57 students will receive the state’s coveted scholarship incentives of $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation

----------------------------------------------------

������Ƶ, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's mission to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

FLINT, Mich. — ������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 57 Kettering students to represent the University’s fourth class of Michigander Scholars. This is the largest cohort of students to benefit from the program since ������Ƶ began granting the awards in the spring of 2024. The innovative Michigander Scholars program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company. More than 150 scholarships have been awarded to date, and more than 100 Kettering students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this groundbreaking program.

The Michigander Scholars program offers exclusive opportunities for top tech and engineering students in Michigan, including career guidance, paid internships, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Participating universities gain valuable insights into the skills employers seek, and key employers across the state benefit from early access to a pipeline of highly skilled talent. Many of Kettering's Co-op employer partners are qualified employers as part of this program, including Ford, GM, BorgWarner, Bosch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy Inc., and ZF.

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough. We must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said Kerry Ebersole Singh, MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer, during a joint MEDC-������Ƶ press conference last Spring on Kettering’s campus. “The Michigander Scholars program is a win-win-win. Michigan benefits by promoting its top-tier universities; students gain invaluable hands-on workforce training through paid internships; and our state’s innovative companies secure a steady stream of highly educated, motivated professionals. This program exemplifies what’s possible when public and private sectors collaborate for a brighter future.”

The Michigander Scholars program, the first of its kind in the United States, represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s leading advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s mission is to increase the retention of college graduates in critical areas of Michigan’s growing technology and knowledge economy. This MEDC initiative is a vital talent retention strategy that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, industries essential to Michigan’s economic growth.

������Ƶ's unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment is ideally positioned to support this initiative. U.S. News & World Report recently recognized Kettering as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships, and the Wall Street Journal named it one of the top 10 colleges in the country for career preparation. The University also ranks No. 1 in Michigan in return on investment (ROI) for undergraduate studies, according to PayScale.com.

The fourth class of ������Ƶ Michigander Scholars includes:

• FORD FULL-TIME AWARD
  • David Faulkner, Holly, Michigan, Holly High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Amanda Koziol, Shelby Township, Michigan, Eisenhower Senior High School, Class of 2024, Computer Science
• FORD CO-OP AWARD
  • Thomas Borst, Plymouth, Michigan, Plymouth High School, Class of  2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Easton Brissette, Fairgrove, Michigan, Seton Home Study School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Olivia Brothers, White Lake, Michigan, Lakeland High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Janice James, Biloxi, Mississippi, St. Hugh’s High School for Girls, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Megan Judd, Warren, Michigan, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • Justin Poiner, Wixom, Michigan, Walled Lake Western High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Hailey Rowley, Jackson, Michigan, Northwest High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
• GM FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Jackson Alarie, Clarkston, Michigan, Clarkston High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Daniel Barta, Harrison Township, Michigan, University Liggett School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Tyler Bourassa, Linden, Michigan, Linden High School, Class of 2024, MBA
  • Nathan Cahilig, Warren, Michigan, International Academy of Macomb, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Robbie Dehaan, Ortonville, Michigan, Brandon High School, Class of 2024, Computer Engineering
  • Brenden Londeau, White Lake, Michigan, International Academy West, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Khushi Mann, Sterling Heights, Michigan, Sterling Heights High School, Class of 2023, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alayna Reed, Clinton Township, Michigan, Class of 2023, Electrical Engineering
• GM CO-OP AWARD
  • Paige Field, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Class of 2025, Industrial Engineering
  • Alyssa Hagan, Highland, Michigan, International Academy West Campus, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Shane Hurley, Canton, Michigan, Canton High School, Class of 2026, Computer Engineering
  • Ria Kapoor, Northville, Michigan, Northville High School, Class of 2028, Management
  • Camden Knaak, Hudsonville, Michigan, Jenison High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Patrick Pilchowski, Highland, Michigan, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Abhiram Sanikommu, Troy, Michigan, Troy High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Ethan Shaw, Howell, Michigan, Hartland High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Christa Spencer, Ortonville, Michigan, Brandon High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Ryan Stiles, Gladwin, Michigan, Farmington High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Brandon Vivian, Milford, Michigan, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Grayson Whaley, Rochester, Michigan, Stoney Creek High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
• BORGWARNER FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Jordan Stolberg, Rochester, New York, Brighton High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
• BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
  • Justin Bankston, Harper Woods, Michigan, Renaissance High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez, Bahla De Banderas, Mexico, Harkness Institute, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
  • Xavier Omozokpia, Clinton Township, Michigan, DeLaSalle Collegiate High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Noah Spriet, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
• BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
  • Alexandra Cabaj, Fenton, Michigan, Hartland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Logan Greshak, Middleville, Michigan, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Bassam Jehangir, Bedford, New Hampshire, Bedford High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alexandra Kerry, Richmond, Michigan, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Andreas Lanni, Commerce Township, Michigan, Detroit Catholic Central High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Lance Lipasek, Washington, Michigan, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Liam McCullough-Campbell, Ottawa Hills, Ohio, Ottawa Hills High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • David Strzelewicz, West Bloomfield, Michigan, St. Mary's Preparatory, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
• HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR CO-OP AWARD
  • Rameira Davis, Flint, Michigan, Genesee Early College, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering
  • Michael Huot, Fenton, Michigan, Lake Fenton High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
• MAGNA FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Nicholas Young, Highland, Michigan, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
• MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
  • Sarah Samji, Troy, Michigan, Class of 2026, Computer Science
  • Joseph Vandeputte, Clarkston, Michigan, Clarkston High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
• MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
  • Christopher Ciak, Swartz Creek, Michigan, Swartz Creek High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Connor O'Keefe, Vancouver, Washington, iTech Preparatory, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Parker Rath, Fenton, Michigan, Genesee Christian High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Benjamin Spore, Howell, Michigan, Howell High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• NISSAN FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Paige Hunger, Almont, Michigan, Almont High School, Class of 2023, Mechanical Engineering
• OUR NEXT ENERGY INC. FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Aaron Spengler, Rockford, Michigan, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• ZF CO-OP AWARD
  • Jace Hund, Howell, Michigan, Howell High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jace Kanitz, Shelby Township, Michigan, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering
  • Mario Moustafa, Warren, Michigan, Bishop Foley Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Blake Ronne, Shelby Township, Michigan, Eisenhower Senior High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering

