Campus Events

51Ʒ�� Celebrates the Accomplishments of the Class of 2026

lmadaus — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:34:43 +0000

51Ʒ�� Celebrates the Accomplishments of the Class of 2026

lmadaus Fri, 06/19/2026 - 13:34

51Ʒ�� celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its Commencement Ceremony on June 20 at the historic Atwood Stadium. The ceremony marked the culmination of years of rigorous study and hands-on professional experience for a class entering the workforce at a transformative moment for engineering, computing, mobility, and artificial intelligence.

Delivering the Commencement address was alumnus Qasar Younis '04, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Intuition. A graduate of 51Ʒ��’s Mechanical Engineering program, Younis began his professional career through the University’s cooperative education program before helping build companies at the leading edge of software, intelligent machines, and physical AI.

Reflecting on his own path from 51Ʒ�� to entrepreneurship, he challenged graduates to embrace change and pursue opportunity with purpose: “Run towards uncertainty, because that is where the opportunity lies. Go to the centers of industry and create technology that does not control us, but serves us. Build your own life, one where you are not just the byproduct of the whims of others, but the master of your own destiny.”

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan reinforced that message in his Commencement Address, emphasizing that 51Ʒ�� graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact because their education is built on demonstrated experience as much as academic achievement.

As he told the Class of 2026, “Your time at 51Ʒ�� was never simply preparation. It was, by design, an acceleration—an education measured not just in understanding, but in demonstrated capability and mastery.”

Student Commencement Speaker Adria Dixon of Bloomfield Hills earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. An Honors Program student, she distinguished herself through leadership with the Society of Women Engineers, IEEE, 51Ʒ�� Student Government, and the Board of Trustees Academic Committee.

Addressing her classmates, Dixon reflected on the resilience they developed throughout their 51Ʒ�� experience: “We've already proven something powerful. We didn't just adapt. We learned how to thrive in uncertainty, and that is what will set us apart.”

Following graduation, she will begin her career as an Electrical Engineer with her Co-op employer, Stryker.

The celebration began the evening before Commencement with the Celebration of Distinguished Scholars, recognizing outstanding graduates, including:

Allison McGraw, Outstanding Thesis Award Winner
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Macomb, Michigan
McGraw earned the 2026 Outstanding Thesis Award for research exploring the incorporation of sustainable, bio-based materials into widely used industrial products while maintaining the performance standards required by manufacturers.

Her work addresses the challenge of advancing sustainability without compromising quality, reliability, or effectiveness. Through creativity, technical expertise, and persistence, she developed solutions with the potential to contribute to more sustainable manufacturing practices.
President's Medalists: Students who have demonstrated excellence in cooperative employment, scholarship, and community engagement.
- Deondre C. Blair
- Donald Charles Blalock
- Ryan Joseph Bolduc
- Giovanni James Cavataio
- Adria Anne Dixon
- Titus Junior Francis
- Allison Catherine McGraw
- Cole Joshua Thomas
Sobey Scholars: Students who have been inducted into an academic honor society and 51Ʒ��'s Robot Society.
- Stephen Josiah Alexander
- Carly M. Baier
- Natalie Grace Collins
- Adria Anne Dixon
- Titus Junior Francis
- Kayla Elizabeth Hughes
- Allison Catherine McGraw
- Jamie Atlas Robbins
Summa Cum Laude Awardees: Students who have earned a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.
- Jasmine Jade Alexus Adamson
- Inti H. Aguilar Ornelas
- Trevor Alexander Arcieri
- Carly M. Baier
- Deondre C. Blair
- Donald Charles Blalock
- Ryan Joseph Bolduc
- Olivia Marie Brothers
- Alex Michael Castle
- Giovanni James Cavataio
- Joseph M. Chreiki
- Madison Marilyn Clapp
- Isabella Mina Coleman
- Adria Anne Dixon
- Evan Matthew Eastman
- Jonathan Henry Eby
- Titus Junior Francis
- Liam P. Franklin
- Scott Andrew Frederick
- Grant Marcus Gergen
- Alexander W. Horetski
- Kayla Elizabeth Hughes
- Dean Francis Kalebjian
- Joseph Matthew Kowalski
- Nicholas Stanley Learman
- Christopher Ryan Marsack
- Miranda Judith Martin
- John Connor McCarty
- Allison Catherine McGraw
- Jacob A. Morrison
- Grace Xiaoxiao Pulley
- Douglas Richard Ray
- Andrew Dominic Ricard
- Moritz William Richter
- Joseph Alexander Rode
- Lancealot Alexander Rounds
- Ella Paige Ryan
- Andrew Dawson Sirois
- Kirsten Ellen Smith
- Christa G. Spencer
- Ansh Raj Suryavanshi
- Cole Joshua Thomas
- Timothy J. Vokal
- Dexter Ray Woods III

