detroit — the premier global event for automotive engineering professionals.

Established in 1979, the Forest McFarland Award honors individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts in the planning, developing, and disseminating of technical knowledge through SAE conferences and professional development programs. Dr. Bastiaan’s decades-long leadership in organizing SAE technical sessions and fostering industry-academic engagement has made her an invaluable force within the organization.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by SAE, an organization that has shaped my own career and continues to drive progress in the industry,” Bastiaan said. “SAE has been instrumental in connecting engineers, researchers, and students in meaningful ways, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission.”

As chair of SAE’s Materials Modeling and Testing Committee, Dr. Bastiaan has played a critical role in orchestrating key sessions at WCX, ensuring the highest level of technical content and industry relevance. She leads three major sessions at WCX, including those on vehicle dynamics and tire mechanics, as well as a student-focused session, Motorsports 101, which she pioneered to give university teams a platform to present their work and engage with industry leaders.

A ɫ��Ƶ alumna and industry veteran, Dr. Bastiaan spent two decades at Roush Industries before returning to ɫ��Ƶ as a faculty member in 2015. Her deep ties to industry and dedication to hands-on education reflect ɫ��Ƶ’s commitment to producing graduates who don’t just enter the workforce — they lead it.

At ɫ��Ƶ, Dr. Bastiaan is the Faculty Advisor to two Formula SAE teams, the Internal Combustion team and the Electric team. She is also a Faculty Co-advisor to four other SAE student teams, including AutoDrive Challenge II, Baja SAE, SAE Aero Design, and SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge.

“The WCX event is where the future of automotive engineering takes shape,” she said. “I hope my experience encourages more ɫ��Ƶ students, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders to get involved because SAE is a powerful platform for innovation and collaboration.”

With attendance reaching over 10,000 professionals annually, WCX is recognized as the cornerstone event for the automotive engineering community, attracting experts from across academia and industry to exchange cutting-edge research and best practices.

Dr. Bastiaan’s leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to student engagement exemplify ɫ��Ƶ’s legacy of producing bold, forward-thinking problem-solvers. Her recognition with the Forest McFarland Award solidifies her place among the industry’s most influential voices.

College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at ɫ��Ƶ Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

rnorris — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:16:21 +0000

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at ɫ��Ƶ Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

Alumni

Campus

Mobility Research Center

Campus Events

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:16

Hosted at ɫ��Ƶ’s GM Mobility Research Center (MRC), the MichAuto Mobility Meetup on March 20 brought together Michigan’s mobility leaders, engineers, entrepreneurs, and educators for an evening focused on building connections among innovators across the state. Co-hosted by MichAauto — an initiative of the Detroit Regional Chamber — and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the event connected automotive and manufacturing leaders, start-ups, service firms, and students around a shared goal: accelerating what’s next in mobility. Guests also toured the MRC, a 21-acre proving ground for testing autonomous vehicles, electric propulsion systems, and sensor technologies.

At the Intersection of Industry and Education

Jennifer Umberger, Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, welcomed attendees and emphasized the University’s legacy as a talent engine for the automotive and mobility industries. “Whether you’ve known us as GMI or as ɫ��Ƶ, we’ve always existed to build the future of industry — and the talent that powers it,” she said.

ɫ��Ƶ’s 50-50 model — equal parts rigorous academics and paid full-time Co-op — equips every student with up to two and a half years of real-world experience by the time they graduate. “That’s why our graduates are hired not just to contribute — but to lead,” Umberger added.

MichAuto: Driving Michigan’s Mobility Leadership

MichAuto is focused on strengthening Michigan’s role as a global mobility leader by advancing public-private partnerships, business innovation, and talent development. Its Mobility Meetup series creates opportunities for industry leaders, educators, startups, and students to collaborate in meaningful ways that grow careers and companies alike.

Investing in Michigan’s Talent Pipeline

Suzanne Petrusch, Interim Vice President of Enrollment, spotlighted ɫ��Ƶ’s leadership in the Michigander Scholars Program, which provides $5,000 to students who complete a Co-op with a Michigan employer or $10,000 to students who spend 12 months or more working full-time in the state after graduation.

“ɫ��Ƶ has named more Michigander Scholars than any other participating university,” Petrusch said. “That’s a reflection of our Co-op depth, employer partnerships, and our students’ readiness to drive real results — right here in Michigan.”

