Kettering University

Kettering University honored eight Sobey Scholar recipients, an award reserved for students inducted into an academic honor society and Kettering's Robot Society, during the 2026 Celebration of Distinguished Scholars on June 19.

Kettering University recognized its summa cum laude graduates during its 2026 Celebration of Distinguished Scholars on June 19. 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 eight President's Medals at its 2026 Celebration of Distinguished Scholars to students who demonstrated 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 their college years through turbulent, 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 recently recognized nine student leaders with Bronze, Silver, and Gold Keys from the Robot Honor Society, one of the University's oldest and most prestigious honor societies. During a private luncheon ceremony held in the first week of June, current members of the Robot Society honored students who exemplify creative leadership, service beyond self, and responsible citizenship. The Bronze Key recognizes freshmen for leadership demonstrated prior to enrolling at Kettering. The Silver Key honors sophomores who have introduced new ideas and innovations that positively impact campus life. The Gold Key recognizes juniors for significant accomplishments as student leaders during their time at Kettering. This year, only three students were selected to receive each level of Key recognition, making the honor among the most selective student leadership distinctions at Kettering University. This year's recipients include Kate Garrison, Mellissa Mascarenhas, and Ben Brinkman (Bronze Key); Jada Drake, Lydia Wray, and Yoi Shimoji-Fricke (Silver Key); and Cameron Jozwik, Ria Kapoor, and Samantha Chiang (Gold Key).

Kettering University's Formula SAE team reached a major milestone at Formula SAE 2026, successfully completing all dynamic events and finishing the endurance competition for the first time in 4 years. Competing against more than 100 collegiate teams from around the world, the team also introduced a new inline twin-cylinder engine platform after nearly two decades of using single-cylinder powertrains. The achievement reflects months of student-led design, manufacturing, testing, and collaboration while providing hands-on experience in vehicle engineering, project management, and advanced mobility technologies that prepare students for careers in the automotive industry.

Kettering University student Jack Hernandez presented original research at the 2026 Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Annual Conference and Expo after being selected for a highly competitive NSF-supported Student Travel Award. The conference, held May 16-19 in Arlington, Texas, brought together researchers, students, and industry professionals from across the country to explore advancements in industrial and systems engineering. Hernandez's paper, "Data-Driven Labor Efficiency Analysis and Workload Balancing for Forklift Operators in the Automotive Industry," was accepted for presentation at the conference. His research focused on analyzing labor efficiency and operational workload distribution within automotive manufacturing environments using data-driven methods. The NSF-supported travel award was granted through a competitive national selection process. According to the IISE 2026 Student Travel Award Committee, Hernandez's application stood out for "its clarity, motivation, and alignment with the goals of this program," as well as his demonstrated commitment to professional and academic development within the industrial and systems engineering field. The award supported conference registration and helped offset travel and lodging expenses, enabling Hernandez to share his work with the broader engineering community while building professional connections with researchers and industry leaders. Hernandez pursued studies in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Kettering University, where students combined rigorous academics with professional Co-op experience to address real-world industry challenges.

Students from Kettering University's KUdos robotics team earned the Innovate Award at the VEX Robotics World Championship after developing a unique competition strategy that helped them stand out on the global stage. The team designed two robots, Rafiki and Simba, to connect at the start of each match and climb together for maximum points, an approach team members said had never been attempted before in VEX competition. KUdos members balanced the demands of robotics competition while alternating between classes and paid Co-op work experiences through Kettering's 50/50 model. Students collaborated remotely across academic and Co-op terms using CAD software, shared documentation, and virtual meetings. The Innovate Award recognizes teams that introduce creative engineering solutions and original approaches to competition strategy.

KUdos, Kettering University's robotics team, won 9 of 10 qualification matches at the 2026 VEX U World Championship in St. Louis. The team also earned the Innovate Award and advanced to elimination play in the Opportunity Division. Across those early matches, KUdos showed clean cycles, sound decision-making, and fewer errors than their opponents, which carried them into bracket play. In this year's game, Push Back, teams focused on maintaining control as blocks move frequently and scores can shift quickly. KUdos handled that dynamic well, remaining steady as matches tightened and avoiding the late errors that often determine outcomes.