The state’s coveted scholarship incentive awards students $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation

----------------------------------------------------

������Ƶ, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's goal to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 29 Kettering students who represent the University’s third class of Michigander Scholars. The program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying Scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer, or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months. To date, more than 75 Kettering students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this growing program. Read more about the program’s opportunities . The most recent list of ������Ƶ students who earned these scholarships is at the end of this release. 

The Michigander Scholars program is the first of its kind in the United States and represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s major advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s mission is to increase retention of college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy. The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy by the MEDC that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are key to helping grow the state’s population now and in the future.

In its 2023 report, the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council cited a lack of access to internships and opportunities for meaningful on-the-job experience before entering the full-time workforce as one reason for Michigan’s student exodus. The Michigander Scholars program works to reverse that trend by offering more of those educational experiences in the state. ������Ƶ is well-suited for this task as the school has specialized in a unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment since its inception in 1919. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Kettering as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships. The Wall Street Journal also recently named Kettering as one of the top 10  colleges in the country when it comes to career preparation.

“������Ƶ has a long history of preparing students to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of the state’s most innovative industries,” said Kettering President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “The Michigander Scholars program is a robust talent retention strategy that aligns perfectly with Kettering’s Co-op model and our mission to provide our students with an educational experience built upon a best-in-class education combined with hands-on work experience. 

“One powerful result of our talented students and graduates building careers here is they act as critical fuel for Michigan’s high-tech industries, whose success is built upon attracting and retaining highly educated, accomplished, and motivated graduates. ������Ƶ is proud to be one of only a handful of institutions and the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative.”. 

The Michigander Scholars program is one of many innovative solutions the MEDC Talent Solutions division has developed to meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan’s major industries. The program offers top tech and engineering students in Michigan an exclusive close-up of the EV/mobility and semiconductor industries; career guidance and job-seeking support; and networking opportunities with industry employers. Universities receive additional lines of sight into the skills employers are looking for in students, and key employers across the state have early and direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and new postgrad positions. 

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough — we must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh during the joint MEDC-������Ƶ press conference held March 20 on the University’s campus. 

