Page 12 - Kettering Magazine - Spring 2014

GLOBA By Patrick Hayes Barra continues Kettering’s tradition of global leadership “You are the largest, uring her commencement speech at Kettering richest and most tech- DUniversity in 2013, Mary Barra ’85 told students, “Opportunities will arise (for you) that you simply cannot savvy generation in imagine today.” A few months later, Barra was named history. But, you are CEO of General Motors Corp., the fi rst female to lead a also the most inclusive global automaker. and the most optimistic. Kettering students Barra, who succeeded Dan Akerson, was previously the General Motors Senior Vice President, Global Product Development. She currently sits on the Kettering University Board of Trustees. have an opportunity to Under her leadership, GM is driving to become the global industry leader in automotive design and technology, product quality, customer care, and business results. impact the world.“ Barra began her career with GM in 1980 as a Kettering University (then General Motors –Mary Barra Institute) co-op student at the Pontiac Motor Division. She graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1988 Barra was awarded a GM fellowship and in 1990 she graduated from the Stanford Graduate School of Business with a master's degree in Business Administration. During her commencement speech, Barra spoke highly of the current generation of students preparing to enter the workforce. 12 KETTERING MA G AZINE