Kettering University

At the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference in Louisville, Kettering University students advanced deep into competition, with eight finalists emerging from a team of 13. The group secured a first-place finish, two second-place awards, multiple finalist honors, and 13 semifinal medals, reinforcing the strength of Kettering's applied business education.

Cameron Jozwik '27 presented his paper, Passive On-Device BLE Interference Detection Using TinyML, at the IEEE SaTC 2026 conference, showcasing a lightweight embedded system that detects Bluetooth interference in real time on constrained hardware. His work addresses a widespread but often overlooked issue affecting everyday and industrial connected devices, delivering a practical solution built for real-world deployment. The project reflects a clear shift from classroom learning to contributing to the field, demonstrating the ability to design systems that perform under real constraints.

Kettering University congratulates more than 200 students named to the Winter 2026 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."

A group of Kettering University students was inducted into Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), the international honor society for the computing and information disciplines. The 2026 induction recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to the field of computer science. Membership in Upsilon Pi Epsilon is reserved for students who rank among the top of their class in computing-related programs. Inductees are selected based on their academic performance, integrity, and potential for continued achievement in the discipline. Students inducted this term include Deanna Johnson, Jon Seibenick, Paige Field, Zach Melosh, Michael Hulka, Elizabeth Manuszak, Lizzie Sullivan, Janice James and Samantha Robinson. Abhi Sanikommu was also inducted. Through Kettering University's hands-on academic model, these students have developed the technical foundation and applied experience that position them for continued success in computing and related fields.

21 students have received Michigan's coveted scholarship incentives of $5,000 for Co-ops for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation Kettering University, founded in 1919 to support workforce and talent development, 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.

KUdos, Kettering University's collegiate robotics team, earned the Excellence Award, VEX-U's highest honor, at the California Baptist University Open on January 31 in Riverside, California. The award recognizes overall excellence in engineering documentation, design process, communication and on-field performance. Team members included: Nathan Nguyen '26, B-Section Team Captain, Lead Designer & Fabricator, 24" Drive Coach, Pit Crew Andrew Bolthouse '27, A-Section Team Captain, 15" Drive Coach, Technician Mactar Gueye '30, Programmer, Designer, 24" Driver Daniel Buddington '30, Pit Crew, 15" Driver The California Baptist University Open marked the first time this season the team combined judged recognition with a deep elimination run and top-tier skills performance at the same event.

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 welcomed the incoming B-Section class at its fall Convocation earlier this month. Held in the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center, the ceremony brought together 254 new students and their families to mark the official start of their Kettering experience. While many students hail from Michigan, the incoming class represents nearly 20 states and eight countries. Roughly half of the students have declared Mechanical Engineering as their intended major, with Electrical Engineering and Computer Science rounding out the top three. "By attending Kettering University, you've made a bold and exciting choice. One that now ties you to a proud tradition of excellence, of ambition, of transformation, both in and beyond the classroom," said University President Robert K. McMahan. "Here, you'll combine theory and practice in ways that prepare you not just for a job, but for a future you help define." As part of Kettering's signature 50/50 model, students will complete 11 weeks of intensive coursework on campus before heading to their first Co-op employment assignment, gaining professional experience that will set them apart in the job market. "To our new students: you're taking this first step with purpose, with courage, and with the full support of a community that believes in you," said Dr. McMahan. "This is your moment to explore who you are and begin to shape who you want to become."

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 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.

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 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.