“The Michigander Scholars program presents a win-win-win scenario,” Ebersole Singh said. “Michigan wins by promoting our advanced manufacturing employers, career opportunities, and top-tier universities. It’s a win for students at Michigan colleges and Michiganders attending college out of state to gain real-world, hands-on workforce training through paid internships. And it’s a win for our state’s innovative companies to develop talent pipelines that are fundamental to their success.”

������Ƶ announced its partnership with the MEDC and the inaugural class of 26 Michigander Scholars in April during the 2024 Spring Co-op fair, which provided the ideal stage for the announcement. Those in attendance included prospective and current Kettering students and more than 100 Co-op employer partners, many of whom could become part of The Michigan Scholars program.

The full list of employer and university participants in The Michigander Scholars program can be found at.

Recognized are the ������Ƶ Michigander Scholars.

• FORD FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Spenser Keys, Huntington Woods, MI, Berkley High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
• GM FULL-TIME AWARD
  • William Raines, Clarkston, MI, Clarkston High School, Class of ’24, Computer Science
• GM CO-OP AWARD
  • Brandon Bednarz, South Lyon, MI, Dexter High School, Class of ’24, Electrical Engineering
  • Bryan Burkhardt, Goodrich, MI, Goodrich High School, Class of ’25, Mechanical Engineering
  • Nicholas Dodge, Canton, MI, Salem High School, Class of ’26, Computer Engineering
  • Ian Gibson, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of ’26, Electrical Engineering
  • David Glover, St. Louis, MO, St. Mary's High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
  • Shane Hurley, Canton, MI, Canton High School, Class of ’26, Computer Engineering
  • Ria Kapoor, Northville, MI, Northville High School, Class of ’28, Management
  • Patrick Pilchowski, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of ’27, Electrical Engineering
  • Anthony Ply, Lake Orion, MI, Lake Orion High School, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
  • Ethan Shaw, Howell, MI, Hartland High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
  • Christa Spencer, Ortonville, MI, Brandon High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
• FORD CO-OP AWARD
  • Matthew Attisha, Shelby Township, MI, Utica Center for Math, Science and Technology, Class of ’24, Computer Engineering
  • Douglas Ray, Rochester, MI, Stoney Creek High School, Class of ’24, Computer Engineering
  • Andrew Ricard, Macomb, MI, Class of ’26, Computer Science
• MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
  • Luke Baysinger, St. Clair, MI, St. Clair High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
• BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
  • Mason Dalrymple, Blanchard, MI, Montabella High School, Class of ’25, Mechanical Engineering
  • Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez, Bahia De Banderas, MX, Harkness Institute, Class of ’28, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jaydin Freeman, Auburn Hills, MI, Avondale High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
  • Matthias Mackay, Zionsville, IN, Lutheran High School, Class of ’25, Computer Engineering
  • Xavier Omozokpia, Clinton Township, MI, DeLasalle High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alexis Taylor, Mount Clemens, MI, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of ’26, Industrial Engineering
• HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR CO-OP AWARD
  • Rameira Davis, Flint, MI, Genesee Early College, Class of ’28, Chemical Engineering
  • Andres Flores, Saginaw, MI, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
• BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
  • Bassam Jehangir, Bedford, NH, Bedford High School, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jacob Nelson, Sterling Heights, MI, Cousino High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
  • Frank Tilli, Clarkston, MI, Detroit Country Day High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
• MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
  • Benjamin Spore, Howell, MI, Howell High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering

July 30, 2024 - ������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 38 Kettering students who represent the University’s second class of Michigander Scholars. The program offers scholarships of $5,000 to $10,000 to qualifying Scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer, or software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months. Read more about program opportunities . The entire list of ������Ƶ students who earned these scholarships is at the end of this release. 

The Michigander Scholars program is the first of its kind in the U.S. and represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s major advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s aim is to improve on retaining college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy. The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy by the MEDC that will promote key careers, recruit talent, and fill in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are key to helping grow the state’s population now and in the future.

In its 2023 report, the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council cited a lack of access to internships and opportunities for meaningful on-the-job experience before entering the full-time workforce as one reason for Michigan’s student exodus. The Michigander Scholars program aims to reverse that trend by offering more such educational experiences in the state. ������Ƶ is well suited for this task as the school has specialized in a unique 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment since its inception in 1919. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Kettering as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships.