Built for What’s Next

The Mobility Meetup at ɫ��Ƶ wasn’t just a networking event but a proving ground for collaboration. For students, it reinforced how education and industry can work hand in hand. For employers, it showcased the next generation of problem solvers ready to lead Michigan’s mobility evolution. And for the state, it highlighted the power of shared investment in talent, innovation, and impact.

ɫ��Ƶ Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

rnorris — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:39:42 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

Electrical Engineering

Undergraduate

rnorris Fri, 04/11/2025 - 10:39

For ɫ��Ƶ senior Scotty Grunwald ’26, an electrical engineering major from Riverview, Michigan, engineering has always been about more than theory — it’s about building real solutions. When he encountered the University’s newest robotic cell, he gained another opportunity to work hands-on with ɫ��Ƶ’s state-of-the-art robotic system, built in collaboration with Patti Engineering, Mitsubishi Electric, and Keyence Corporation.

“This was my first real attempt at a full automation system,” Grunwald said. “It was a lot harder than it looks on paper, but that’s what made it so valuable.”

The robotic cell, installed in ɫ��Ƶ’s engineering lab, gives students direct experience in programming and debugging industrial automation. Featuring an industrial robot and a collaborative robot, the cell performs pick-and-place operations, complete with a 3D vision system and industrial robot for unstructured material arrival, as well as the collaborative robot and a stationary camera for inspection. A flexible code base allows students to modify programming and test their solutions while safety features remain locked in place. The result is a hands-on learning tool that mirrors state-of-the-art challenges met with the precision of real-world manufacturing automation.

“Our students want to work on things that are meaningful,” said ɫ��Ƶ lecturer Andrew Watchorn. “This system puts cutting-edge automation technology in front of them, allowing them to see the impact of their problem-solving in real-time. That hands-on experience builds deep expertise — the kind that sets ɫ��Ƶ graduates apart in industry.”

The vision for the robotic cell began with Sam Hoff ’90, CEO of Patti Engineering. As a ɫ��Ƶ alumnus, Hoff knows firsthand the power of hands-on education and saw an opportunity to give students an advantage in automation and robotics. He approached Mitsubishi Electric with the idea, and together with Keyence, BorgWarner, and ɫ��Ƶ faculty, they brought the concept to life.

“We are proud to support ɫ��Ƶ’s engineering students by providing this state-of-the-art robotic cell,” Hoff said. “This tool will offer invaluable practical experience and help equip students with the skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and automation.”

For Grunwald, the experience was transformative. Although his early interests leaned toward circuit design and programming, working with the robotic cell changed how he thought about automation.

“This project definitely gave me an edge in the job market,” he said. “I can say, ‘I’ve worked with Mitsubishi PLCs before. I’ve programmed Mitsubishi robots.’ Even working with HMIs [human-machine interfaces] — it all adds to my portfolio and sets me apart.”

Few students outside of ɫ��Ƶ gain that competitive edge. Grunwald frequently compares notes with friends from other universities, many of whom lack access to industrial-grade automation systems.

“None of them really have experience with anything purely automation-based,” he said. “They might have a small robot in a lab, but nothing like this — nothing that could go straight into an industrial environment.”

College of Engineering

ɫ��Ƶ Receives $1 Million Gift from Windrose Technology CEO and Founder Wen Han to Advance Sustainability and Clean Energy Innovation

rnorris — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 20:27:00 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Receives $1 Million Gift from Windrose Technology CEO and Founder Wen Han to Advance Sustainability and Clean Energy Innovation

Alumni

Sustainability

Scholarship

rnorris Fri, 02/07/2025 - 15:27

ɫ��Ƶ Receives $1 Million Gift from Windrose Technology CEO and Founder Wen Han to Advance Sustainability and Clean Energy Innovation

Gift Supports Scholarships and Endowment Focused on Sustainability, Green Manufacturing, and Mobility Technologies

Flint, MI - ɫ��Ƶ proudly announces it has received a $1 million gift from Wen Han and his wife, Jessie Jia, on behalf of Windrose Technology, a Silicon Valley-based leader in heavy-duty electric vehicle innovation. This gift by the Windrose Technology founder and CEO and coordinated by ɫ��Ƶ alumnus Jason Roycht ’96 underscores the University’s commitment to incorporating sustainability and clean energy education into the curriculum. The gift is part of a broader ongoing global activity led by Wen and Jessie involving multiple universities to promote education, sustainability, and global cooperation.

