Campus Events

911��’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

rnorris — Fri, 30 May 2025 12:35:21 +0000

911��’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

rnorris Fri, 05/30/2025 - 08:35

It’s More Than a Job. It’s a Vote of Confidence.

911�� faculty and staff showed where they stand, giving over $55,000 and reaching 75% participation in this spring’s 2025 FUNd Drive.

Their message: We’re not just here to do a job. We’re here because we believe in what this place makes possible. From April 15 to May 2, 253 employees gave to initiatives that directly support students, sending a powerful vote of confidence in Kettering’s mission and the people it serves.

“When faculty and staff give, it sends a message,” said Ken McKinnon, Director of Facilities Services and co-chair of this year’s drive. “We believe in what we do here, and we’re willing to invest in it.”

That clear support was most evident for the Keep Me Kettering Scholarship, the campaign’s top-funded initiative with nearly $45,000 in gifts and pledges. This critical resource helps students stay on track to graduation, and this year, it also became the focus of a new effort: the Golden Lanyard Project.

Designed to recognize those who help students stay the course, the Golden Lanyard is more than a symbol. It’s a daily reminder that behind every scholarship is someone who chose to stand behind a student.

“Every gift helps a student keep moving forward,” said Dr. Demet Usanmaz, Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences and co-chair of the drive. “We can support more students so they can engage in learning opportunities and continue working toward their future career goals.”

Gifts also supported more than a dozen other funds — including scholarships, academic programs, student organizations, DECA, SAE teams, and the Kettering Archives — proving again that the Bulldog community doesn’t just believe in potential. It invests in it.

Building Culture. Driving Impact.

Internal giving is about more than dollars raised — it strengthens the University in other critical ways. High participation rates among faculty and staff contribute to stronger rankings and increased competitiveness for external funding. Those rates also inspire alumni, foundations, and corporate partners to step up their support.

Over the past 12 years, the FUNd Drive has raised more than $700,000 to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. With the continued generosity of faculty and staff, that legacy is only growing.

Not everyone gives like this. But Bulldogs do.

911�� Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

rnorris — Tue, 27 May 2025 12:53:52 +0000

911�� Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

rnorris Tue, 05/27/2025 - 08:53

911�� announces that Sherry House ’94, Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Company and an internationally recognized leader in finance and mobility innovation, will deliver the commencement address at the University’s ceremony on Saturday, June 21, at its historic Atwood Stadium. In recognition of her industry leadership and profound impact on the mobility sector, 911�� will award Sherry House the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering during the ceremony.

A transformative figure for her work helping shape the future of mobility, House has held pivotal leadership roles at Ford, Waymo, and Lucid Motors. Her work spans electric vehicles, autonomous platforms, and venture capital, driving forward innovation at the intersection of technology, business, and engineering. Her path from Co-op student to C-suite executive is a clear example of the caliber of talent Kettering creates, building high-impact leaders in fast-changing industries.

“The prestige and academic rigor of Kettering is what drew me here initially,” said House. “I was the first person in my family to earn a Bachelor's degree. Kettering enabled me to hold a corporate job at 17-years-old so that I could work while I went to school. At Kettering I learned to thrive in new situations, discovered my passion for innovation, and developed strong analytical skills.”

House earned dual degrees in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, launching her career through Kettering’s signature Co-op model. Her trajectory – from R&D engineer to financial strategist – set the tone for a career defined by both technical fluency and visionary leadership. She pushed innovation further and faster across venture capital, electric vehicle startups, and autonomous platforms in some of the biggest names in automotive manufacturing.

“The skills learned at Kettering transcend industry, function and level,” House said. “Critical thinking and a first principles mindset provides benefits in both high-growth nascent businesses, as well as legacy industries undergoing transformation. It’s not hard for me to see Kettering's impact on my own journey - not just at the outset of my career, but along the way it gave me the confidence and ability to pursue new opportunities successfully.”

“Sherry House exemplifies the kind of innovative leadership that grows from a Kettering education,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of 911��. “Her work in advancing global mobility is a testament to the impact our graduates are prepared to make. As she returns to address the Class of 2025, she brings a message of resilience, vision, and purpose. Her journey is proof of what we know: that Kettering graduates are uniquely equipped to lead through change and shape the future with intellect, integrity, and resolve.”