In closing, President McMahan underscored the momentum the graduates have built through their 51Ʒ�� education:

“And now, Class of 2026, you are not waiting to begin. You are already in motion, moving into industries ready for your contributions, stepping into roles that demand your professional judgment, advancing toward a future that will be shaped in no small part by your skills. You have shown that meaningful progress builds over time and that true momentum carries you forward with purpose. Congratulations!”

51Ʒ�� Names Alumnus Qasar Younis, Co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition, as 2026 Commencement Speaker

lmadaus — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:40:24 +0000

51Ʒ�� Names Alumnus Qasar Younis, Co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition, as 2026 Commencement Speaker

“51Ʒ�� played a significant role in building the foundation that guides my professional life to this day.“

Alumnus Qasar Younis
Co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition

lmadaus Mon, 05/18/2026 - 09:40

51Ʒ�� will award alumnus Qasar Younis ’04, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition, an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree (Dr.Eng. h.c.), when he addresses the Class of 2026 at Commencement on June 20, 2026.

Younis leads one of the most closely watched companies in AI. Applied Intuition takes intelligence and puts it in physical machines and has become one of the world leaders in the category of “physical AI.”

The company’s work now spans automotive, defense, trucking, mining, construction and agriculture. A recent Forbes feature highlighted both its technical depth and ambitious scope, describing Younis as an “execution machine” who’s helping shape the future of intelligent systems.

“Qasar’s career is the 51Ʒ�� model in compressed form,” said Robert K. McMahan, President of 51Ʒ��. “He started in engineering and manufacturing production while a student and now leads a company building the digital infrastructure for intelligent machines across many industries around the globe. The arc is not coincidence. It is what happens when rigorous engineering education is built around real professional responsibility from the first year forward.”

Younis began his career in the same environment that has shaped generations of 51Ʒ�� graduates. As a student, he split his time between the classroom and industry, taking on engineering responsibilities while working across General Motors tech centers and factories through 51Ʒ��’s cooperative education model, which places students in paid, professional industry rotations every twelve weeks from their first year through graduation.

Before founding Applied Intuition, Younis founded TalkBin, a messaging platform acquired by Google Maps, where he became one of the product and engineering leads. He subsequently served as a Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Y Combinator—the preeminent accelerator in Silicon Valley, which spawned OpenAI, Cruise, DoorDash, Twitch, Reddit, Coinbase and others—where he guided high-growth startups through critical stages of development.

He co-founded Applied Intuition to address a core challenge of intelligent machines: how to safely design, test and validate complex autonomous systems through simulation before they are deployed in the real world. The company’s platform is now used by dozens of top manufacturers around the globe and the United States Department of Defense.

His return resonates beyond any single industry. 51Ʒ��’s graduates are entering an economy in which the boundaries between mechanical, electrical and software engineering are dissolving, and in which physical systems across nearly every sector are being rebuilt around intelligence and autonomy.

“51Ʒ�� played a significant role in building the foundation that guides my professional life to this day,” said Younis. “It taught me how to solve hard, real-world problems and approach complex challenges with confidence and curiosity. I’m honored to return to Flint to speak to its next class of leaders and engineers, who are entering one of the most transformative and exciting moments in industrial and technological history.”

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and redefines the nature of engineering work, Younis has emerged as a leading voice on how intelligent systems can be deployed safely and at scale in the real world.

“The graduates Qasar will address are entering an economy that is being rebuilt around physical AI and autonomous systems: in vehicles, in defense, in industrial operations, in agriculture,” McMahan said. “That is the field he helped define. There is no one better positioned to speak to what this class is walking into.”