“������Ƶ has a long history of preparing students to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of the state’s most innovative industries. The Michigander Scholars program is a robust talent retention strategy that aligns perfectly with Kettering’s Co-op model and our mission to provide our students with an educational experience built upon a best-in-class education combined with hands-on work experience,” said Kettering President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan. 

“One powerful result of our talented students and graduates building careers here is they act as critical fuel for Michigan’s high-tech industries, whose success is built upon attracting and retaining highly educated, accomplished, and motivated graduates. ������Ƶ is proud to be one of only a handful of institutions and the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative,” said McMahan. 

The Michigander Scholars program is one of many innovative solutions developed by the MEDC Talent Solutions division to help meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan’s major industries. The program offers top tech and engineering students in Michigan an exclusive close-up of the EV/mobility and semiconductor sectors, career guidance and job-seeking support, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Universities are provided with additional lines of sight into the skills that employers are looking for in students and key employers across the state have early and direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and new postgrad positions. 

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough – we must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said MEDC  Executive Vice President & Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh during the joint MEDC/������Ƶ press conference held March 20 on the University’s campus. 

“The Michigander Scholars program presents a win-win-win scenario,” Ebersole Singh said. “Michigan wins by promoting our advanced manufacturing employers, career opportunities, and top-tier universities. It’s a win for students at Michigan colleges and Michiganders attending college out of state to gain real-world, hands-on workforce training through paid internships. And it’s a win for our state’s innovative companies to develop talent pipelines that are fundamental to their success.”

In February,  the MEDC added ������Ƶ in Flint and Wayne State University in Detroit as new higher education partners. With Kettering’s unique Co-op and academic programs in mind, computer and process engineers were added to the list of career roles eligible for scholarships. At the same time, the Michigan Scholars program was expanded to allow for sophomores and graduate students to be eligible for participation.

������Ƶ’s partnership with the MEDC was announced during the 2024 Spring Co-op fair, which provided the ideal stage for the announcement. Those in attendance included prospective and current Kettering students and more than 100 Co-op employer partners, many of whom could potentially become part of the Michigan Scholars program.

Several new employers also joined the program, including Hemlock Semiconductor, SK Siltron CSS, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Mobis. Those companies joined existing employer partners that included General Motors, Ford, BorgWarner, LG Energy Solutions, and DENSO.

The full list of employer and university participants in The Michigander Scholars program is at.

Recognized are the ������Ƶ Michigander Scholars.

• GM - FULL-TIME AWARDS
  • James (Robbie) Dehaan, Ortonville, MI, Brandon High School, Class of 2024 Computer Engineering 
  • Brett Langland, Southington, CT, Southington High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Zachary Rosol, Harper Woods, MI, Henry Ford II High School, Computer Engineering
  • Felipe Villalobos, Richmond, CA, Making Waves Academy, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• GM - CO-OP AWARDS
  • Nathan Cahilig, Warren, MI, International Academy of Macomb, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Danielle Ciokajlo, Farmington Hills, MI, Farmington High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alyssa Hagan, Highland, MI, International Academy West Campus, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Camden Knaak, Hudsonville, MI, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering 
  • Julie Marchioni, St. Clair Shores, MI, Lake Shore High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Joseph Phan, Grand Rapids, MI, West Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Ashmit Swarnkar, Novi, MI, Novi High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Brandon Vivian, Milford, MI, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
• FORD MOTOR COMPANY - FULL-TIME AWARDS
  • Leah Garcynski, Canton, MI, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Ethan VanCoillie, St Clair Shores, MI, Lakeview High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• FORD MOTOR COMPANY - CO-OP AWARDS
  • Thomas Borst, Plymouth, MI, Plymouth High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Easton Brissette, Fairgrove, MI, Seton Home Study School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Olivia Brothers, White Lake, MI, Lakeland High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Janice James, Biloxi, MS, St. Hugh's High School for Girls, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Megan Judd, Warren, MI, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • Justin Poiner, Wixom, MI, Walled Lake Western High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Andrew Ricard, Macomb, MI, Class of 2026, Computer Science 
  • Hailey Rowley, Jackson, MI, Northwest High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Jazmin Thomas, Mount Morris, MI, Class of 2025, Computer Science
• BORGWARNER - CO-OP AWARDS
  • Jackson Alarie, Clarkston, MI, Clarkston High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Matthias Mackay, Zionsville, IN, Lutheran High School of Indianapolis, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Alexis Taylor, Mount Clemens, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of 2026, Industrial Engineering
• BOSCH - CO-OP AWARDS
  • Alexandra Cabaj, Fenton, MI, Hartland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Adria Dixon, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Logan Greshak, Middleville, MI, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alexandra Kerry, Richmond, MI, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Liam McCullough-Campbell, Ottawa Hills, OH, Ottawa Hills High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Timothy Vokal, Midland, MI, Midland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
• MAGNA - CO-OP AWARD
  • Joseph Vandeputte, Clarkston, MI, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• MAHLE - CO-OP AWARD
  • Gavin Krebs, Cranberry Township, PA, North Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Connor O'Keefe, Vancouver, WA, iTech Preparatory, Class of 2025, Computer Science
• MOBIS - CO-OP AWARD
  • Ansh Suryavanshi, New Delhi, India, Class of 2026, Computer Science
• ZF - CO-OP AWARD
  • Jace Hund, Howell, MI, Howell High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jace Kanitz, Shelby Township, MI, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering

������Ƶ students are known for striving for excellence in everything they do. Since its founding, ������Ƶ has continually brought STEM-focused learning to life. Through a 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, all our graduates begin their careers with 2.5 years of real-world industry experience, giving them a tremendous advantage over their peers from other universities. This year, the Honors Banquet recognized the efforts of more than three dozen 2024 graduates who exceeded even those high expectations during their Kettering careers. The invitation-only event recognized these top graduates in several award categories.

In 1919, Major Albert Sobey launched the Co-operative education program that would eventually become ������Ƶ. Sobey also was the school’s first president until his retirement in 1950. The University established the Sobey Scholar Awards in 1961 to honor exemplary students who have demonstrated the highest levels of scholarship and leadership at ������Ƶ. Honorees must be a member of the Robot Society, the University’s most distinguished honor society, as well as a member of another academic honor society or have achieved cum laude status.

Seven Kettering graduates met the demanding criteria to become Sobey Scholars in 2024. They are: 

• Alexandra Ann Bahm, B.S. Management, Clinton Township, MI
• Kimberly Linnette Betty, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Flint, MI
• Emma Catherine Bishoff, B.S. Management, Burton, MI
• Leah Michelle Garczynski, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Plymouth, MI
• Kristen Jean Gury, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Canton, MI
• Thomas Weldon Sprecher III, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Computer Engineering, M.S. Electrical Engineering, Marietta, GA
• Felipe Antonio Villalobos, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, San Pablo, CA

The President’s Medal was first awarded in 1996. Recipients must exhibit extraordinary professionalism and job performance while engaged in their Co-op experience. A President’s Medalist must also demonstrate outstanding scholarship and have made notable contributions to ������Ƶ and the surrounding communities. 

Eight Kettering graduates earned the President’s Medal in 2024. They are:

• Henry Warren Grasman, B.S. Computer Engineering, M.S. Computer Engineering, Flushing, MI
• Kristen Jean Gury, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Canton, MI
• Ariana Elizabeth Hunt, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Monroe, MI
• David Gerald Kavanagh, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Shelby Township, MI
• Mattie Ann Reich, B.S. Computer Engineering, Flushing, MI
• Thomas Weldon Sprecher III, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Computer Engineering, M.S. Electrical Engineering, Marietta, GA
• Felipe Antonio Villalobos, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, San Pablo, CA
• Alayna Grace Wanless, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Unionville, MI

Every student who earns a Bachelor’s degree from ������Ƶ must satisfactorily complete a senior thesis. The thesis represents the culmination of a student’s academic experience. Two students earned Outstanding Thesis Awards this year for producing a thesis that exceeded the University’s highest expectations and expertly integrated theory and practice.

Lauryn Nicole Tithof, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Owosso, Michigan, earned a 2024 Outstanding Thesis Award for her work “Universalized H-Point Process” under Faculty Advisor Dr. Scott Grasman while in the Co-op program at Lear Corporation. Her thesis project replaced manual H-point testing with a semi-automated process that improved efficiency by as much as 84% and reduced the risk of injury by 100%. 

