Page 3 - Kettering Magazine - Spring 2013

fRoM The PresiDent n November 60 Minutes reported on what is now called the, ‘skills gap.’ The skills gap is the name Ifor a modern phenomenon — the fact that despite historically high levels of unemployment in the United States, there are nonetheless approximately 3 million unfilled, high-paying job openings in manufacturing and related fields. The gap exists because there are simply not enough workers with the technical qualifications, education and relevant experience needed to fill them. Statistics like these are striking, and they also perfectly highlight the importance and power of a Kettering/GMI education. With our rigorous curriculum the weekend’s festivities may be found at kettering.edu/ and our focus on tightly integrated cooperative and hc2013. If you are one of Reg’s favorite students – or if experiential learning, we prepare our students for these you have always wanted to be – don’t miss this one-of-a- highly sought-after careers better than any institution in kind event. Please join us in celebrating this man and his the country. legacy. No one does this better than we do and the success Also in this issue of Kettering Magazine, you will see of our alumni stands in testament to this fact. Among our how alumni are supporting Kettering University and our alumni, we boast some of the most successful engineers, mission in a variety of ways. The Donor Honor Roll that scientists, entrepreneurs and executives in the country. begins on page 14 is one way we recognize those who And our impact today is just as great. For example, in have made monetary contributions to the University, but 2012, when many prominent universities were reporting critical alumni support also takes many other forms, a fact job and graduate school placement rates of 50 percent or that you will see recognized on virtually every page of this less, ours was a stunning 100 percent. magazine. No one understands the reality of a Kettering/GMI As you will also see in this issue, Kettering is actively education better than you, our alumni. You stand in helping to reshape Flint and our region. Alumni, faculty, testament to the power of a Kettering/GMI education, students and staff who have a passion for making a and we are working hard to help the broader world positive impact on our community are leading many of discover and appreciate just how innovative and impactful those efforts. The future of the University, and of our that education truly is. You and how you have built your community, is very bright. lives and careers upon your Kettering/GMI education Have a wonderful spring. We look forward to seeing play a vital role in telling that story. you back on campus for Homecoming May 17-19, to Part of this narrative also is built upon the celebrate the exciting things happening at Kettering contributions of our inspiring faculty. In May, we’ll University and within our community. celebrate an individual central to the Kettering/GMI story, chemistry professor G. Reg Bell. Professor Bell has S incer ely: made a deep and enduring impact on literally generations of our students, and has inspired countless to go on to accomplish extraordinary things in their careers and personal lives. He continues to be an amazing mentor to our students, young and old. Please help us commemorate Professor Bell’s remarkable passion for Kettering/GMI and for our students, past and present, by joining us in celebration Dr. robert McMahan of his reaching an unprecedented milestone in higher President education — his 200th consecutive teaching term. You read that right — he has taught at Kettering for an unbroken 200 terms – or 50 years. Help us honor Reg by returning to campus and participating in our first ever Kettering Homecoming, May 17-19. More information about the Reg Bell celebration and the rest of Spring 2013 3