The 2026 Commencement will honor graduates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, computer science and management.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Camp Compass

eoboyle — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:34:18 +0000

Camp Compass

Campus Events

Student Life

Undergraduate

eoboyle Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:34

2026-07-06T00:00:00-0400 _2026-07-08T23:59:59-0400

2026-09-28T00:00:00-0400 _2026-09-30T23:59:59-0400

Jump start your first-year experience

Camp Compass is an optional 2.5 day off-campus leadership development opportunity available to new undergraduate students before beginning their first term at 51Ʒ��. Join other new students and upper-class student leaders to learn leadership, problem-solving, and team-building skills, while orienting to campus life.

COST: $250/person (payment must be made at registration)

A-Section Registration
(July 6-8, 2026)

B-Section Registration
(September 28-30, 2026)

More Information

Camp Compass

New Student Orientation: Advising & Pre-Registration (B-Section)

eoboyle — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:13:33 +0000

New Student Orientation: Advising & Pre-Registration (B-Section)

Campus

Campus Events

eoboyle Fri, 04/17/2026 - 17:13

2026-08-28T08:30:00-0400 _2026-08-28T17:00:00-0400

Complete academic advising, plan your first-term schedule, review credits, accommodations, and understand expectations for both academics and Co-op. Take your student ID photo and apply for parking passes, too.

We invite parents and supporters to attend Advising & Pre-Registration sessions dedicated to how to support your student’s transition to college, next steps, campus resources, and contacts your student should make with departments and student services.

This event is intended for students in B-Section only.

More Information

Advising & Pre-Registration (Required)

New Student Orientation: Advising & Pre-Registration (A-Section)

eoboyle — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:03:01 +0000

New Student Orientation: Advising & Pre-Registration (A-Section)

Campus

Campus Events

eoboyle Fri, 04/17/2026 - 15:03

2026-06-05T08:30:00-0400 _2026-06-05T17:00:00-0400

51Ʒ�� Univesity

This event is intended for students in A-Section only.

More Information

Advising & Pre-Registration (Required)

Building Momentum: 51Ʒ��’s 2025 VEX Series Strengthens Michigan’s Robotics Pipeline

lmadaus — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:47:30 +0000

Building Momentum: 51Ʒ��’s 2025 VEX Series Strengthens Michigan’s Robotics Pipeline

lmadaus Thu, 12/04/2025 - 09:47

Over four weekends in November, hundreds of middle- and high-school competitors stepped into 51Ʒ��’s Robotics Community Center ready to put months of refining designs, pushing code, and thinking like engineers to the test.

The 2025 VEX Robotics Tournament Series showcases Michigan’s brightest young innovators while reinforcing 51Ʒ��’s continued commitment to building the state’s next generation of STEM leaders.

While the series highlights student achievement, it also reflects 51Ʒ��’s sustained investment in Michigan’s robotics ecosystem. Since 2015, 51Ʒ�� has hosted VEX camps, workshops, and the Michigan VEX State Championship, helping young engineers connect with university labs and mentors.

The Game: Push Back

This year’s competition featured VEX V5 Robotics Push Back, a fast-paced game played on a 12x12-foot field. Teams of two robots work together to score points by moving and controlling blocks, completing tasks during a brief autonomous period, and navigating complex challenges under time pressure.

Push Back isn’t just about building a robot. It’s a test of creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and focus. With a detailed rulebook guiding strategy and fair play, every match challenges students to think like engineers, adapt to changing conditions, and compete with both precision and imagination.

“The rule book, which is over 100 pages, is frequently updated and contains a level of complexity that mimics the conditions of a workplace,” said Kim Shumaker, the Director of Robotics Outreach & Robotics Center at 51Ʒ��. “Students are responsible for following all rules, just as employees are required to follow company and government policies. The experience prepares students to confidently enter and succeed in a STEM-focused workforce.”

The VEX Robotics Competition is overseen globally by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), which engages with nearly half a million students annually across more than 3,600 events. The foundation’s focus, to provide competition, education, and workforce-readiness programs, complements 51Ʒ��’s long-standing support of Michigan’s robotics and STEM talent pipeline. The organization is led by CEO and 51Ʒ�� alumnus Dan Mantz, who has helped expand robotics education worldwide.

