174 students. Eleven teams. Six competitions. One trophy. Cranbrook’s computer science team came out on top — and showed why they’re ready to code their future.

Not everyone sees a coding competition as a proving ground. But the students who showed up for ������Ƶ’s first-ever Bulldog Battles? They weren’t like everyone else.

Over the course of six-weekday competitions held on the ������Ƶ campus, more than 170 students from 11 Michigan high schools went head-to-head in a series of team-based computer programming challenges. Powered by Ford Motor Company and Kettering’s Computer Science Department, the Bulldog Battles pushed students to collaborate under pressure, debug in real-time, and solve complex problems that mirrored the challenges of a modern tech career.

“It’s not about writing the perfect code the first time,” said Joni Applefield, co-president of Cranbrook’s Computer Science Club. “It’s about learning how to think differently — how to fail fast and try again.”

Applefield, a senior at Cranbrook, led her team to victory with a record-breaking score, helping the school earn top marks in both individual and team performance. Cranbrook students placed in the top three overall among all 174 competitors.

In his remarks at the trophy presentation, Chuck Gray ’87, Ford Motor Company Vice President of Vehicle Hardware Engineering, recalled how a similar experience inspired his own path.

“One day, you’re sitting in the audience. The next, you’re designing what’s next for the industry,” he said. “The recipe is simple: curiosity, capability, and a real-world education that starts before graduation. That’s what Kettering delivers.”

From Idea to Impact

The Bulldog Battles grew from the single-day hackathon that Kettering also held. But when Kettering’s enrollment and computer science teams imagined something bigger — six events, twelve schools, and a championship trophy — the idea gained momentum.

“We believed in the students,” said Chris Nelson, administrative specialist in Kettering’s Computer Science Department. “And we knew this kind of challenge could change the game.”

With financial support from Ford, Kettering purchased 50 new laptops, secured travel and supply resources, and brought high school teams from Saginaw, Macomb, Oxford, Holt, Lake Orion, and more to campus. General Determination — Kettering’s mascot — welcomed each team, and students received swag, lunch, and a whole day immersed in the campus culture and competition.

Kettering’s Model in Action

As teams rotated through problem-solving rounds, they found support in Kettering faculty, staff, and current students, many of whom are already earning patents, coding autonomous vehicles, and helping Co-op employers across the country innovate faster.

“We wanted high school students to see what’s possible here,” said Matt Fortescue, Director of Enrollment. “Our 50-50 academic and Co-op model is all about building real experience early, and these battles gave them a glimpse of that world.”

Big Wins, Bigger Lessons

In the final event, Cranbrook returned with a new lineup of younger teammates — sophomores stepping up after seniors passed the torch. They scored even higher than the original team and completed the only 50- and 60-point problems in the entire competition series.

“They’re already thinking like leaders,” Nelson said. “Not just about solving problems — but about passing on what they’ve learned.”

The trophy now lives on Cranbrook’s campus, a physical reminder of the resilience, collaboration, and competitive drive that define both the computer science students and Kettering.

Ready to take on your own challenge?
Start building your future with real work, real results, and real impact.
Learn more about Kettering’s Computer Science program.

Hosted at ������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 ������Ƶ, we’ve always existed to build the future of industry — and the talent that powers it,” she said.

Kettering’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 Kettering’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.

“Kettering 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 ������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.

The VEX Robotics State Championship returned to ������Ƶ on February 21 and 22, bringing together 80 teams and 800 of Michigan’s top robotics students for a fast-paced, high-stakes competition that challenged their technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

“������Ƶ is proud to host the VEX Robotics State Championship because we know the students competing today are the engineers, coders, and industry leaders of tomorrow,” said Kim Shumaker, Director of Robotics Outreach & Robotics Center at ������Ƶ. “VEX students already think like Kettering students — they thrive on solving complex problems, working hands-on, and pushing their skills to the next level. That’s exactly what we do at Kettering.”

This premier robotics event was the culmination of a season of regional qualifiers, where top teams from across Michigan earned their place to compete for a chance to advance to the VEX World Championship. 

The VEX Robotics Competition challenged teams of high school students to design, build, and program robots to complete a specific game challenge. This year’s game, High Stakes, required teams to strategically maneuver their robots to score points by completing a series of technical and tactical objectives.

Teams competed in qualification matches Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, after which they were ranked based on their performance. The top-ranked teams then formed alliances and advanced to the elimination tournament, where they battled head-to-head in a bracket-style playoff leading to the championship match.