“ɫ��Ƶ is pleased to partner with Windrose Technology in preparing the next generation of engineers and innovators to tackle the pressing challenges of sustainable manufacturing and materials as well as clean energy,” said Jennifer Patterson, ɫ��Ƶ Vice President of Advancement and External Relations. “This generous gift not only enhances our ability to provide students with hands-on experience in renewable energy and green manufacturing technologies but also represents the critical connection between education and industry.”

The gift includes a Sustainability Endowment that will empower ɫ��Ƶ’s College of Engineering to expand its sustainability initiatives, including hosting guest speakers, organizing faculty and student participation in conferences, and fostering industry partnerships. In addition to the endowment, the Windrose Technology Scholarship will benefit students with interests in sustainability, green manufacturing, and mobility technologies. This endowment will be synchronized with efforts and additional endowments initiated by Wen Han across several top universities, including his alma mater, Stanford University, to promote learning, inspiration, innovation, and collaboration among students, faculty, and alumni toward sustainability efforts.

Windrose Technology’s gift aligns with ɫ��Ƶ’s commitment to advancing sustainability and clean energy. Wen Han sees this partnership as an opportunity to inspire future engineers to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Sustainability is the key mission of my career, and automotive is the key area that drives much of the pollution today,” Han said. “Everyone starts in school before they go into the workforce and they should be entitled to study sustainability before they make a career choice.”

Jason Roycht, an executive at Windrose Technology and a former executive at Nikola Motors and Robert Bosch, played a pivotal role in developing the gift with Han. Together, they identified ɫ��Ƶ as an ideal partner for advancing education in clean energy and sustainability.

“Wen and Jessie are extremely forward-focused to support and inspire students to pursue studies for sustainability,” Roycht said. “When I decided to join his company, I requested Wen's support to extend these activities to ɫ��Ƶ. Wen quickly became impressed with the depth of the Co-op program and the efforts of key alumni, especially the strong connections to the automotive industry and Detroit.”

For Jason Roycht, the gift is personal. “My father-in-law, Ray Reske, attended and grew out of the General Motors Institute [now ɫ��Ƶ] in the mid-’60s, firmly in the apex of Detroit and cars,” Roycht said. “Ray was a fantastic example of the technical leaders born out of this time and had a fabulous career at General Motors… We all would like to continue this spirit by supporting and helping more students pursue learning and embracing problems and practical solutions.”

In that vein, the Windrose gift also includes the Reske Legacy Scholarship, named after Raymond D. Reske ’66. This scholarship honors Reske’s legacy of inspiring multiple generations of engineers. His daughters, Laura (Reske) Roycht ’95 and Darlene (Reske) Sypitkowski ’98, earned their degrees from the University. During their studies, they also met their future husbands, Jason Roycht and Greg Sypitkowski ’98. Continuing the family legacy is Mike Roycht, Jason and Laura’s son, who is currently a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and Madeline Sypitkowski, Greg and Darlene’s daughter, who plans to begin her studies at ɫ��Ƶ this year.

The donation also underscores the value of ɫ��Ƶ’s unique “hands-on, minds-on” Co-op education model. “The ɫ��Ƶ experience did a stellar job in pushing me into the ‘deep end of the pool’ and forcing me to swim,” Roycht said. “The speed, challenges, and mindset required to be successful in the EV and AI world pull more from my life experiences at ɫ��Ƶ as an engineering Co-op than the technical textbooks of that time. It will be wonderful to expose students to these worlds faster via this endowment and connect the next generation of technical leaders to practical problems and challenges. I can't wait to get their "minds-on" these things for all our benefit.”

This gift builds on ɫ��Ƶ’s long-standing reputation as a leader in innovation and engineering education. Reinforcing the collaboration between academia and industry highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability and clean energy solutions.

Wen Han shares more about ɫ��Ƶ's commitment to sustainability in this video.