Hosting a series of tournaments enables teams to test their design and strategy and learn from rivals, directly fueling the iteration phase of the engineering process:

Costume Clash (Nov. 1) kicked off the series with creativity and confidence-building, letting students test early designs while having fun.
Fall Frenzy (Nov. 8) served as an iterative checkpoint, allowing teams to refine their performance and receive guidance from experienced mentors.
Bulldog Bash (Nov. 15) introduced full judging and digital engineering notebooks, encouraging students to document and defend their design decisions.
Gears & Gratitude (Nov. 22) closed the series with multiple State Championship-qualified teams competing, raising the level of competition and celebrating teamwork and community.

Together, the four events formed a developmental arc, helping students progress from initial concepts to competition-ready designs.

Push Back Tournament Awards

Costume Clash (Nov. 1)
- Tournament Champions:
  - 39R Serenity, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
  - 39H HNS, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Robot Skills Champion: 39R Serenity, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Fall Frenzy (Nov. 8)
- Tournament Champions:
  - 39W W, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
  - 16610G Good Gravy, Techblazers, Richmond Hill, ON, Canada
- Robot Skills Champion: 16610X Cooking Goose, Techblazers, Richmond Hill, ON, Canada
Bulldog Bash (Nov. 15)
- Tournament Champions:
  - 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
  - 39Y Yolt, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Robot Skills Champion: 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Excellence Award: 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Design Award: 39Y Yolt, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Innovate Award: 4911X SayHelloToMyLittleFriend, Robo-Tech Zone of Michiana, Dowagiac, MI
- Judges Award: 39B Daily Silksong News, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Gears & Gratitude (Nov. 22)
- Tournament Champions:
  - 1829A Phantom, Independent, Troy, MI
  - 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Robot Skills Champion: 40684D Griffilicious, Napoleon High School, Napoleon, MI
- Excellence Award (High School): 39R Serenity, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Excellence Award (Middle School): 1829A Phantom, Independent, Troy, MI
- Design Award: 39Y Yolt, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Innovate Award: 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Judges Award: 1997B Rolling With Porpoise, Chatfield School, Lapeer, Michigan

Looking Ahead

From the playful creativity of Costume Clash to the mastery on display at Gears & Gratitude, the 2025 VEX Series reinforced 51Ʒ��’s position as a major sponsor, mentor, and host in Michigan’s robotics community. 51Ʒ�� looks forward to hosting the 2026 Michigan VEX State Championship, February 27-28, 2026, sponsored by Consumers Energy.

51Ʒ�� to Celebrate Class of 2025 at its Historic Atwood Stadium

rnorris — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:56:27 +0000

51Ʒ�� to Celebrate Class of 2025 at its Historic Atwood Stadium

Campus

Campus Events

Commencement

rnorris Thu, 06/19/2025 - 14:56

More than 40 Students to Earn the University’s Highest Academic Honors

On June 21, 51Ʒ�� will honor more than 340 undergraduates and 150 graduate students at its 2025 Commencement Ceremony. This milestone event marks not just the culmination of rigorous academic achievement but the beginning of bold career journeys.

Founded in 1919 as a night school for automotive engineers, 51Ʒ�� has since become a global leader in STEM education. Through its rigorous academics and hands-on research, as well as its pioneering cooperative educational model, 51Ʒ�� graduates are prepared to tackle the biggest challenges and shape the future.

The Class of 2025 arrived at 51Ʒ�� during a time of rapid technological shifts and went to work, building solutions, leading innovation, and driving progress across industries. Each graduate has completed not only a rigorous academic program but also over 2.5 years of immersive Co-op experience, earning while they learn and transforming their knowledge into applied leadership. As the Class of 2025 takes its place at the forefront of tomorrow’s industries, they carry with them not just a degree, but the confidence, ingenuity, and purpose that define a 51Ʒ�� education.

The Celebration of the Class of 2025 will begin the night before Commencement with the Academic Honors Banquet on June 20. The invitation-only event recognizes several outstanding groups of graduates, including:

Notable Student Accomplishments and Honors

President’s Medalists: Students who have demonstrated excellence in cooperative employment, scholarship, and community engagement.