In addition to the main tournament, teams competed in the Skills Challenge, in which they attempted to score as many points as possible in driver-controlled and autonomous robot programming modes. Success in this event provided additional pathways to move on in competition. The following teams earned the ability to compete at the VEX World Championship this May in Texas:

• Team #39H “HNS” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
• Team #244D “RoboDawgs: Detritus” from Grandville Community Education in Grandville
• Team #7760X “Airplane Mode” from Bloomfield Hills
• Team #39V “Volt” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
• Team #248A “RoboDawgs: Starfall” from Grandville Robotics in Grandville
• Team #8626K “KACHIGGA” from Grand Rapids
• Team #36620A “Blue Crew” from Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville
• Team #39K “Rest in Pieces” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
• Team #11591S “Siege” from Plainwell High School in Plainwell
• Team #3333W “Power of the Square” from Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac

Consumers Energy was the event’s title sponsor this year, reinforcing its commitment to investing in Michigan’s future STEM leaders.

“Consumers Energy knows our customers count on us every day for reliable energy, and we’re counting on the next generation of Michigan students to join us in our commitment to Michigan,” said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric grid design. “We’re excited to partner with ������Ƶ for the VEX championship and to cheer on student teams who are showing off their work in the High Stakes competition.”

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) sponsored the Robot Safety Award. “A3 was honored to support the 2025 VEX Robotics State Championship at Kettering University. Youth robotics competitions play a crucial role in preparing students to become an integral part of the future workforce in Robotics, AI, Smart Manufacturing, and Automation. Through their schools, communities, and clubs, students collaborated as teams to design, build, test, and operate robots — developing essential skills that align with the needs of more than 1,300 A3 member companies worldwide,” Said Ritch Ramey, A3 Director of Education. “Beyond building robots, these students gained the ability to create intelligent systems that can see, feel, sense, and make autonomous decisions. These critical skills set them on a path to high-paying and rewarding careers in advanced technology fields. This competition was more than just an event; it was a launch pad for future innovators and industry leaders. I commend all participants for their dedication and hard work.”

Now, in the second year of a three-year hosting partnership, Kettering has continued to expand the impact of the championship. More than just a competition, the event introduced students to Kettering’s hands-on learning environment and industry-driven Co-op program, providing a direct connection between their passion for robotics and future career opportunities.

9:30 a.m. - 2025 Commencement Ceremony 

Atwood Stadium, ������Ƶ

For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be live-streamed.

*In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may be delayed until later in the day on Saturday, June 21, or it may be moved to Sunday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m. The weather call will be made at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, and updates will be provided via email to participating graduates and on the University's Social Media Accounts.

Tesla moves fast. The company’s pace is relentless, a constant cycle of iteration, problem-solving, and reinvention. So when Tesla recruiters and engineers visited ������Ƶ, they weren’t just looking for students who could crunch numbers or ace a test.

They were looking for builders.

“Show us what you’ve done, not just where you’ve worked,” recruiter Libby Jones told students during Tesla Day on February 5. “We don’t just want to see job titles. We want to know what problems you’ve solved, what projects you’ve taken ownership of, and how you’ve pushed yourself to be better.”

That's what Kettering students already do every day. From day one, they’re thrown into a world where they’re expected to contribute, build, test, and improve. Through the University’s signature Co-op program, they step out of the classroom and into engineering teams tackling real-world problems. Whether it’s Formula SAE, Baja, autonomous systems, or electric vehicles, Kettering students don’t just theorize — they execute.

That’s exactly what Tesla is looking for.

"At Kettering, we don’t just set students up for jobs — we create opportunities for them to prove what they can do,” said Enza Sleva, ������Ƶ's Chief Student Experience Officer. “Our role is to get them in front of the right people, in the right places, with the right experiences to back them up. When Tesla comes looking for builders, we know our students are ready to show what they’ve done."

One of the key themes of the visit was evidence of excellence — Tesla’s guiding principle for evaluating potential hires. It’s not about checking boxes on a resume; it’s about proving that a candidate has the drive, adaptability, and ingenuity to thrive in an environment that demands constant improvement.

Thad Ayres M’08, a Kettering alumnus and senior manager of semi service at Tesla, knows that expectation firsthand. “The evidence of exceptional ability — that’s the most important requirement. As a hiring manager at Tesla, if you can’t answer that, I can’t answer that for you. You don’t go to the next round, whether it’s a resume review or an interview. You have to have an answer for that.”

During the visit, Tesla’s engineers shared stories of their career paths — some conventional, some anything but. One had spent 13 years in satellite communications before pivoting to electric trucks. Another moved from automation and robotics to factorywide production systems. What they all had in common was a hunger to solve problems, an ability to adapt quickly, and a willingness to dive into the unknown.