Alexandra Lakota Kekel, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Grand Blanc, Michigan, earned a 2024 Outstanding Thesis Award for her work during her Co-op employment at Munro & Associates Inc. in Troy, Michigan. As is sometimes the case when working on high-level projects and emerging technology, the company deemed her thesis confidential. Her Faculty Advisor, Dr. Bashar AbdulNour, said Kekel’s 309-page report is one of the most technically valuable and the best thesis he has ever seen. 

������Ƶ is known for its rigorous academic standards and challenging coursework. This year, 39 students met those challenges head-on, earning their degrees with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher, granting them summa cum laude status. They are:

• Mary Samantha Allen, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Westland, MI
• Kimberly Linnette Betty, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Flint, MI
• Parker J. Buszka, B.S. Computer Science, Farmington, MI
• Rebecca L. Dengel, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Bay City, MI
• Andrew Thomas Dixon, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Shelby Township, MI
• Anna Christine Dumanois, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Clio, MI
• Luke Patrick Fenstermacher, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Canton, MI
• Shannon Nicole Fillwock, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Grand Blanc, MI
• Taiden Rexford Foryt, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rochester, NY
• Jack William Gaddis, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Waterford, MI
• Joyce May Gaffner, B.S. Applied Biology, Ortonville, MI
• Bobby Rupesh Gandhi, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Shelby Township, MI
• Henry Warren Grasman, B.S. Computer Engineering, M.S. Computer Engineering, Flushing, MI
• Kristen Jean Gury, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Canton, MI
• Tyler J. Holdwick, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Harbor Beach, MI
• Emily Corinne Hong, B.S. Management, Marysville, MI
• Ariana Elizabeth Hunt, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Monroe, MI
• Parker Lee Jensen, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Holland, MI
• Spenser Alex Keys, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Huntington Woods, MI
• Mitchell Wallace Kusser, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Howell, MI
• Christopher George Mars, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Corunna, MI
• Lily Moran, B.S. Computer Science, Plymouth, MI
• Gregory Robert Morrill, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Flint, MI
• Sean Patrick Morse, B.S. Electrical Engineering, St. Johns, MI
• William Christian Kevin Moss, B.S. Computer Science, Freeport, MI
• Tanner P. Moszak, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Victor, NY
• William Chad Raines, B.S. Computer Science, Clarkston, MI
• Mattie Ann Reich, B.S. Computer Engineering, Flushing, MI
• Jared Patrick Robinson, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Flint, MI
• Jenna Michelle Salmen, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Schaumburg, IL
• Crystal Yaesong Smalligan, B.S. Management, Grand Rapids, MI
• Thomas Weldon Sprecher III, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Computer Engineering, M.S. Electrical Engineering, Marietta, GA
• Unya Chuanromanee Sripradisvarakul, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI
• Courtney Elizabeth Stone, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Lake Orion, MI
• Brady Marshall Tackabury, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Birch Run, MI
• Joel Anthony TenHaaf, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Caledonia, MI
• Lauryn Nicole Tithof, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Owosso, MI
• Alayna Grace Wanless, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Unionville, MI
• Allison Lynn Warners, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Jenison, MI

“There is not a better-prepared group of students in the country than the ������Ƶ students we honor today,” ������Ƶ Provost Dr. James Zhang said. “They are remarkable.”

������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) introduced the 26 Kettering students who represent the university’s inaugural class of The Michigander Scholars recipients, the largest incoming class total produced by any Michigan public or private university.

The program offers scholarships for $5,000 to $10,000 to qualifying Scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical or process engineer or software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months. Read more about program opportunities . 

They were honored as Kettering’s first-ever winners of the state’s coveted scholarship incentive in partnership with General Motors (13 students), Ford (5 students), BorgWarner (3 students), Bosch (3 students), ZF (1 student) and Hemlock Semiconductor (1 student).

Recognized are the ������Ƶ inaugural class of Michigander Scholars.