Dakota-Duyen Thi Avallone, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Milford, MI
Joli Sage Forgach, B.S. Biochemistry, Fenton, MI
Alyssa L. Hagan, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Highland, MI
Lance Isaac Krueger Lipasek, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Washington, MI
Dylan Hoang Pham, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Lansing, MI
Varun Rallabandi, B.S. Computer Science, Troy, MI
Maggie Elizabeth Simons, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Clinton Twp, MI
Amanda Rose Smith, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Beverly Hills, MI

Sobey Scholars: Students who have been inducted into an academic honor society and 51Ʒ��’s Robot Society.

Stephen Josiah Alexander, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, La Porte, TX
Martin Ortega Cordoba, B.S. Computer Science, Clarkston, MI
Tanisha Isabella Francis, B.S. Computer Engineering, Flint, MI
Jaydin Tremayne Freeman, B.S. Computer Science, Auburn Hills, MI
Colin Leonard Mazzola, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Northville, MI
Katelyn Marie Petersdorf, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Shelby Township, MI
Isabella Catherine Weingartz, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Chesterfield, MI

Summa Cum Laude Awardees: Students who earned a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Inti H. Aguilar Ornelas, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Flint, MI
Syed Mustafa Ahmed, B.S. Computer Engineering, Rochester Hills, MI
Dakota-Duyen Thi Avallone, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Milford, MI
Maxwell Cameron Battist, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Williamston, MI
Wyatt Matthew Bloch, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Burlington, MI
Nathan Edward Diaz Cahilig, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Warren, MI
Joseph Jerome Calamia, B.S. Electrical Engineering, St. Clair Shores, MI
Connor James Carene, B.S. Computer Science, Gaylord, MI
Noah Francis Cole, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Sterling Heights, MI
Logan Joseph Deniston, B.S. Computer Science, Portage, MI
Jonathan Henry Eby, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ida, MI
Cash Daniel Ericson, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Jonathan Andrew Gooch, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Sturgis, MI
Chad Gary Goodwine, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Shelby Township, MI
Alyssa L. Hagan, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Highland, MI
Nicholas Jeffrey Hong, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Marysville, MI
Dean Francis Kalebjian, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Columbus, MI
Daniel Walter Harrison Kamp, B.S. Computer Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Amanda Marie Koziol, B.S. Computer Science, Shelby Township, MI
Jack W. Krugh, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Chelsea, MI
Rayaansh Kumar, B.S. Computer Engineering, Flint, MI
Nicholas Michael Lipcsik, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Plymouth, MI
Matthew Joseph McMahon, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Lake Orion, MI
Adam Robert Meyer, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Warren, MI
Jacob A. Morrison, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Oxford, MI
Rebekah Marie Mosier, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Clayton, IN
Ehren Pierce Mroczek, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Mishawaka, IN
Phu Anh Nguyen, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Warren, MI
Valentino Pecaj, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Fenton, MI
Dylan Hoang Pham, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Lansing, MI
Varun Rallabandi, B.S. Computer Science, Troy, MI
Noah James Ray, B.S. Computer Science, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Portage, MI
Thomas Mark Schneider, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Oil City, PA
Alexander J. Shores, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Lapeer, MI
Amanda Rose Smith, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Beverly Hills, MI
Christa G. Spencer, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ortonville, MI
Ian David Spitael, B.S. Engineering, Saline, MI
Ryan Michael Stiles, B.S Mechanical Engineering, Gladwin, MI
Brendan Scott Sting, B.S. Computer Science, Grand Blanc, MI
Frank Vincent Tilli III, B.S. Computer Science, Clarkston, MI
Andrew Paul Tower, B.S. Chemical Engineering, East Lansing, MI
Vinh-Han Truong, B.S. Computer Science, Novi, MI
Matthew James Vanderhoff, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Sterling Heights, MI

Maggie Elizabeth Simons, Outstanding Thesis Award Winner

B.S. Chemical Engineering, Clinton Twp, Michigan

Simons is a President’s Medalist graduating Magna Cum Laude. She earned the Outstanding Thesis Award for her work, “Improving Drafting Efficiency for Patent Applications Using Generative Artificial Intelligence,” completed in collaboration with Howard and Howard Attorneys, PLLC, under Dr. Susan Farhat’s supervision. Her research explored how large language models can streamline patent application drafting, reducing time and accelerating the patent acquisition process — a critical advancement for the field of intellectual property. Simons is also a member of the Honors Program, sorority Alpha Gamma Delta, and the National Order of Omega. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Wayne State University Law School on a full-ride merit scholarship with the goal of one day practicing patent law and intellectual property law.

