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.

For ������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 Kettering’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 Kettering’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 ������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 Kettering graduates apart in industry.”

The vision for the robotic cell began with Sam Hoff ’90, CEO of Patti Engineering. As a Kettering 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 Kettering faculty, they brought the concept to life.

“We are proud to support ������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 Kettering 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.”

������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 - ������Ƶ proudly announces it has received a  $1 million gift from Wen Han and his wife, Jessie Jia, on behalf of , a Silicon Valley-based leader in heavy-duty electric vehicle innovation. This gift by the Windrose Technology founder and CEO and coordinated by Kettering 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.

“������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, ������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 Kettering’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 ������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 Kettering 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 Kettering. 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 ������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 Kettering this year.

The donation also underscores the value of Kettering’s unique “hands-on, minds-on” Co-op education model. “The Kettering 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 Kettering 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 ������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 Kettering's commitment to sustainability in .

The ������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 ������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 Kettering 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 Kettering 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 ������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 Kettering’s outstanding programs, creating opportunities for them to envision their future here with us.”

For ������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 ������Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association
The Kettering/GMI Alumni Association (KGMIAA) unites alumni in support of ������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 Kettering/GMI, with no membership fees required. The KGMIAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at kettering.edu/alumni.

More info coming soon!

������Ƶ/GMI alumni are invited to join President Robert K. McMahan during the 2025 WCX for a networking reception.

Detroit Athletic Club Reading Room
241 Madison St., Detroit
Wednesday, April 17
5:30 - 7 p.m.

Business dress is required. The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, April 2.

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

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������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

SAE International recently named Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed ’86 as its new Chief Executive Officer. In her role that begins January 6, 2025, Dr. El-Sayed will lead SAE International and its affiliate organizations, including the Performance Review Institute and SAE ITC, as they continue to advance mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity.

Dr. El-Sayed’s connection to SAE is personal and professional. “It is incredibly exciting to return to the mobility community which launched my career,” she said. “I am deeply honored to have been selected as CEO and am looking forward to listening, learning, and working together to reach our full potential.”

A graduate of General Motors Institute, now ������Ƶ, Dr. El-Sayed began her journey as a Co-op student, working as a truck engineer at GM while earning her degree in mechanical engineering. This foundational experience in Kettering’s hallmark co-op program taught her to approach challenges with focus and purpose — qualities that have defined her decades-long career.

Dr. El-Sayed went on to become a professor of mechanical engineering at ������Ƶ, where she spent 18 years educating and inspiring future engineers. For part of that time, she also served as Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Her leadership career extended well beyond Kettering. As CEO of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), she led the organization through significant growth and alignment. She also has a history of public service, serving as chair of Michigan’s Truck Safety Commission and working on advisory committees that have resulted in bipartisan safety legislation.

Dr. El-Sayed is recognized nationally as a trailblazer in engineering and education. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. El-Sayed to the SAE International Organization,” said Carla Bailo, Board President of SAE International. “Her background in engineering education and mobility technology will drive SAE to better deliver on our mission for our customers. Her past success as CEO demonstrates her drive to pursue excellence at all levels.” 

Eric Jacuzzi '08
Vice President of Vehicle Performance NASCAR

In response to recent dramatic crashes at Daytona International Speedway and Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR has launched innovative aerodynamic enhancements to keep cars grounded during high-speed spins — and a ������Ƶ graduate is leading the way.  Eric Jacuzzi ’08 (Mechanical Engineering) has served as NASCAR’s vice president of vehicle performance since January 2023, leading the Research and Development team through the introduction of crucial modifications to the cars’ design. These changes include enlarging roof rails to disrupt airflow during spins and implementing a small triangular “parachute” on the right-side roof flap. Additionally, a new side skirt has been added to help reduce pressure underneath the vehicle.

“We went to work here at the R&D center using CFD and wind tunnels to essentially see what we can do,” Jacuzzi said. “We want that liftoff speed as high as we can get it to keep the cars on the ground.”

The new features are designed to significantly increase the cars’ takeoff speed by 25% during sideways spins, a vital improvement in reducing the risk of airborne crashes. The enhancements will be implemented for all superspeedway races, ensuring a safer environment for drivers and teams.

NASCAR’s commitment to safety continues with ongoing research and development. Jacuzzi and his team are determined to build on these initial improvements, aiming for a future where long-drawn-out car flips become a relic of the past.

In addition to a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from ������Ƶ, Jacuzzi holds a master’s and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and North Carolina State University, respectively.

On October 17, 2024, ������Ƶ hosted its prestigious Evening of Distinction & Determination at The Daxton Hotel, an event dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements of its alumni and the generosity of its donors. The event, held in partnership with the Kettering/GMI Alumni Association, featured a networking reception, awards, and donor recognition, which were the highlights of this celebration of the University’s legacy of excellence. This year’s celebration recognized the 2024 Kettering/GMI Alumni Award winners and the generous donors who support the University’s mission. "Kettering is known for producing leaders, and this year’s awardees are fantastic representations of what Kettering does so well," said Jennifer Patterson, Vice President for University Advancement and External Relations.

Ronald “Ron” Pirtle ’77 received the Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award for his exceptional career in the automotive industry, including serving as president of Delphi Powertrain and Delphi Europe. Beginning his journey with General Motors in 1972, Pirtle held various leadership positions, culminating in a career marked by significant contributions and a commitment to excellence. “I always challenge myself to set really high personal standards for myself but also to set high standards for my team and the company that I was leading,” Pirtle said. “People are what make it possible to achieve those high marks.”