It’s that same mindset that fuels Kettering’s approach to education. The University produces more than graduates. It creates engineers, innovators, and leaders who can thrive in high-stakes environments where change is the only constant.

Tesla moves fast. Kettering students do, too. And for those ready to prove they can build, solve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, the opportunities are there.

Looking for a more interactive university tour at Kettering? Our Bulldog Preview Days are an excellent opportunity to learn more about our admissions process and Co-op program. You will have lunch at Battenburg Café with faculty, staff, and current students. During a portion of the lunch, there will be an optional student panel. Students will get hands-on experience in a lab, and parents will learn more about financing a college education. You will end the day with a guided tour of our campus.

Our Next Bulldog Preview Date is 2/17/2025. Register today.

Curious about what it's like to be a ������Ƶ student? Join us for Bulldog for a Day, where you'll spend time with current students, attend real college classes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant campus life that makes Kettering unique.

Join us for the program running from February 3 to March 14. Secure your spot today—space is limited and filling up fast.

A daily campus tours will include a walking university tour to explore campus with a current Kettering student and meet with an admissions counselor. These campus tours are held on weekdays and last about two hours.

A group visit will include an admissions presentation and a 45-minute walking tour of the campus led by a current student. The admissions presentation will offer general information about ������Ƶ, including campus life, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities.

On December 12, ������Ƶ celebrated the outstanding achievements of its faculty and staff at the 2024 Celebration of Excellence. The event recognized individuals who exemplify the University’s core values of respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

“Living our values isn’t evident in just one person or one department — it is in all of us,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ������Ƶ. “Today, we celebrate and honor the collective contributions of our faculty and staff who work tirelessly — and without fanfare.” 

Charles F. Kettering III Bulldog Award

Named in honor of Charles F. Kettering III, grandson of the University’s founder, the Bulldog Award recognizes employees who go above and beyond in their roles. Recipients demonstrate tenacity, resilience, and a commitment to the University’s mission, embodying the determined spirit of Kettering’s bulldog mascot.

• Myra Lumpkin, Director of Student Life Student Affairs — Honored for her student-first approach and unwavering dedication to student well-being, fostering an environment where students feel supported and valued.
• Cheri Taylor, Welcome Center Associate Director — Celebrated for her meticulous attention to detail and passion for ensuring the success of recruitment and campus events, along with her steadfast support of University initiatives.
• Jeremy Sanders, University Events Planner — Recognized for his exceptional creativity and collaborative spirit, consistently exceeding expectations in his execution of events and enhancing the overall campus experience.

Research Awards

These awards honor groundbreaking research and innovation that enhance Kettering’s reputation as a leader in engineering, science, and applied research.

• Faculty Fellowships: Awarded to faculty members conducting innovative projects across diverse fields, including advanced manufacturing, AI, sustainable materials, and biomedical engineering. Recipients include Drs. Yufi Li, Javad Baqersad, Osama Aljarrah, Changxi Bai, Demet Usanmaz, and a collaborative team led by Drs. Asanga Manamperi and Sihe Zhang.
• Outstanding New Researcher Award: Dr. Seyed Jamaleddin Mostafavi Yazdi was honored for his pioneering work in mechanics of materials and scientific machine learning.
• Outstanding Researcher Award: Dr. Diane Peters was recognized for her sustained excellence in modeling and controls, reflecting years of dedicated inquiry and application.
• Outstanding Applied Researcher Award: Dr. Jungme Park was celebrated for impactful work in AI, autonomous driving, and intelligent systems, with results that directly benefit industry and society.
• Distinguished Researcher Award: Dr. Theresa Atkinson was commended for over a decade of contributions to biomedical engineering and injury prevention, advancing healthcare and safety.
• Rodes Professorship: Awarded to Dr. Michael Callahan for his profound research on chemical weapons and international policy, reflecting scholarly achievement and leadership.

True Kettering Staff Awards

The True Kettering Staff Awards honor individuals who live the University’s core values of respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration, and excellence. These employees consistently exceed expectations and inspire others.

• Michele Williams, Admissions Communication Plan Specialist — Recognized for her collaborative efforts and dedication to driving innovative projects, often overcoming challenges to achieve exceptional results.
• Heidi Arvin, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory Technician — Celebrated for her inclusive leadership, commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, and significant contributions to cross-disciplinary initiatives.
• Drew Kirtek, Natural Sciences Laboratory Manager — Honored for his reliability, creativity, and ability to inspire through research collaborations, educational outreach, and tireless support for University programs.

