Page 14 - Philanthropy Report 2016

C.S. Mott Foundation support catalyzes growth

and opportunities at Kettering

transformational $15.5 million grant from the C.S. Mott applied research horizons by assisting with the
A Foundation in 2012 laid the foundation for building development of an Applied Biology program, expanding
the Kettering University of the next century. existing laboratories on campus and providing seed
The generous gift from the Mott Foundation funding to pursue larger national research projects.
transformed opportunities for students and faculty while “We have more and more facilities coming to
amplifying Kettering’s prestigious cooperative educational campus,” said Dr. Gillian Ryan, Physics faculty member.
model in national and international markets. “Currently we have students working with equipment
Kettering has been able to leverage the gift to invest and doing research with professors. At other institutions,
in the neighborhoods around campus to create a more students normally wouldn’t have access to this equipment
vibrant community, and to enhance student research until they are in graduate school.” Kettering is uniquely using its status as a world-class
experiences by constructing new labs that meet the 21st Since 2013, Kettering faculty members have received 10 engineering school to catalyze economic development
century demands of industry, a new Campus Master Plan Major Research Instrumentation grants from the National and further integrate itself in the resurgence in Flint and
and the first of its kind FIRST Robotics Community Center Science Foundation, which is more than any university in Michigan.
(FRCC). the state of Michigan during that timespan. Kettering has supported federal, state and local efforts
The FRCC allows Kettering to offer a new, engaging “Research is integral to Kettering’s growth strategy, a by facilitating the removal of blighted structures along
space that benefits the community. It will also prepare pivotal part of attracting world-class faculty and students,” University Avenue while developing dynamic and thriving
high school students with in-demand STEM (Science, said Dr. James Zhang, Provost and Senior Vice President for businesses around campus. In March 2013, Kettering
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills that will Academic Affairs at Kettering University. “Research informs transformed a party store into an Einstein Bros Bagels on
equip them for continuing education and the workforce. teaching and allows faculty members to bring cutting edge the corner of University and Chevrolet Avenues. Traveling
Permanent work space is available for up to eight teams equipment and knowledge into the classroom.” east along University Avenue, Kettering took ownership
and the facility includes a practice arena and machine shop By amplifying its research prowess, academic programs of the historic Atwood Stadium in 2013 and restored the
for prototyping and testing. and unique cooperative education model into national facilities with state-of-the-art field turf and stimulated the
“It’s much more than just the space that is important,” markets, Kettering’s recognition and reputation has return of high school athletics to the stadium.
said Kettering University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. augmented across the United States. “The renovation and grand re-opening of Atwood
“The key to FIRST is mentors. This facility gives area Kettering University was ranked 15th nationally among Stadium on our campus represents a significant milestone
students unprecedented access to our campus and all all non-Ph.D.-granting engineering programs in the 2016 in the ongoing rebirth of the city of Flint,” McMahan said.
it has to offer as well as our faculty, staff and students. It U.S. News and World Report 'Best Colleges’ edition. It In September 2016, Kettering opened a Jimmy John’s
serves as a tremendous community partnership that helps was ranked 12th nationally for Return on Investment by sandwich shop on the corner of University and Grand
prepare the next generations of students for college and Payscale.com and five separate programs - Business, Traverse Avenues and the investment will continue for
impactful careers.” Mathematics, Biological Science, Computer Science, many years to come in accordance with the new campus
The Mott Foundation was the founding sponsor of Engineering - were ranked in the top-five by the U.S. Master Plan that was unveiled in 2015 with support from
the FRCC. Mott’s support has also expanded Kettering’s Department of Education’s College Scorecard. the Mott Foundation.

14