UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT cooperative partners, it has added Bio-Engineering, Aerospace, Pre-Med and Pre-Law minors, a Chemical Engineering major, and a bachelor of science in Business Administration (BSBA). During the past year, exciting happenings and changes have been taking place on campus. Kettering hosted the King of Sweden to collaborate on a biogas fuel project to convert waste to fuel; began the process to change from the WAG to 4.0 GPA system; broke ground to build the new science and technology incubator; joined with the local community to celebrate General Motors’ 100th Birthday; crafted a new mission and vision statement for the University; recruited and enrolled students from China; and is more collaborative in the local community and region than it has been in years.
INVESTMENT By Dennis Washington Vice President, University Advancement In the recent presidential election, change was the key buzz word. Change was discussed in reference to the economy, the withdrawal of troops in Iraq and given the chasm of uncertainty in the United States, it was the mantra for bold, strategic and effective leadership. At the same time, we face a major global economic crisis with financial markets in turmoil. In the United States, home foreclosures are at record levels. Layoffs, business closures and bankruptcies are occurring with alarming frequencies. With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, violence is a constant companion. Perhaps Charles Dickens was correct in his assessment that “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” With these things in mind, there has never been a more critical period to donate to Kettering University. For the first time in approximately four years, Kettering University has increased its incoming freshman class by fourteen percent. As Kettering remains committed to looking towards the future and the needs of its
Charles Kettering once said that “the world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” Kettering University is in a strong position to serve as the premier institution of higher learning in training tomorrow’s leaders today, because it has been willing to look to the future and make the changes necessary to improve in all areas. To continue this progress, the institution asks all of its alumni, friends and corporate partners to begin or continue to support the institution through donations, recruitment efforts, serving as co-op employers and volunteering in various capacities. Given the challenges in the economy, we need all of our alumni, friends and corporate donors to continue their support. A donation or investment in Kettering University provides short-term and long-term return on investment. In the short term, one receives a tax deduction and a feeling that you are helping educate the future leaders of the world. In the long term, our alumni are more likely to rise to executive levels and have a greater impact on their organizations philanthropic decisions. We issue a call for all alumni and friends to give to Kettering because progress is what we seek. Answering our call to support is what will make this change possible.