Kettering University

Kettering University congratulates more than 230 students named to the Summer 2025 Dean's List. The Dean's List recognizes overall academic performance based on the student's term grade point average (GPA). To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must satisfy the following requirements: be a degree-seeking student with a minimum term grade point average of 3.5, no grades below B, and a minimum of 16 earned credits for the term. "Being named to the Dean's List is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our students," Kettering University Provost James Zhang said. "It reflects their hard work and their ability to thrive in a challenging academic environment. Our rigorous programs are designed for driven students to push boundaries and inspire growth. I am very proud that so many of our students have risen to that challenge with remarkable success."

Three Kettering University students took first place in the FinTech track at Hack Dearborn 4, a hackathon hosted on October 11th and 12th, 2025, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Andrew Ricard, Ansh Suryavanshi, and Melvin Cloud earned the top honor in their track for developing the E-Ink Gift Card, a secure, battery-free, NFC-enabled card featuring an e-ink display that updates dynamically when tapped. Unlike traditional cards, the E-Ink Gift Card displays no static card numbers. Instead, its identifiers are fully tokenized and encrypted. Each transaction generates a temporary cryptogram used only during authentication, ensuring card data cannot be copied or reused. The design also enables secure reloading and activation through an accompanying mobile app or point-of-sale system, providing transparent, auditable control for users and merchants alike. Organized in partnership with Major League Hacking (MLH), Hack Dearborn 4 brought together students from across the region for more than 24 hours of coding, collaboration, and problem-solving. The event featured workshops led by Google engineers, networking opportunities, and challenges spanning a range of technical domains, including artificial intelligence and financial innovation.

Kettering University recognized five Esports athletes for their outstanding performance, leadership, and dedication during the 2024-2025 academic year. Now in its second year, this annual recognition highlights students who consistently demonstrate drive, teamwork, and initiative, qualities that set them apart within the growing Esports program. Each recipient received a trophy as a token of appreciation for their commitment and leadership, underscoring Kettering's continued support of student excellence both in and out of the arena. "These awards are still new to our program, but they've quickly become an important way to recognize our students who truly step up," said Daniel Nowaczyk, Director of Esports. "Throughout the year, these athletes have demonstrated excellence in their roles, from strong in-game performance and team leadership to their flexibility and determination to make a positive impact."

Kettering University celebrates the induction of 13 new members of Pi Tau Sigma, the international honor society for mechanical engineers. Pi Tau Sigma recognizes outstanding academic achievement and commitment to the highest ideals of mechanical engineering. Membership is reserved for students who exemplify innovation, dedication, and leadership, qualities that drive Kettering's legacy of building the future. These Bulldogs have proven they possess the qualities necessary to excel, and their membership in Pi Tau Sigma is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence. Congratulations to these newest members of Pi Tau Sigma!

On Monday, September 15, 2025, Kettering University recognized 42 of its newest inductees into the Order of the Engineer, a national fellowship that unites engineers across the country in their dedication to integrity, responsibility, and service to society. During the Ring Ceremony, held in Kettering's Academic Building, students formally accepted the Obligation of the Engineer, a lifelong pledge to practice their profession with honesty, impartiality, and a commitment to the public good. Each student received a stainless-steel ring, worn on the little finger of the working hand, as a visible reminder of both personal accountability and the unity of the profession. This was the largest A-Section induction since records began in 2006, with the exception of 2021, when both sections were combined due to Covid. The Order of the Engineer was first established in the United States in 1970 at Cleveland State University, inspired by the Canadian Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer. Since then, the fellowship has expanded nationwide, reinforcing the values of ethical leadership and service that are central to the profession.

Kettering University awarded eight President's Medals during its 2025 Honors Banquet to students demonstrating excellence in cooperative employment, scholarship, and community engagement. "Kettering University stands out among all of higher education as an institution that provides the very best education and career preparation combined, and these graduates embody the concept of mastery that underlies our entire educational model," University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan said. "This world needs their talents and abilities, their energy, their service, their determined focus, and their spirit. They have navigated college years through turbulent and uncertain times - but also with grace, grit, and resilience. And they have done so successfully." Since its founding in 1919, Kettering University has continually brought STEM-focused learning to life. Through a 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, Kettering students work shoulder-to-shoulder with professors and industry leaders and enter the job market with 2.5 years of on-the-job experience upon graduation.

Maggie Simons ('25, Chemical Engineering) earned the Spring 2025 Outstanding Thesis Award from Kettering University. The Outstanding Thesis Award recognizes exceptional performance in Kettering's Senior Thesis Project. Candidates for this award must have received a grade of "Pass with Distinction" on their thesis and be nominated by their faculty advisers. "Kettering University stands out among all of higher education as an institution that provides the very best education and career preparation combined, and these graduates embody the concept of mastery that underlies our entire educational model," University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan said. "This world needs their talents and abilities, their energy, their service, their determined focus, and their spirit. They have navigated college years through turbulent and uncertain times - but also with grace, grit, and resilience. And they have done so successfully." Since its founding in 1919, Kettering University has continually brought STEM-focused learning to life. Through a 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, Kettering students work shoulder-to-shoulder with professors and industry leaders and enter the job market with 2.5 years of on-the-job experience upon graduation.