College of Engineering

ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association Awards $30,000 in Sponsorships to High School Robotics Teams Across FIRST, VEX, and FTC

rnorris — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:39:27 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association Awards $30,000 in Sponsorships to High School Robotics Teams Across FIRST, VEX, and FTC

Alumni

ɫ��Ƶ Combat Robotics Team

rnorris Fri, 01/24/2025 - 11:39

The ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association (KGMIAA) announced today it has awarded $30,000 in sponsorships to more than 60 Michigan high school robotics teams participating in FIRST, VEX, and FTC programs. The initiative reflects a core value that drives ɫ��Ƶ: equipping young problem solvers with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to shape the future.

The sponsorships provide resources for students to build robots, compete, and deepen their STEM experience. These students are following a hands-on path that mirrors the journeys of many ɫ��Ƶ and GMI alumni who began their careers with an early passion for STEM.

“We are incredibly proud to support these bright, motivated students who are exploring their interests in engineering and technology through hands-on experience,” said Joe Lemieux ’85, outgoing president of the KGMIAA. “Many of us — alumni of ɫ��Ƶ and GMI — can trace our own careers back to the formative experiences we had in high school and early college. These sponsorships not only provide the students with the resources to excel in their robotics competitions but also encourage their growth in STEM fields as they prepare for their future careers. These efforts also allow us to raise awareness of ɫ��Ƶ as a leading institution for STEM education and open the door for many students to consider us as the next step in their academic journey.”

KGMIAA’s sponsorships go beyond financial support. The Association also recognizes alumni who dedicate their time and expertise to mentor high school robotics teams, serving as coaches and advisors. This hands-on mentorship ensures students have guidance as they navigate competitions and plan their futures in STEM fields.

“We owe a great deal of thanks to our alumni who volunteer as coaches and mentor the next generation of robotics enthusiasts,” said Lorenzo Jones ’89, incoming president of the KGMIAA. “Their dedication to supporting their high school alma maters or their children’s teams is invaluable, and it’s inspiring to see how they continue to give back to their community. At the same time, these sponsorships introduce students to ɫ��Ƶ’s outstanding programs, creating opportunities for them to envision their future here with us.”

For ɫ��Ƶ and its alumni, this initiative underscores a commitment to investing in young innovators, providing them with experiences that build confidence, technical expertise, and a passion for tackling real-world challenges.

For a complete list of robotics teams that received a 2025 KGMIAA sponsorship, visit /robotics/kgmiaa-sponsorships.

About the ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association
The ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association (KGMIAA) unites alumni in support of ɫ��Ƶ’s mission to advance STEM education and innovation. With a focus on fostering lifelong loyalty, promoting core values, and providing financial support, the KGMIAA serves as a key resource for University leadership and alumni engagement. Membership is automatic for all graduates of ɫ��Ƶ/GMI, with no membership fees required. The KGMIAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at kettering.edu/alumni.

Alumni

Alumni Connections Week

Why Industry Grabs ɫ����Ƶ Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

Eight ɫ����Ƶ Alumnae Named Among Top 100 Women in North American Auto Industry

ɫ����Ƶ Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

Evening of Distinction & Determination

ɫ����Ƶ’s Bastiaan Receives Prestigious Forest McFarland Award at 2025 SAE WCX

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at ɫ����Ƶ Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

ɫ����Ƶ Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

ɫ����Ƶ Receives $1 Million Gift from Windrose Technology CEO and Founder Wen Han to Advance Sustainability and Clean Energy Innovation

ɫ����Ƶ Receives $1 Million Gift from Windrose Technology CEO and Founder Wen Han to Advance Sustainability and Clean Energy Innovation

ɫ����Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association Awards $30,000 in Sponsorships to High School Robotics Teams Across FIRST, VEX, and FTC

Why Industry Grabs ɫ��Ƶ Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

Eight ɫ��Ƶ Alumnae Named Among Top 100 Women in North American Auto Industry

ɫ��Ƶ Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

ɫ��Ƶ’s Bastiaan Receives Prestigious Forest McFarland Award at 2025 SAE WCX

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at ɫ��Ƶ Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

ɫ��Ƶ Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

ɫ��Ƶ Receives $1 Million Gift from Windrose Technology CEO and Founder Wen Han to Advance Sustainability and Clean Energy Innovation

ɫ��Ƶ Receives $1 Million Gift from Windrose Technology CEO and Founder Wen Han to Advance Sustainability and Clean Energy Innovation

ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association Awards $30,000 in Sponsorships to High School Robotics Teams Across FIRST, VEX, and FTC