• GM – FULL-TIME AWARDS
  • Henry Grasman, Flushing, MI, Powers High School, Class of 2024, Computer Engineering
  • Alex Moening, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Drew Taylor, Fenton, MI, Fenton High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Matthew Veneziano, Jackson, MI, Western High School, Class of 2024, Computer Engineering
• GM – CO-OP AWARDS
  • Bryan Burkhardt, Goodrich, MI, Davison High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Nicholas Dodge, Canton, MI, Salem High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Ian Gibson, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • David Glover, St. Louis, MO, St. Mary’s High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Sophia Hazelwood, North Branch, MI, North Branch High School, Class of 2026, Computer Science
  • Brenden Londeau, White Lake, MI, International Academy West, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Roan Patrick, Milford, MI, International Academy, Class of 2026, Industrial Engineering
  • Ryan Stiles, Farmington Hills, MI, Farmington High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering  
  • Brandon Bednarz, South Lyon, MI, Dexter High School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
• FORD MOTOR COMPANY – FULL-TIME AWARDS
  • Jacqueline Kocik, Red Hook, NY, Red Hook Senior High School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Logan Taylor, DeWitt, MI, DeWitt High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Megan Wojciechowski, East Amherst, NY, Clarence High School, Mechanical Engineering
• FORD MOTOR COMPANY – CO-OP AWARDS
  • Matthew Attisha, Shelby Township, Utica Center for Math, Science, and Technology, Class of 2024, Computer and Electrical Engineering
  • Doug Ray, Rochester, MI, Stoney Creek High School, Class of 2025, Computer and Electrical Engineering
• BORGWARNER – CO-OP AWARDS
  • Mason Dalrymple, Blanchard, MI, Montabella High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • David Faulkner, Holly, MI, Holly High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jaydin Freeman, Auburn Hills, MI, Avondale High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
• BOSCH – CO-OP AWARDS
  • Lance Lipasek, Clinton Township, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jacob Nelson, Sterling Heights, MI, Cousino High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Frank Tilli, Clarkston, MI, Detroit Country Day High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
• ZF – CO-OP AWARD
  • Kevin Lawrence, Davison, MI, Davison High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR – CO-OP AWARD
  • Andres Flores, Saginaw, MI, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering

The Michigander Scholars program is the first of its kind in the U.S. and represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s major advanced manufacturing employers and universities.

“������Ƶ is proud to be the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Kettering President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan during a press conference at the campus that coincided with its spring employment fair, which included nearly 400 students connecting with over 100 companies from Michigan and other states.

“The Michigander Scholars program is a robust talent retention strategy that aligns with Kettering’s co-op model with the mission to provide real hands-on work experience promoting key careers and providing highly educated talent and graduates to fill in-demand jobs in Michigan’s high-tech industries,” McMahan said.

It’s one of many innovative solutions developed by the MEDC Talent Solutions division to help meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan’s major industries. 

The Michigander Scholars program offers top tech and engineering students in Michigan an exclusive close-up of the EV/mobility and semiconductor sectors, career guidance and job-seeking support, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Universities are provided with additional lines of sight into the skills that employers are looking for in students. And key employers across the state have early and direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and new postgrad positions. 

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough – we must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said MEDC  Executive Vice President & Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh.

The Michigander Scholars program presents a win-win-win scenario,” Ebersole Singh said.

“Michigan wins by promoting our advanced manufacturing employers, career opportunities, and top-tier universities. It’s a win for students at Michigan colleges, and Michiganders attending college out of state, to gain real-world, hands-on workforce training through paid internships. And it’s a win for our state’s innovative companies to develop talent pipelines that are fundamental to their success.”

In February, The Michigan Scholars program was expanded to make sophomores and graduate students eligible for scholarships and computer and process engineers were added as career roles. Also, the MEDC added ������Ƶ in Flint and Wayne State University in Detroit as new higher education partners, as well as several new employers, including Hemlock Semiconductor, SK Siltron CSS, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Mobis.

Those companies join existing employer partners participating in the program such as General Motors, Ford, Hemlock Semiconductor, BorgWarner, LG Energy Solutions and DENSO, while Kettering and Wayne State join the MEDC’s existing higher ed partnerships with Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University and the University of Michigan campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint.

The full list of employer and university participants in The Michigander Scholars program is at .

The MEDC’s aim is to improve on retaining college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy. The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy by the MEDC that will promote key careers, recruit talent and fill in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries that are key to helping grow the state’s population now and in the future.