The 2025 Commencement will honor more than 340 undergraduates from 911��’s Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Management, and Mechanical Engineering degree programs — students who turn ambition into action and learning into leadership. Due to Kettering’s unique cooperative education model, each of these students has completed a rigorous course of study in their chosen discipline, including a master level thesis, and will have completed 2.5 years of paid Co-op work upon graduation, allowing them to start their careers in positions far beyond the entry-level. This unparalleled integration of academics and industry-embedded Co-op experience has led The Wall Street Journal to name 911�� as one of the Top 10 Schools in the Nation for Career Preparation. As such, Kettering graduates rank number one when it comes to starting salaries in Michigan (SmartAsset).

911�� will also confer more than 150 graduate degrees in Business Administration, Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Data Science and Data Analytics, Operations Management, Engineering Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering Autonomous Vehicles, Engineering Electric Vehicles, and Technical Master of Business Administration.

The University will also honor Frank Perna, Jr. ‘61, the retired CEO of MSC Software, with the degree of Doctor of Engineering, Honoris Causa. Perna holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from 911��. Perna spent over 50 years as a registered Professional Engineer working at a number of industry leaders, including General Motors, Sun Electric, Bell & Howell, Whittaker Corporation, EOS Corporation, Software.com, MagneTek, CalAmp, Inc.[CAMP], Intellect Inc., and PingID. He now serves as Director of The Valentine Foundation, which funds critical educational and conservational activities.

Gov. Whitmer Highlights Michigan’s Semiconductor Future in Visit to 911��

lmadaus — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:45:57 +0000

Gov. Whitmer Highlights Michigan’s Semiconductor Future in Visit to 911��

Campus Events

lmadaus Fri, 05/23/2025 - 09:45

FLINT, Mich. – In a forward-focused address delivered at 911��’s GM Mobility Research Center, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer outlined a bold, attainable vision for Michigan’s economic future — anchored in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor leadership, and deep collaboration between education, government, and industry.

Surrounded by University leadership, economic development partners, and civic leadership, Gov. Whitmer made a clear case for investment in the infrastructure and talent Michigan needs to lead in next-generation technologies. The audience also included representatives from the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance as well as robotic manufacturer FANUC and power source creator Shaltz Automation, which provided the equipment showcased alongside Whitmer. Her visit to Kettering marked the latest in a series of stops, including the White House, aimed at setting the course for long-term economic growth.

“Michigan is well-positioned to lead this race, but we need to use every resource we have in order to win the race. It’s just common sense,” Whitmer said. “Let’s make it easier to build here in Michigan — whether that’s housing or roads or schools or factories.”

Whitmer emphasized the state’s opportunity to secure a semiconductor fabrication facility, or “fab,” in the near future, calling the project a “once-in-a-century investment” that would position Michigan as a global manufacturing hub. She noted that most permanent jobs inside fabs don’t require a four-year degree, highlighting programs like Kettering’s new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices* as essential in meeting workforce demand.

“A fab is really an intergenerational project, where a dad can work on pouring the foundation, a daughter can help wire it up to the grid, and the grandchild can work inside, ultimately making the advanced chips our world needs,” said Whitmer.

Kettering President Dr. Robert K. McMahan welcomed the governor and affirmed the University’s ongoing commitment to preparing the highly skilled talent Michigan’s future economy will require.

“At Kettering, we believe in partnership, real working partnership, the kind that moves ideas from vision to impact,” McMahan said. “Governor, your focus on innovation and opportunity is deeply aligned with our purpose as a university. Your leadership is helping to shape a future where Michigan doesn’t just compete — it leads.”

Dr. McMahan also shared updates on the University’s strategic focus areas, including advanced mobility, new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, and noted more than $1.5 million in recent funding secured to advance research in semiconductors, hydrogen, and enhanced manufacturing. He also highlighted Kettering’s new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices*, a rigorous condensed program that aims to meet the state’s advancing technology workforce needs quickly.

“Progress happens when public leadership and mission-driven institutions pull in the same direction,” McMahan said.