Kettering University proudly recognizes students from the B-Section Physics program who were honored at the annual Physics Awards Ceremony on June 9, 2025. These awards celebrate academic excellence, leadership in service, and honor society induction in the field of physics and astronomy.

Kettering University welcomed the incoming A-Section class on July 10, launching their journey into a rigorous STEM education that blends academic excellence with professional impact. Held in the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center, the Summer Convocation ceremony brought together 127 new students and their families to mark the official start of their Kettering experience. While many students hail from Michigan, the incoming class represents 20 states and 17 nations. Nearly half of the new students have declared Mechanical Engineering as their intended major, with Electrical Engineering and Computer Science rounding out the top three. The incoming class begins its journey at a pivotal moment for the university. "Today's convocation comes at a time of exciting growth and evolution for Kettering University," said Dr. James Zhang, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "And you represent our future." As part of Kettering's signature 50/50 model, A-Section students will complete 11 weeks of intensive coursework on campus before heading to their first Co-op employment assignment in October, gaining real-world experience that will set them apart in the job market. From the start, students apply what they learn in the classroom and lab to real-world settings, and bring their experiences from industry back to enrich their academic discussions. "By joining the Kettering family, you have taken steps toward an incredible career and a bright future," Zhang said. "We don't just educate engineers-we build industry leaders and entrepreneurs."

At Kettering University, robotics isn't just a competition - it's a proving ground for innovation. Kettering's VEX U team, KUdos, showcased their abilities at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship in Houston, where they brought home the prestigious Excellence Award and the Energy Award.

27 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 Kettering University, 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.

The Eta Eta chapter of the Order of Omega initiated nine new members on September 9. The Order of Omega is the premier leadership honor society for members of fraternity and sorority organizations. The Order of Omega recognizes upperclassmen who have exemplified high standards in scholarship, leadership, and involvement within their respective organization and the campus and local community. Members share the common goal of recognizing outstanding student leaders.

Kettering University recognized its summa cum laude graduates during its 2024 Honors Banquet on June 14. Summa cum laude students earned a grade point average of 3.90 or higher. This achievement represents the highest academic distinction. "Kettering University stands out among all of higher education as an institution that provides the very best education and career preparation combined, and these graduates embody the concept of mastery that underlies our entire educational model," University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan said. "This world needs their talents and abilities, their energy, their service, their determined focus, and their spirit. They have navigated college years through turbulent and uncertain times - but also with grace, grit, and resilience. And they have done so successfully." Since its founding in 1919, Kettering University has continually brought STEM-focused learning to life. Through a 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, Kettering students work shoulder-to-shoulder with professors and industry leaders and enter the job market with 2.5 years of on-the-job experience upon graduation.

Kettering University awarded 418 bachelor's degrees during its 2024 commencement ceremony on June 15, setting the stage for these graduates to take on roles as leaders and innovators in a breadth of industries and areas ranging from mobility, new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, to AI and sustainability. "Kettering University stands out among all of higher education as an institution that provides the very best education and career preparation combined, and these graduates embody the concept of mastery that underlies our entire educational model," University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan said. "This world needs their talents and abilities, their energy, their service, their determined focus, and their spirit. They have navigated college years through turbulent and uncertain times - but also with grace, grit, and resilience. And they have done so successfully." Alumnus and Regional President of Caesars Entertainment Sean McBurney '03 (Mechanical Engineering) delivered the 2024 Commencement address. A business leader who rolled the dice on a non-traditional application of his expertise, McBurney oversees hotel, gaming, food and beverage, retail, surveillance, security operations, marketing, and human resources operations for nine of Caesars Entertainment's properties in the Las Vegas region. Over the last two years, the region set an all-time revenue record. McBurney received an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration during the 2024 Commencement ceremony. His advice to graduates? "Your success is limited only by your imagination," McBurney said. "I had an extraordinary education here. You have had an extraordinary education here. You have developed a skillset, discipline, and experience that can set you on virtually any career path you desire." Since its founding in 1919, Kettering University has continually brought STEM-focused learning to life. Through a 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, Kettering students work shoulder-to-shoulder with professors and industry leaders and enter the job market with 2.5 years of on-the-job experience upon graduation.

Kettering University announced the new student leaders of the Kettering Student Government for the Spring 2024 Term.

Two Kettering University professors and a graduate student authored a research paper that won first place at the Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Society International's International Conference on Smart Mobility and Vehicle Electrification.