Kettering University

Kettering University's new B-Section students arrived on campus on October 3 to begin their studies. Kettering's newest Bulldogs were welcomed by University Provost Dr. James Zhang and President Dr. Robert K. McMahan during a convocation ceremony in the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center. "You have made a great choice - a choice that makes you part of a wonderful and rich tradition - a tradition filled with achievement and excellence... You will combine what you learn in the classroom with real-life practical experience in ways that will prepare you for the future like no other university in the country can," Dr. McMahan said. Kettering Student Government B-Section President Ian Gibson, a junior from Milford, also shared words of wisdom with the new students. "One piece of advice that I would like to share with you is not to be afraid to ask questions, whether it's during your Co-op or in the classroom, whether you're lost in what you're doing, or if you'd like to request an opportunity, just ask the question." While most of the 158 new students are Michigan natives, the new class represents 16 states and the District of Columbia. The students hail from more than 90 different hometowns and over 100 unique high schools. Roughly half of these students have declared their intention to major in Mechanical Engineering while studying at Kettering University. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are the second and third most enrolled majors among the new B-Section students. After 11 weeks of on-campus coursework, the B-Section students will head to their Co-op employment assignments in January. Through Kettering University's 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, the new B-Section students are already on track to graduate with some of the highest starting salaries in the state and a combined 2.5 years of on-the-job experience in 2029.

The Kettering University chapter of Pi Tau Sigma, the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers, inducted 12 new members on September 5, 2024. Pi Tau Sigma members are chosen based on sound engineering ability, scholarship service, leadership, and integrity. The Pi Tau Sigma mission is to strive to create better engineers through commitment to academic excellence and dedication to service. Pi Tau Sigma prides itself on its core values: Integrity (soundness of character and moral conduct), service (serving the mechanical engineering profession and the community), and leadership (fostering initiative through example in a professional manner). The Kettering University chapter of Pi Tau Sigma also named a new executive board: President Jacob Fernstrum Vice President Ayden Stuckey Secretary Peyton Spodney Treasurer Thomas Borst Service Chair Dexter Woods Member Status Chair Timothy Vokal Pi Tau Sigma is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. There are presently 182 collegiate chapters at universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates.

The Kettering University chapter of Pi Tau Sigma, the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers, inducted 12 new members on September 5, 2024. Pi Tau Sigma members are chosen based on sound engineering ability, scholarship service, leadership, and integrity. The Pi Tau Sigma mission is to strive to create better engineers through commitment to academic excellence and dedication to service. Pi Tau Sigma prides itself on its core values: Integrity (soundness of character and moral conduct), service (serving the mechanical engineering profession and the community), and leadership (fostering initiative through example in a professional manner). The Kettering University chapter of Pi Tau Sigma also named a new executive board: President Jacob Fernstrum Vice President Ayden Stuckey Secretary Peyton Spodney Treasurer Thomas Borst Service Chair Dexter Woods Member Status Chair Timothy Vokal Pi Tau Sigma is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. There are presently 182 collegiate chapters at universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates.

The Kettering University Formula SAE Internal Combustion Team is proud to announce its second-place finish at the LTU Grand Prix in Southfield, Michigan. The team finished the autocross race only 0.04 seconds off of first place! "The second-place finish of our Kettering University Formula SAE Internal Combustion team at the 2024 LTU Grand Prix is evidence of the technical acumen and strong collaboration of our team," said Dr. Jennifer Bastiann, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering and team faculty advisor. "Congratulations to them for representing our University so well." Team members include: Joseph Chreiki Drew Fletcher Daniel Hadden Adam Jaycox Dean Kalebjian Zachary Marshall Colin McCann Isaac Menze Nate Smith Jack Stonis Kyle Stroupe