Whitmer concluded her remarks with a challenge — and a call to action.

“We can do big, challenging things, because that’s who we are,” she said. “Let’s compete. Let’s win. And let’s build Michigan’s future together.”

*An application for this new program has been submitted to the accreditor and is pending HLC approval

Cranbrook Wins Kettering’s First-Ever Bulldog Battles

rnorris — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:56:58 +0000

Cranbrook Wins Kettering’s First-Ever Bulldog Battles

rnorris Thu, 04/17/2025 - 09:56

174 students. Eleven teams. Six competitions. One trophy. Cranbrook’s computer science team came out on top — and showed why they’re ready to code their future.

Not everyone sees a coding competition as a proving ground. But the students who showed up for 911��’s first-ever Bulldog Battles? They weren’t like everyone else.

Over the course of six-weekday competitions held on the 911�� campus, more than 170 students from 11 Michigan high schools went head-to-head in a series of team-based computer programming challenges. Powered by Ford Motor Company and Kettering’s Computer Science Department, the Bulldog Battles pushed students to collaborate under pressure, debug in real-time, and solve complex problems that mirrored the challenges of a modern tech career.

“It’s not about writing the perfect code the first time,” said Joni Applefield, co-president of Cranbrook’s Computer Science Club. “It’s about learning how to think differently — how to fail fast and try again.”

Applefield, a senior at Cranbrook, led her team to victory with a record-breaking score, helping the school earn top marks in both individual and team performance. Cranbrook students placed in the top three overall among all 174 competitors.

In his remarks at the trophy presentation, Chuck Gray ’87, Ford Motor Company Vice President of Vehicle Hardware Engineering, recalled how a similar experience inspired his own path.

“One day, you’re sitting in the audience. The next, you’re designing what’s next for the industry,” he said. “The recipe is simple: curiosity, capability, and a real-world education that starts before graduation. That’s what Kettering delivers.”

From Idea to Impact

The Bulldog Battles grew from the single-day hackathon that Kettering also held. But when Kettering’s enrollment and computer science teams imagined something bigger — six events, twelve schools, and a championship trophy — the idea gained momentum.

“We believed in the students,” said Chris Nelson, administrative specialist in Kettering’s Computer Science Department. “And we knew this kind of challenge could change the game.”

With financial support from Ford, Kettering purchased 50 new laptops, secured travel and supply resources, and brought high school teams from Saginaw, Macomb, Oxford, Holt, Lake Orion, and more to campus. General Determination — Kettering’s mascot — welcomed each team, and students received swag, lunch, and a whole day immersed in the campus culture and competition.

Kettering’s Model in Action

As teams rotated through problem-solving rounds, they found support in Kettering faculty, staff, and current students, many of whom are already earning patents, coding autonomous vehicles, and helping Co-op employers across the country innovate faster.

“We wanted high school students to see what’s possible here,” said Matt Fortescue, Director of Enrollment. “Our 50-50 academic and Co-op model is all about building real experience early, and these battles gave them a glimpse of that world.”

Big Wins, Bigger Lessons

In the final event, Cranbrook returned with a new lineup of younger teammates — sophomores stepping up after seniors passed the torch. They scored even higher than the original team and completed the only 50- and 60-point problems in the entire competition series.

“They’re already thinking like leaders,” Nelson said. “Not just about solving problems — but about passing on what they’ve learned.”

The trophy now lives on Cranbrook’s campus, a physical reminder of the resilience, collaboration, and competitive drive that define both the computer science students and Kettering.

Ready to take on your own challenge?
Start building your future with real work, real results, and real impact.
Learn more about Kettering’s Computer Science program.

Computer Science

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at 911�� Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

rnorris — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:16:21 +0000

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at 911�� Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

Alumni

Campus

Mobility Research Center

Campus Events

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:16

Hosted at 911��’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 911��, 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 911�� 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.

