Alumni

Fueling the Future: Alumni Association Awards $27,500 to High School Robotics Teams

lmadaus — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:41:10 +0000

Fueling the Future: Alumni Association Awards $27,500 to High School Robotics Teams

Alumni

lmadaus Tue, 01/06/2026 - 11:41

The 911��/GMI Alumni Association (KGMIAA) is backing the next generation of problem-solvers, announcing this week that it has awarded $27,500 in sponsorships to 55 high school robotics teams (FRC, FTC, and VEX). Teams applied from 16 different states.

This effort is part of a larger commitment by 911�� to support robotics talent nationwide, both on and off campus. From hosting pre-college camps and national competitions to awarding scholarships, Kettering is a recognized hub for students who begin their STEM journeys through robotics.

The initiative represents a strategic effort by the KGMIAA to directly support the University’s recruitment efforts. The sponsorships are funded through proceeds from the annual Major Sobey Golf Outing and the generous contributions of alumni and donors to the Boost Robotics Campaign.

These 55 teams are part of a broader national robotics ecosystem that includes thousands of FIRST, FTC, and VEX teams competing this season, many of whom will engage with Kettering through events, camps, and campus visits.

"We were truly impressed by the high quality of all applications this year," said Mike Dubeck '88, Chair of the KGMIAA Board Recruitment Committee.

This year, applicants had the option to submit a video instead of a traditional essay. According to the committee, this gave teams a chance to showcase their engineering mindset, team dynamics, and creative energy in a more personal and compelling way.

"It is inspiring to see the caliber of talent and dedication in these high school students," Dubeck said. "By supporting these teams, we are not just funding robots; we are investing in future engineers and leaders who we hope will one day call 911�� home."

The sponsored teams noted that the funds would be critical for competition success, with many planning to utilize the money for various needs, including paying for registration fees, covering travel expenses, and purchasing essential parts and equipment for their robots.

A Network of Mentors

Beyond the financial support, the campaign highlights the deep personal involvement of the University’s alumni network in STEM education. The committee reported that 112 Kettering/GMI alumni are currently actively involved with these high school teams, serving as mentors, coaches, and technical and programming advisors.

"The alumni engagement we’ve seen through robotics is phenomenal," said Eric Szczepanski, Director of Alumni Engagement at 911��. "To learn that over 100 of our alumni are out there right now, volunteering their time to mentor these students, speaks volumes about the Kettering spirit."

Szczepanski noted that this level of involvement serves as a powerful reminder that Kettering graduates are more than engineers. They’re mentors, leaders, and community builders.

The KGMIAA and 911�� wish all sponsored teams the best of luck in their upcoming competitions.

Golden Circle Brunch 2026

eoboyle — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 22:20:07 +0000

Golden Circle Brunch 2026

Alumni

eoboyle Fri, 12/12/2025 - 17:20

2026-09-13T11:00:00-0400 _2026-09-13T13:00:00-0400

Learning Commons, 911�� Campus

Members of the Class of 1976 and prior classes are welcome to attend.

Regsiter Here

Alumni Association Golf Outing in Arizona

eoboyle — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 22:04:35 +0000

Alumni Association Golf Outing in Arizona

Alumni

eoboyle Fri, 12/12/2025 - 17:04

2026-03-14T09:00:00-0400 _2026-03-14T16:00:00-0400

Alumni Connections Week

eoboyle — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:13:49 +0000

Alumni Connections Week

Alumni

eoboyle Tue, 11/25/2025 - 12:13

2026-09-14T00:00:00-0400 _2026-09-19T23:59:59-0400

Save the Date!

Details coming soon.

Alumni Connections Week

Major Sobey Golf Outing

eoboyle — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:12:44 +0000

Major Sobey Golf Outing

Alumni

eoboyle Tue, 11/25/2025 - 12:12

2026-06-13T12:00:00-0400 _2026-06-13T18:00:00-0400

Save the Date!

Major Sobey Golf Outing

SAE at the DAC

eoboyle — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:11:20 +0000

SAE at the DAC

Alumni

eoboyle Tue, 11/25/2025 - 12:11

2026-04-15T17:30:00-0400 _2026-04-15T19:00:00-0400

Save the Date!

Details coming soon.

SAE at the DAC

Golden Circle Brunch

eoboyle — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:12:06 +0000

Golden Circle Brunch

Alumni

eoboyle Tue, 07/08/2025 - 13:12

2025-09-14T11:00:00-0400 _2025-09-14T13:00:00-0400

911�� Learning Commons

You and a guest are warmly invited to join President Robert K. McMahan and First Lady Karen McMahan for a special brunch in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Class of 1975. If you've not returned to campus recently, tours will be available immediately following the gathering.

Members of the Class of 1975 and prior classes are welcome to attend.

RSVP Here

Alumni Connections Week

eoboyle — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:36:39 +0000

Alumni Connections Week

Alumni

eoboyle Fri, 06/27/2025 - 09:36

2025-09-08T00:00:00-0400 _2025-09-13T23:59:59-0400

For the Schedule of Events, click here

Why Industry Grabs Kettering Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

rnorris — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:34:30 +0000

Why Industry Grabs Kettering Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

Alumni

Co-op

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Mon, 06/23/2025 - 11:34

In a conversation with Chris Holman of Michigan Business Network at the Mackinac Policy Conference, 911�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan lays out what makes a Kettering education different — and why that difference matters.