Kettering University and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 38 Kettering students who represent the University's second class of Michigander Scholars. The program offers scholarships of $5,000 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 software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months. Read more about program opportunities here. The Michigander Scholars program is the first of its kind in the U.S. and represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan's major advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC's aim is to improve on retaining college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy. The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy by the MEDC that will promote key careers, recruit talent, and fill in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are key to helping grow the state's population now and in the future. In its 2023 report, the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council cited a lack of access to internships and opportunities for meaningful on-the-job experience before entering the full-time workforce as one reason for Michigan's student exodus. The Michigander Scholars program aims to reverse that trend by offering more such educational experiences in the state. Kettering University is well suited for this task as the school has specialized in a unique 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment since its inception in 1919. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Kettering as one of the nation's best universities for Co-ops and internships. "Kettering University has a long history of preparing students to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of the state's most innovative industries. The Michigander Scholars program is a robust talent retention strategy that aligns perfectly with Kettering's Co-op model and our mission to provide our students with an educational experience built upon a best-in-class education combined with hands-on work experience," said Kettering President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan. "One powerful result of our talented students and graduates building careers here is they act as critical fuel for Michigan's high-tech industries, whose success is built upon attracting and retaining highly educated, accomplished, and motivated graduates. Kettering University is proud to be one of only a handful of institutions and the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative," said McMahan. The Michigander Scholars program is one of many innovative solutions developed by the MEDC Talent Solutions division to help meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan's major industries. The program offers top tech and engineering students in Michigan an exclusive close-up of the EV/mobility and semiconductor sectors, career guidance and job-seeking support, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Universities are provided with additional lines of sight into the skills that employers are looking for in students and key employers across the state have early and direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and new postgrad positions. "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 MEDC Executive Vice President & Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh during the joint MEDC/Kettering University press conference held March 20 on the University's campus. "The Michigander Scholars program presents a win-win-win scenario," Ebersole Singh said. "Michigan wins by promoting our advanced manufacturing employers, career opportunities, and top-tier universities. It's a win for students at Michigan colleges and Michiganders attending college out of state to gain real-world, hands-on workforce training through paid internships. And it's a win for our state's innovative companies to develop talent pipelines that are fundamental to their success." In February, the MEDC added Kettering University in Flint and Wayne State University in Detroit as new higher education partners. With Kettering's unique Co-op and academic programs in mind, computer and process engineers were added to the list of career roles eligible for scholarships. At the same time, the Michigan Scholars program was expanded to allow for sophomores and graduate students to be eligible for participation. Kettering University's partnership with the MEDC was announced during the 2024 Spring Co-op fair, which provided the ideal stage for the announcement. Those in attendance included prospective and current Kettering students and more than 100 Co-op employer partners, many of whom could potentially become part of the Michigan Scholars program. Several new employers also joined the program, including Hemlock Semiconductor, SK Siltron CSS, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Mobis. Those companies joined existing employer partners that included General Motors, Ford, BorgWarner, LG Energy Solutions, and DENSO.

Kettering University congratulates more than 240 students named to the Spring 2024 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 awarded eight President's Medals during its 2024 Honors Banquet on June 14 to students demonstrating excellence in cooperative employment, scholarship, and community engagement. Grasman, of Flushing, earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's degree in Computer Engineering during Kettering's 2024 commencement ceremony on June 15 at the historic Atwood Stadium. "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 honored seven Sobey Scholar recipients, an award reserved for students inducted into an academic honor society and Kettering's Robot Society, during the 2024 Honors Banquet on June 14.

Kettering University's new A-Section students arrived on campus on July 11 to begin their studies. The students and their families attended a Convocation ceremony in the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center to welcome them as Kettering's newest Bulldogs. While most of the 135 new students are Michigan natives, the new class represents 10 states and the District of Columbia. The students hail from 90 different hometowns and 98 unique high schools. Roughly two-thirds of these students have declared their intention to major in Mechanical Engineering while studying at Kettering University. Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering are the second and third most popular majors among the new A-Section students. After 11 weeks of on-campus coursework, the A-Section students will head to their Co-op employment assignments in October. Through Kettering University's 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, the new A-Section students are already on track to graduate with years of on-the-job experience in 2028.

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.

Two students earned Oustanding Thesis Awards from Kettering University during its 2024 Honors Banquet on June 14. 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 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.

The Physics and Astronomy Honor Society, Sigma Pi Sigma, initiated new members on March 11. To qualify for membership, students must be a junior or senior, have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0, completed at least four physics courses of three credits or more with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 for those courses and be in the top 33% of their graduating class.

Kettering University congratulates the new members of the Theta Epsilon chapter of Eta Kappa Nu, Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society.

Several students were honored at the 2024 B-Section Physics Club Awards on June 3. Students who provide exceptional service to the physics program and University receive the Outstanding Service Award. Some recipients were recognized for their service as supplemental instruction (SI) leaders for Introductory Physics and others were recognized for their service as executive board members of the Physics Club.

Kettering University proudly announced B-Section honorees at its Physics Awards Event on June 3. The ceremony recognized outstanding academic achievements within the Physics Department. The prestigious Outstanding Physics Performance Award was presented to students with remarkable prowess in introductory physics courses.

KUdos, the Kettering University VEX U team, claimed a Build Award at this season's VEX Robotics World Championship, held in Dallas from April 25 to May 3, 2024. This prestigious accolade is awarded to teams that demonstrate exemplary robot construction with an emphasis on durability and meticulous attention to detail-qualities essential for withstanding the rigorous conditions of competition. The key criteria of the Build Award are: 1) Designing a robot with attention to safety and detail. 2) Constructing a robot that is durable and robust under competition conditions. 3) Demonstrating effective communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, and a student-centered ethos during the student interview process.

Samantha Chiang (Engineering, '27), Physics Club President and Asian American Association President has been honored with The Robotics Group (TRG) Honor Scholarship by the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc. (MHEFI) for the 2024/2025 academic term. The MHEFI scholarship is awarded to outstanding undergraduate students committed to pursuing careers in material handling, logistics, or supply chain management. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated dedication to excellence, leadership skills and potential for future growth. "Samantha showed her exceptional innovation skills in improving robotics within manufacturing knowledge utilization and showcased strong leadership in the IME 100 robotics project, which led to the nomination for this scholarship," said Ping Ren, PhD, Assistant Professor in Kettering's Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department. "Combined with her other outstanding achievements, she ultimately won the scholarship."