Maximilian J. Vanovermeer-Santamaria, Dual Degree Recipient

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, M.B.A., St. Clair Shores, Michigan

During his Co-op experiences at American Axle & Manufacturing and BAE Systems, Vanovermeer-Santamaria contributed to 3D modeling, efficiency improvements, tooling design, vehicle retrofits, and root cause analysis, demonstrating his commitment to real-world solutions. On campus, he was President of the Target Club, Treasurer of the Trap and Skeet Club, a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, the Order of the Engineer, and Gamma Sigma Alpha, the national Greek Honor Society. He has accepted a position as a rotational mechanical engineer at Williams International after graduation.

Kenteya Aavree Stubbs, Student Commencement Speaker

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Freeport, The Bahamas

Graduating Magna Cum Laude, Stubbs is a member of the Robot Honor Society, Pi Tau Sigma, the international honor society for mechanical engineers, and the National Society of Black Engineers. She distinguished herself during her Co-op at Lear Corporation, where she developed grounding system topologies for a new vehicle electrical distribution system and led a Materials Cost Excellence initiative. On campus, Stubbs served as President of the International Club and Vice President of M.A.G.I.C., and a counselor for the Academically Interested Minds summer program. She has accepted an offer to work as a product engineer in the wiring department at Lear Corporation after graduation.

The ceremony’s commencement address will be delivered by 51Ʒ�� alumna Sherry House ’94, Chief Financial Officer at Ford Motor Company. Over her career, House has held influential roles across the mobility industry, from leading finance and operations at autonomous vehicle pioneer Waymo to steering Lucid Motors through its public debut and the launch of luxury electric vehicles. At Ford, House oversees all finance functions, including Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Treasury, Tax, Investor Relations, Economics, and Audit, as well as the Ford Credit business. House’s career, from early Co-op rotations to executive leadership at the forefront of the mobility sector, exemplifies the rigor, purpose, and impact that define a 51Ʒ�� education. In recognition of her distinguished contributions to the global automotive industry, the University will confer upon her the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration.

The University will also honor Frank Perna, Jr. ‘60, the retired CEO of MSC Software, with the honorary Doctor of Engineering degree. Perna holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from 51Ʒ��. Perna spent over 50 years as a registered Professional Engineer working at a number of industry leaders, including General Motors, Sun Electric, and Bell & Howell, among others. He now serves as Director of The Valentine Foundation, which funds critical educational and conservational activities.

51Ʒ��’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

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

51Ʒ��’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

Campus

Campus Events

Faculty & Staff

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

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

51Ʒ�� 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 51Ʒ��’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 51Ʒ�� 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 51Ʒ�� 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.

51Ʒ�� Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

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

51Ʒ�� Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

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

51Ʒ�� 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, 51Ʒ�� will award Sherry House the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration 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 51Ʒ�� creates, building high-impact leaders in fast-changing industries.

“The prestige and academic rigor of 51Ʒ�� is what drew me here initially,” said House. “I was the first person in my family to earn a Bachelor's degree. 51Ʒ�� enabled me to hold a corporate job at 17-years-old so that I could work while I went to school. At 51Ʒ�� 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 51Ʒ��’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 51Ʒ�� 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 51Ʒ��'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 51Ʒ�� education,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of 51Ʒ��. “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 51Ʒ�� 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 51Ʒ��’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 51Ʒ��’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 51Ʒ�� as one of the Top 10 Schools in the Nation for Career Preparation. As such, 51Ʒ�� graduates rank number one when it comes to starting salaries in Michigan (SmartAsset).

51Ʒ�� 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. ‘60, 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 51Ʒ��. 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 51Ʒ��

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

Gov. Whitmer Highlights Michigan’s Semiconductor Future in Visit to 51Ʒ��

Campus Events

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

FLINT, Mich. – In a forward-focused address delivered at 51Ʒ��’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 51Ʒ�� 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 51Ʒ��’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.

51Ʒ�� 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 51Ʒ��, 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 51Ʒ��’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