911�� Hosts 2025 VEX Robotics State Championship

rnorris — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 19:47:04 +0000

911�� Hosts 2025 VEX Robotics State Championship

rnorris Tue, 03/04/2025 - 14:47

The VEX Robotics State Championship returned to 911�� on February 21 and 22, bringing together 80 teams and 800 of Michigan’s top robotics students for a fast-paced, high-stakes competition that challenged their technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

“911�� is proud to host the VEX Robotics State Championship because we know the students competing today are the engineers, coders, and industry leaders of tomorrow,” said Kim Shumaker, Director of Robotics Outreach & Robotics Center at 911��. “VEX students already think like Kettering students — they thrive on solving complex problems, working hands-on, and pushing their skills to the next level. That’s exactly what we do at Kettering.”

This premier robotics event was the culmination of a season of regional qualifiers, where top teams from across Michigan earned their place to compete for a chance to advance to the VEX World Championship.

The VEX Robotics Competition challenged teams of high school students to design, build, and program robots to complete a specific game challenge. This year’s game, High Stakes, required teams to strategically maneuver their robots to score points by completing a series of technical and tactical objectives.

Teams competed in qualification matches Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, after which they were ranked based on their performance. The top-ranked teams then formed alliances and advanced to the elimination tournament, where they battled head-to-head in a bracket-style playoff leading to the championship match.

In addition to the main tournament, teams competed in the Skills Challenge, in which they attempted to score as many points as possible in driver-controlled and autonomous robot programming modes. Success in this event provided additional pathways to move on in competition. The following teams earned the ability to compete at the VEX World Championship this May in Texas:

Team #39H “HNS” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
Team #244D “RoboDawgs: Detritus” from Grandville Community Education in Grandville
Team #7760X “Airplane Mode” from Bloomfield Hills
Team #39V “Volt” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
Team #248A “RoboDawgs: Starfall” from Grandville Robotics in Grandville
Team #8626K “KACHIGGA” from Grand Rapids
Team #36620A “Blue Crew” from Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville
Team #39K “Rest in Pieces” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
Team #11591S “Siege” from Plainwell High School in Plainwell
Team #3333W “Power of the Square” from Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac

Consumers Energy was the event’s title sponsor this year, reinforcing its commitment to investing in Michigan’s future STEM leaders.

“Consumers Energy knows our customers count on us every day for reliable energy, and we’re counting on the next generation of Michigan students to join us in our commitment to Michigan,” said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric grid design. “We’re excited to partner with 911�� for the VEX championship and to cheer on student teams who are showing off their work in the High Stakes competition.”

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) sponsored the Robot Safety Award. “A3 was honored to support the 2025 VEX Robotics State Championship at Kettering University. Youth robotics competitions play a crucial role in preparing students to become an integral part of the future workforce in Robotics, AI, Smart Manufacturing, and Automation. Through their schools, communities, and clubs, students collaborated as teams to design, build, test, and operate robots — developing essential skills that align with the needs of more than 1,300 A3 member companies worldwide,” Said Ritch Ramey, A3 Director of Education. “Beyond building robots, these students gained the ability to create intelligent systems that can see, feel, sense, and make autonomous decisions. These critical skills set them on a path to high-paying and rewarding careers in advanced technology fields. This competition was more than just an event; it was a launch pad for future innovators and industry leaders. I commend all participants for their dedication and hard work.”

Now, in the second year of a three-year hosting partnership, Kettering has continued to expand the impact of the championship. More than just a competition, the event introduced students to Kettering’s hands-on learning environment and industry-driven Co-op program, providing a direct connection between their passion for robotics and future career opportunities.

Commencement

eoboyle — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:19:29 +0000

Commencement

eoboyle Wed, 02/26/2025 - 11:19

2025-06-21T09:30:00-0400 _2025-06-21T12:30:00-0400

Atwood Stadium

9:30 a.m. - 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Atwood Stadium, 911��

For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be live-streamed.

*In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may be delayed until later in the day on Saturday, June 21, or it may be moved to Sunday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m. The weather call will be made at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, and updates will be provided via email to participating graduates and on the University's Social Media Accounts.

For More Information and Tickets

Tesla to Kettering Students: Show Us What You’ve Built

rnorris — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:48:50 +0000

Tesla to Kettering Students: Show Us What You’ve Built

Campus Events

Co-op

rnorris Tue, 02/25/2025 - 09:48

Tesla moves fast. The company’s pace is relentless, a constant cycle of iteration, problem-solving, and reinvention. So when Tesla recruiters and engineers visited 911��, they weren’t just looking for students who could crunch numbers or ace a test.