Kettering University and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) introduced the 26 Kettering students representing the university's inaugural class of The Michigander Scholars recipients, the largest incoming class total produced by any Michigan public or private university. The program offers scholarships for $5,000 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 software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months.

Eleven Kettering University students joined nearly 1200 students from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to compete at the 2024 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference in Austin, Texas. Kettering students earned three test medals, one presentation medal, three finalist medals, and a third-place finish. Morgan Main ('24, Mechanical Engineering) earned a presentation medal, a finalist medal, and the 3rd place award in Restaurant and Food Service Management. Ethan Arun ('27, Computer Science) and Ben Bollman ('27, Mechanical Engineering) received finalist medals and a top 10 finish in the Entertainment Marketing team event. Skyler Chinn ('24, Industrial Engineering) received a test medal in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. Ralph Mancini ('25, Chemical Engineering) and Adam Meyer ('25, Mechanical Engineering) earned test medals in Travel and Tourism. Other Kettering DECA participants at the conference included the B-Section President, Jack Sigelko ('25, Computer Engineering), Joshua Parker ('27, Mechanical Engineering), Crystal Smalligan ('24, Management), Meadow Loukmas ('26, Mechanical Engineering), and Ally Raymer ('27, Mechanical Engineering). The International Career Development Conference (ICDC) by DECA is a premier event where teams showcase their business expertise and compete to become international champions. The conference also features networking opportunities, career exhibits, and exclusive activities that enhance the professional growth of all attendees.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon recently inducted ten new members. Upsilon Pi Epsilon is the computer science honor society. To qualify, members must be seniors in the top 33% of computer science majors in their graduating class and have a GPA over 3.5.

Kettering University congratulates more than 225 students named to the Winter 2024 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.

The Delta Zeta chapter of Gamma Sigma Alpha National Academic Greek Honor Society initiated ten new members on February 28. Gamma Sigma Alpha National Academic Greek Honor Society (GSA) is the premier organization committed to our members' academic success and alignment with its host institutions' academic mission. Students are eligible for membership based on grade point average and membership in a fraternity or sorority. To be eligible, students must have a minimum of 39 completed credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale). Students with a 3.5 GPA in any semester during their junior or senior year can also apply for GSA membership.

The Eta Eta chapter of the Order of Omega initiated nine new members on February 28. 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.

Seventeen students were honored at the 2024 A-Section Physics Club Awards on March 11. The Outstanding Physics Performance Award is given to students who have performed excellently in introductory physics courses and typically completed the sequence during the past academic year.

Kettering University students competed in individual and team/prepared events at the DECA State Career Development Conference held February 2-4 in Kalamazoo, MI. The event included 18 students from Kettering among collegiate DECA chapters from across the state. Kettering brought home seven first-place plaques and eight 3rd place plaques, as well as 21 finalist medallions. All students who earn a finalist medallion are eligible to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Austin, Texas, on April 20-24, 2024.

Kettering University students Skyler Chinn, Adam Meyer, Jack Sigelko and Crystal Smalligan received first-place recognition in the DECA State Career Development Conference in Kalamazoo, MI on Feb. 2-4. The group was among the 18 Kettering University students who attended the conference. In total, Kettering brought home 21 finalist medallions, seven first-place plaques (including team events), and eight 3rd place plaques, as well as 21 finalist medallions. All 21 who earned a finalist medallion are eligible to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Austin, Texas, on April 20-24, 2024.

Kettering University's Baja SAE team traveled to Houghton, Michigan, on Jan. 27 to compete in the annual Winter Baja Competition. Baja SAE teams were tasked with designing and building a single-seat, all-terrain off-road vehicle capable of enduring rough terrains. The team, which consisted of mechanical engineering and electrical engineering undergraduates, finished 2nd in the Hill Climb, 2nd in the Pickled Egg Slalom and 23rd in the endurance race. "We were able to get new drivers some drive time in a competitive environment. We learned a lot, and it was a great experience overall," said Jake Dancel, team President and Electronics Subsystem Lead.

Alpha Pi Mu, the Industrial Engineering honor society, initiated two new members. To qualify for membership, students must be in the top 20% of their junior class or top 33% of their senior class and exhibit positive character traits.

Amanda Koziol, Jaydin Freeman and David Glover used the experience they gained at Kettering University to win the Sustainability-Climate Change Mitigation Hack, as well as the MSUFCU-Community Class Act Hack at Michigan State University's ninth annual student-run hackathon, SpartaHack 9. Over 600 student developers and designers gathered at Michigan State University in East Lansing on January 27th, 2024, with a unifying challenge: engineer innovative solutions to everyday problems - in just 24 hours. Hackers had to make their projects track-specific, as well as pitch their projects to judges, who used criteria including uniqueness, technical implementation, and practicality.