Kettering students don’t wait to learn by doing. From year one, they rotate between intensive academic terms and full-time professional Co-ops in leading industries. This fusion of theory and practice builds more than résumés. It builds leaders who graduate into positions far beyond the entry-level.

Kettering students build their careers alongside industry leaders. Employers guide their growth through each Co-op term, often resulting in job offers before graduation.

Listen to the full interview to hear how Kettering’s model builds a workforce industry needs.

Eight Kettering Alumnae Named Among Top 100 Women in North American Auto Industry

rnorris — Wed, 28 May 2025 12:45:25 +0000

Eight Kettering Alumnae Named Among Top 100 Women in North American Auto Industry

Alumni

Rankings

rnorris Wed, 05/28/2025 - 08:45

Kettering Built leaders are recognized for their innovation, impact, and influence in shaping the future of mobility.

Eight trailblazing 911�� alumnae have earned a spot on Automotive News’ 2025 list of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry. Representing global companies like General Motors, 3M, Toyota, Novelis, and Sion Power, these women are driving innovation, leading teams, and redefining what leadership looks like in the future of mobility.

Each of these accomplished professionals started with the same foundation: a Kettering education rooted in real work, high standards, and relentless drive. From executive roles in engineering to battery innovation, manufacturing, sustainability, and connectivity, these women exemplify the results of Kettering’s rigorous academic and paid professional Co-op model: They’re decisive, future-focused, and in positions of influence in the North American Auto Industry.

Meet the Honorees

Mary Barra ’85, Chair and CEO, General Motors

Marking 20 years on the Automotive News Leading Women list, Barra continues to guide GM through one of the most ambitious industry evolutions in history. The first woman to lead a major global automaker, she has overseen GM’s pivot to electric and autonomous vehicles while championing agility, innovation, and a culture of rapid problem-solving. Her leadership is about more than business — it’s about inspiring a generation of future engineers and decision-makers.

Wendy Bauer ’98, Group President, Transportation & Electronics, 3M
With a career spanning GM, Eaton, Denso, AWS, and now 3M, Bauer understands the complexity and pace of the auto industry better than most. At 3M, she leads global teams in delivering next-gen materials and solutions for transportation and aerospace. Her experience bridging legacy systems with cutting-edge tech makes her a vital force at the intersection of digital and physical innovation.

Erin Buchanan M’00, General Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
Buchanan began her career as one of six employees launching a supplier factory from the ground up. Today, she leads a three-plant operation responsible for Lexus and Toyota production, where she oversaw the first global dual-brand line transition — completed remotely during the pandemic. Known for her empathetic and empowering leadership style, she builds cultures that welcome innovation, inclusion, and risk-taking.

Mandi Damman ’07, Executive Chief Engineer, Autonomous and Electric Vehicles, General Motors
From Co-op student to executive chief engineer, Damman has spent two decades advancing EV and AV technology at GM. Her work on the Cadillac Escalade IQ, a program she likens to a third child, showcases her passion for innovation and attention to technical excellence. A mentor, mother, and relentless problem-solver, she founded GM’s Empower Hour to create community and opportunity for women across the company.

Pamela Fletcher ’89, CEO, Sion Power
Fletcher was 17 when she walked onto the factory floor with a stopwatch and never looked back. As a pioneer in electric propulsion, she led the Chevy Volt program and helped bring the Bolt EV to life. Now CEO of a next-gen battery firm, she’s focused on embedding AI and material science innovation into energy solutions. Fletcher leads with confidence, curiosity, and a belief in giving people room to exceed expectations.

Doneen McDowell M’02, Vice President, Manufacturing – Full-Size Trucks, General Motors
McDowell has built a career across nine GM plants in stamping, assembly, supply chain, and labor relations. She led GM’s ventilator partnership during the pandemic and oversaw the launch of the Escalade IQ, applying her philosophy of inclusive, servant leadership. A former college athlete, she views manufacturing as a team sport and is committed to developing diverse talent and high-performing cultures across GM’s operations.

Kristin Toth M’02, Executive Director, Electrical Systems, Software and Connectivity, General Motors
Toth’s career spans nearly three decades of GM’s technology evolution. From early purchasing roles to leading the semiconductor response during a global supply chain crisis, her leadership is collaborative, focused, and future-facing. Now at the helm of GM’s vehicle intelligence systems, she guides the company’s transformation into a tech-first mobility leader, driven by data, connected systems, and autonomous capability.

Jamie Zinser ’99, Vice President, Automotive, North America, Novelis
An engineer by training and a sustainability advocate by mission, Zinser leads Novelis’ North American automotive business. Her team is pioneering high-recycled-content aluminum and sustainable manufacturing practices. A champion for women in STEM, she mentors young professionals through programs like Women of Tomorrow and balances high-level strategy with hands-on leadership and the occasional waffle breakfast with her four kids.

Built at Kettering. Leading the Future.

These eight alumnae are not exceptions. They are examples. 911��’s Co-op model and rigorous academics prepare students not just to enter the workforce but also to lead it. These women prove what’s possible when ambition meets the right foundation. Their recognition is a testament to what Kettering students achieve when they’re challenged to push harder, aim higher, and innovate further. Because while others wait for change, Kettering leaders engineer it.