Kettering University students London Parker and Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez were recently recognized during the Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation (AWAF) 30th Anniversary Gala, where both students received scholarships supporting women pursuing careers in automotive, mobility, engineering, and related industries. The recognition highlights their academic achievement, leadership potential, and future contributions to the evolving mobility sector. The Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation supports the next generation of industry leaders through scholarships, mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities. The gala brought together executives, engineers, and innovators from across the automotive and mobility industries to celebrate 30 years of advancing opportunities for women in STEM and mobility-focused careers.

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 Nick Demaestri, Brandon Fant, Dylan Grace, Kaia Hospodarsky, Isaac Huggins, Demetri Karras, Chase Luedke, Cle Moorer, and Connor McCarty. 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.

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.

Students at Kettering University have been recognized as members of IEEE Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), the international honor society for electrical and computer engineering. Membership in HKN is one of the highest honors in the field, recognizing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and character within electrical and computer engineering.

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.

Two Kettering University students have been selected for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power & Energy Society Scholarship Plus Initiative, a competitive award recognizing undergraduate engineers preparing to enter the electric power and energy workforce. Each student received a $3,000 scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. The recipients are: Deondre Blair, Electrical and Computer Engineering major with a minor in Computer Science Ian Gibson, Electrical Engineering major with a minor in Sustainability "This award reflects how our Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum and cooperative education program prepare students specifically for impactful roles in the electric power and energy workforce," said Mark Thompson, Ph.D., Professor and Department Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Kettering University students earned multiple podium finishes at the Michigan Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference held February 6-8 in Bay City, Michigan. Twenty-six students secured nine podium finishes across a range of business disciplines. Competitors were evaluated by industry professionals on their ability to analyze real-world business scenarios, develop strategic solutions, and defend their recommendations under time constraints. Collegiate DECA events are designed to test applied knowledge, communication, and professional judgment. The results reflect Kettering University's emphasis on experiential, performance-driven learning that prepares students to compete and lead in professional environments.

KUdos, Kettering University's collegiate robotics team, earned the Excellence Award, VEX-U's highest honor, at the Gear Slingers Open on January 18 at California Polytechnic State University. The award recognizes overall excellence in engineering documentation, design process, communication and on-field performance across both judged and competitive categories. "Earning an Excellence Award for the second season in a row means a lot, especially this early in the season," said Nathan Nguyen '26, team captain. "It shows how far we've come and reinforces our goal to keep improving every year as we work toward VEX-U Worlds." 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 Competing as the only Midwest team in a 16-team collegiate field, KUdos finished third in qualification matches with a 7-0-1 record, advanced to the semifinals and placed second in combined autonomous and driver skills.

Kettering University congratulates more than 300 students named to the Fall 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."

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.

19 students have received Michigan'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 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 VEX-U robotics team, opened its competitive season with a strong showing at the Illini VURC Cornfield Clash 1, hosted at the Siebel Center for Design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, Illinois. Competing against 12 university teams from across the Midwest and beyond, including Purdue University, The Ohio State University, and the Milwaukee School of Engineering, KUdos earned second place overall and secured a VEX-U Worlds qualification in its first event of the season. Their robot pair, Luigi and Guido, named after the mechanics from the movie Cars, combined consistent on-field performance with a documented engineering process that stood out to judges. The team also earned second place in Skills and was recognized with the Design Award, one of the most rigorous judged awards at VEX-U competitions.

On Monday, December 8, 2025, Kettering University recognized 19 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 Reiss Auditorium, 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. 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.

On December 3, 2025, Kettering University welcomed eight exceptional engineering students into the Fall 2025 class of Tau Beta Pi, the nation's oldest engineering honor society. Tau Beta Pi recognizes students who exemplify academic excellence, integrity and leadership. To be eligible, students must rank in the top one-eighth of their junior class or the top one-fifth of their senior class and meet the organization's distinguished character evaluation requirement. Induction into Tau Beta Pi places recipients among the most accomplished engineering students in the country.

54 students have received Michigan'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 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.

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."

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 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."

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."