They were looking for builders.

“Show us what you’ve done, not just where you’ve worked,” recruiter Libby Jones told students during Tesla Day on February 5. “We don’t just want to see job titles. We want to know what problems you’ve solved, what projects you’ve taken ownership of, and how you’ve pushed yourself to be better.”

That's what Kettering students already do every day. From day one, they’re thrown into a world where they’re expected to contribute, build, test, and improve. Through the University’s signature Co-op program, they step out of the classroom and into engineering teams tackling real-world problems. Whether it’s Formula SAE, Baja, autonomous systems, or electric vehicles, Kettering students don’t just theorize — they execute.

That’s exactly what Tesla is looking for.

"At Kettering, we don’t just set students up for jobs — we create opportunities for them to prove what they can do,” said Enza Sleva, 911��'s Chief Student Experience Officer. “Our role is to get them in front of the right people, in the right places, with the right experiences to back them up. When Tesla comes looking for builders, we know our students are ready to show what they’ve done."

One of the key themes of the visit was evidence of excellence — Tesla’s guiding principle for evaluating potential hires. It’s not about checking boxes on a resume; it’s about proving that a candidate has the drive, adaptability, and ingenuity to thrive in an environment that demands constant improvement.

Thad Ayres M’08, a Kettering alumnus and senior manager of semi service at Tesla, knows that expectation firsthand. “The evidence of exceptional ability — that’s the most important requirement. As a hiring manager at Tesla, if you can’t answer that, I can’t answer that for you. You don’t go to the next round, whether it’s a resume review or an interview. You have to have an answer for that.”

During the visit, Tesla’s engineers shared stories of their career paths — some conventional, some anything but. One had spent 13 years in satellite communications before pivoting to electric trucks. Another moved from automation and robotics to factorywide production systems. What they all had in common was a hunger to solve problems, an ability to adapt quickly, and a willingness to dive into the unknown.

It’s that same mindset that fuels Kettering’s approach to education. The University produces more than graduates. It creates engineers, innovators, and leaders who can thrive in high-stakes environments where change is the only constant.

Tesla moves fast. Kettering students do, too. And for those ready to prove they can build, solve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, the opportunities are there.

Bulldog Preview Day

eoboyle — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:59:09 +0000

Bulldog Preview Day

Campus

Campus Events

eoboyle Wed, 01/08/2025 - 12:59

2025-02-17T10:15:00-0500 _2025-02-17T14:45:00-0500

Looking for a more interactive university tour at Kettering? Our Bulldog Preview Days are an excellent opportunity to learn more about our admissions process and Co-op program. You will have lunch at Battenburg Café with faculty, staff, and current students. During a portion of the lunch, there will be an optional student panel. Students will get hands-on experience in a lab, and parents will learn more about financing a college education. You will end the day with a guided tour of our campus.

Our Next Bulldog Preview Date is 2/17/2025. Register today.

Bulldog for a Day

eoboyle — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 18:23:21 +0000

Bulldog for a Day

Campus

Campus Events

eoboyle Tue, 01/07/2025 - 13:23

2025-02-03T00:00:00-0500 _2025-03-14T23:59:59-0400

Curious about what it's like to be a 911�� student? Join us for Bulldog for a Day, where you'll spend time with current students, attend real college classes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant campus life that makes Kettering unique.

Join us for the program running from February 3 to March 14. Secure your spot today—space is limited and filling up fast.

Registration: February 3 to March 14, 2025

Campus Events

911������’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

911������ Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

Gov. Whitmer Highlights Michigan’s Semiconductor Future in Visit to 911������

Cranbrook Wins Kettering’s First-Ever Bulldog Battles

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at 911������ Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

911������ Hosts 2025 VEX Robotics State Championship

Commencement

Tesla to Kettering Students: Show Us What You’ve Built

Bulldog Preview Day

Bulldog for a Day

911��’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

911�� Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

Gov. Whitmer Highlights Michigan’s Semiconductor Future in Visit to 911��

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at 911�� Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

911�� Hosts 2025 VEX Robotics State Championship