������Ƶ Online Instructor of the Year

The ������Ƶ Online Instructor of the Year Award celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence in virtual learning environments, going beyond to inspire and guide their students.

• Dr. Joy Gianakura-Allen was recognized for her impactful teaching and leadership, fostering personal connections with students, and offering valuable insights that shape future leaders.

Teaching Awards

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) acknowledges faculty members who excel in pedagogy, student engagement, and educational innovation:

• CETL Distinguished Faculty Service Award: Dr. Diane Peters, for her leadership in student success initiatives and active engagement with professional organizations.
• Outstanding Teaching Awards:
  • Mr. Alan Maestri — Commended for his enthusiasm, adaptability, and ability to inspire a love for mathematics among students.
  • Dr. Corneliu Rablau — Celebrated for his engaging teaching methods and innovative use of technology in physics education.
  • Dr. Mehrdad Zadeh — Honored for fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in computer engineering.
• Terrell Teaching Innovation Grant: Dr. Torsten Maier, for exploring the use of AI to create dynamic and personalized learning experiences.

High Five Awards

Newly added in 2024, the High Five Awards recognize employees who exemplify exceptional teamwork, positive energy, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative campus culture. This year’s recipients, chosen for their outstanding contributions to the University’s recognition program, are:

• Joe Bellor, Senior Shipping/Receiving Clerk
• Leighton Chappell, University Events & Ceremonies Coordinator
• Dotti Gouine, Digital Marketing Manager
• Chris Nelson, Computer Science Administrative Specialist
• Jeremy Sanders, University Events & Ceremonies Planner 

Staff Recognition Awards

������Ƶ recognized the dedication of employees who have reached significant career milestones. Starting with the longest-serving members, honorees included:

• 40 years: Dr. Joe Salacuse.
• 35 years: Scott Cohoon and Irene Putnam.
• 30 years: Patricia Brown, Brady Fair, Dr. Leszek Gawarecki, Michelle Gebhardt, Dr. Jeffrey Hargrove, Kelly Holmquist, Gerald Kozlowski, and Dr. Lihua Wang.
• 25 years: Dr. Ezekiel Gebissa, Dr. Craig Hoff, Susan Lafeldt, and Dr. Arnaldo Mazzei Jr.
• 20 years: Erin Bolton, Kevin Isom, and Dr. Nozar Tabrizi.
• 15 years: Bonnie Switzer and Dr. Mehrdad Zadeh.
• 10 years: Pam Batra, Douglas Bourassa, Dr. Farnaz Ghazi Nezami, Dr. Ronald Tackett, and Dr. James Zhang.
• 5 years: Lauren Arant, Anjali Barnick, Lindsey Baxter, Melanie Bazil, Professor Kristy Brinker Brouwer, Courtney Cooney, Sharrie Creasey Thorpe, Harold Dumanois, Dr. Babak Elahi, Dr. David Foster, Scott Gray, Professor John Grether, Dr. Janie Jacobs, Scott Laforest, Matthew Mead, Craig Niswonger, S.E. Pavlica, Shaeanne Riedel, Laurie Schaibly, Kimberly Shumaker, and Eric Szczepanski.

Additionally, the University welcomed 31 new employees who began their careers at Kettering in the past year.

In closing, Dr. McMahan reiterated the importance of the work being done at the University: “Your collective work, your belief in our Kettering educational process, and your commitment to our students, alumni, and our community truly make a difference.” 

Not everyone has what it takes to tackle a challenge with this much impact. Kettering students do.

When Maggie Simons saw an opportunity to make Flint greener, she didn’t wait for someone else to step up. A hands-on leader and relentless problem solver, Simons inspired a team of Kettering volunteers to plant 230 trees in just two hours, partnering with the Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC) to enhance the environment around Potter Elementary School on the city’s northeast side.

This effort was more than a day of digging — it was part of a broader initiative to restore Flint’s natural ecosystems and improve water quality. These trees will help stabilize soil, filter rainwater, and prevent standing water where bacteria thrive. It’s a long-term solution made possible by student volunteers ready to lead.

Simons worked closely with FRWC to set the date, recruit volunteers, and coordinate logistics. Drawing support from Greek Life and international students, she brought together a team that reflected Kettering’s culture: collaborative, driven, and ready to work hard.

“I didn’t think we’d finish this fast,” volunteers marveled after completing the project in record time. The experience united students from across campus, demonstrating what Bulldogs are built to do: take on challenges, make a measurable impact, and look to what’s next.

Simons is already planning another initiative with her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, for spring 2025. Inspired by this event’s success, she aims to mobilize even more students to continue environmental restoration in Flint.

For more information about FRWC and how to get involved, visit.