Among the reasons the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council cited in its 2023 report for Michigan’s student exodus is a lack of access to internships and opportunities for meaningful on-the-job experience prior to entering the full-time workforce. In the absence of a clear track for career growth with a Michigan-based company, young talent will continue to seek high-paying jobs with employers in other states and regions with concentrated industries and networks of professionals, exacerbating the state’s existing labor shortage.

The benefits provided through The Michigander Scholars program is a start on the path toward reversing that trend, according to MEDC, Kettering and industry leaders. Kettering, for example, was selected among the nation’s best universities for co-ops and internships by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024 rankings.

CNN recently highlighted The Michigander Scholars program, , as among a trend of many states and cities that are seizing the opportunity to attract new residents through innovative incentives. From tax breaks to cash incentives, these programs are designed to attract a diverse range of talent and strengthen local economies.
 

������Ƶ, a leader in Cooperative STEM education, is excited to announce its participation in the State of Michigan’s prestigious "Michigander" Scholars program, and is the only private institution to be invited to join the initiative. The Michigander Scholars program, spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), aims to inspire and support college students aspiring to build careers in the electric vehicle (EV)/mobility or semiconductor industries.

Under the expanded Michigander Scholars program, ������Ƶ joins forces with its existing roster of esteemed Co-op employer partners, including BorgWarner, Bosch, DENSO, Ford, General Motors, Hemlock Semiconductor, MAGNA, Mahle, Our Next Energy, Toyota, and ZF along with the opportunity to connect with other program partners Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota. 

“������Ƶ is the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative, and we are thrilled that the MEDC recognizes our impact in the mobility and EV sectors. Since 1919, Kettering has prepared students for careers in the most cutting-edge high-tech fields,” said ������Ƶ President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan. 

“No one else does Co-op like Kettering where half of the college experience is hands-on classroom learning and half is paid Co-op employment. Leveraging our existing Co-op relationships with many of the MEDC’s partner employers makes our participation a win-win-win for our students, employers, and the State of Michigan,” McMahan said. “Kettering students are already found throughout these industries, and The Michigander Scholars program offers another tremendous opportunity to retain such talent here in Michigan.” 

Under the Michigander Scholars program, Kettering students can seize a $5,000 scholarship for Co-ops with eligible partner employers. Those who accept full-time positions after graduation are eligible for enhanced benefits, potentially receiving up to a $10,000 incentive. Importantly, graduates committing to live and work in Michigan for one year post-graduation will enjoy these enhanced scholarship benefits, contributing to the local workforce and promoting Michigan's prominence in these cutting-edge industries.

Managed by Kettering’s Co-op team in partnership with the MEDC’s Talent Solutions division, the Michigander Scholars program sets an ambitious goal. It aims to engage 500 students passionate about the EV/mobility or semiconductor industries by the end of 2024, with the target of approving 350 scholarship recipients in these fields by September 30. 

“The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy that will promote key careers, recruit talent and fill in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries that are key to helping grow our state’s population now and, in the future,” said MEDC Higher Education Partnerships Director Ava Attari. 

“We need to improve on retaining college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy, and The Michigander Scholars is a fundamental part of our strategy,” Attari said.

About The Michigander Scholars Program

The Michigander Scholars program focuses on Michigan university students earning technology or engineering degrees in career fields that are important to Michigan employers. As a Scholar, students participating in the program can earn a scholarship, as well as gain access to networking opportunities, industry education, internships, and jobs already fulfilled through Kettering’s Co-op program.

Priority degree programs for consideration include Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science.  Kettering and MEDC will consider other degrees, such as Chemical and Mechanical Engineering if the student works in related areas of EV/Mobility and/or Semiconductors. Concentrations such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, and AI will also be considered.

Active participants in The Michigander Scholars program are eligible in their sophomore, junior, and senior years to receive up to $10,000 in scholarships.

• Up to $5,000 in scholarship for each Co-op for up to two Co-ops after accepting a Co-op position with a participating partner company.
• Or $10,000 awarded to students who accept a full-time job offer from a participating partner company and commit to staying in Michigan for at least 12 months.

The Michigander Scholars program aligns Michigan’s focus industries and the MEDC industry-specialized Talent Action Teams to make sure students, universities, and employers are working toward common goals.