Wendy Bauer ’98 was honored with the Extraordinary Leadership Award. As Group President of 3M Transportation and Electronics Business Group, she oversees the company’s advanced materials, automotive and aerospace, commercial branding, display materials and systems, electronics materials solutions, and transportation divisions. Throughout her career, Bauer’s passion has come from building and inspiring globally diverse organizations to learn and grow while innovating with customers and partners to solve complex challenges. “When you're faced with an opportunity, and you find yourself pausing or saying, ‘Do I have what it takes to be successful?’ — the second you find yourself pausing is when you just need to go for it,” Bauer said. “Take a bet on yourself.”

The Engineering Achievement Award was presented to Edward “Ed” Tate, Ph.D. ’90, a trailblazer in renewable energy. As Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Virtus Solis Technologies, Tate’s career spanned three decades, including pivotal roles in developing GM’s first commercial electric vehicle. His work continues to influence sustainable energy solutions, with 41 patents to his name. He advised others to take risks. “There are a lot of frontiers that are opening up, and the pace of innovation is just going to increase,” Tate said. “There are a lot of opportunities for somebody who wants to make a mark in the world and really make it a better place.”

Thadeus “Thad” Eby ’02 received the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award for his role as Founder and CEO of Ombud, a software company revolutionizing document management and collaboration. Eby’s leadership has fostered a vibrant startup culture in Denver, earning Ombud recognition as one of Colorado’s notable companies. “I’m a big believer that you, as an entrepreneur, your number one goal should be giving back more than you take,” Eby said.

Nina (Dombrausky) Leask ’87 was awarded the Civic Achievement Award for her selfless contributions to the Muskegon community. Nina’s initiatives, including managing a Little Free Library and volunteering at local charities, reflect her commitment to enriching the lives of those around her. She shared her philosophy on volunteerism. “What’s most fulfilling about it is knowing you’re making a positive difference and that you’re able to use the skills that you have, or that I’ve gained over time, and the interest to really know I’m making a difference in my community and an individual and an organization,” Leask said.

The Human Relations Award was given to Sabin Blake ’99, who dedicated himself to supporting the LGBTQ+ community through his work with organizations, including the Ruth Ellis Center and GMPLUS. His efforts were instrumental in promoting inclusivity and community health. Blake says his experience studying abroad while at Kettering changed his life. “I was a part of the second group that went abroad to study in Europe, and I completely fell in love with the experience of being abroad, so I decided to move and switch my Co-op, so I wrote my thesis there, and it made me a global citizen, where the entire world became accessible to me through my experience at Kettering,” Blake said.

Harris Ng ’95, a Partner at Kearney Inc., received the Alumni Service Award for his outstanding volunteer work with the University, helping to engage alumni and mentor students. He shared his advice for students. “Take advantage of your time and your youth. You only get your youth and your energy one time," Ng said. “So take advantage of it. Try different things, try to learn things, try to experience different things.”

Lastly, the Young Alumni Award went to Amy (Allison) MacDonald ’15, an Engineering Group Manager at General Motors. Amy’s rapid ascent in the automotive industry and active involvement in professional organizations demonstrate her commitment to leadership and community. She spoke highly of her time at Kettering. “The cooperative experience while taking classes served to ingrain the academic principles into me through their practical application,” MacDonald said. “I was able to experience the relevance and usefulness of my education in real-time, which you simply cannot get at institutions that do not have experiential learning programs.”

An Evening of Distinction & Determination not only celebrated outstanding alumni but also recognized the visionary donors whose generosity drives ������Ƶ’s progress. Their support strengthens the University’s legacy of empowering leaders in engineering, business, and technology — leaders who shape industries and transform futures. This year, 21 donors joined the President’s Circle, recognizing gifts of $10,000 or more or planned gifts of $25,000 or more. The General Determination Society welcomed 17 new members for contributions of $25,000 or planned gifts of $50,000 or more. Seventeen donors joined the Founders Society, honoring gifts of $50,000 or more or planned gifts of $100,000 or more.

Five donors became part of the Innovator Society, which celebrates gifts of $100,000 or more, while another five joined the 1919 Society, recognizing contributions of $250,000 or more. “Many alumni have had very successful careers in a variety of fields,” said Keith Ridler ’75, a new 1919 Society member.  “It started with a Kettering degree, which opened up many opportunities for them.  I would encourage other alumni to consider setting up a scholarship to enable Kettering to offer a valuable, hands-on, and affordable education for future generations of students.”

At the Scholars Society level, two donors were honored for gifts of $500,000 or planned gifts of $1,000,000 or more. Finally, two donors joined the Bell Tower Society, Kettering’s highest giving level, reserved for gifts of $1,000,000 or more or planned gifts of $2,000,000 or more.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Robert K. McMahan, ������Ƶ President, shared a call to action for other alumni. “As significant as our achievements have been, to remain relevant and accessible to students in the future, we must be far, far more ambitious, so ultimately, this evening and all that we celebrate tonight is about forging that new ambitious future,” Dr. McMahan said. “We must never stop looking and moving forward. Together, if we continue to believe and invest in our students like previous generations invested in us, we will together create that new future.”