Monday, May 4, 2026
PROGRAM
OPENING REMARKS
Jeannine Kunz
SME Executive Director & CEO
WELCOME REMARKS
Rebecca Taylor
2026 SME President
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Eli Whitney Productivity Award
Joseph A. Siegel Service Award
SME Frederick W. Taylor Research Medal
SME Albert M. Sargent Progress Award
2026 SME John Agapiou
Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award
SME Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award
SME Workforce Development Innovation Award
Professional Chapter of the Year Award
Student Chapter of the Year Award
DINNER SERVICE
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS: OPENING REMARKS
Rob Luce
Vice President, SME Education Foundation
WELCOME REMARKS
Erica Powell Bell, JD
SME Education Foundation President
PRESENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS
Gustav J. Olling Directors Scholarship
E. Wayne & Beulah Kay Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail Endowed Scholarship
CLOSING REMARKS
Jeannine Kunz
SME Executive Director & CEO
AFTERGLOW RECEPTION
SME INTERNATIONAL HONOR AWARDS
These longstanding awards recognize the absolute best for their outstanding achievements in manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, research and management.
Eli Whitney Productivity Award
Joseph A. Siegel Service Award
SME Frederick W. Taylor Research Medal
SME Albert M. Sargent Progress Award
ELI WHITNEY PRODUCTIVITY AWARD
Awarded for distinguished accomplishments in improving capability within the broad concept of orderly production.
Sthitie Bom, PhD
Vice President, Worldwide Manufacturing Systems
Seagate Technology
St. Paul, MN
JOSEPH A. SIEGEL SERVICE AWARD
Awarded to an SME member for significant and unique contributions that benefit SME. It is the only International Honor Award presented solely to SME members.
Albert J. Wavering III, FSME
Deputy Director for Planning and Operations
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD
SME FREDERICK W. TAYLOR RESEARCH MEDAL
Honors significant published research leading to a better understanding of materials, facilities, principles, operations and their application to improve manufacturing processes.
Mingwang Fu, PhD, FSME
Chair Professor
The Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute
Hong Kong, China
SME ALBERT M. SARGENT PROGRESS AWARD
Recognizes significant accomplishments in the field of manufacturing processes, methods or systems.
Seog-Chan Oh, PhD
Senior Researcher
General Motors Research and Development
Warren, MI
SINCE 2019
SME OUTSTANDING YOUNG MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS
John Agapiou, PhD, FSME, is a retired Technical Fellow Engineer, Global Research & Development, for General Motors, working in the Manufacturing System Research Lab. He has 40 years of manufacturing experience in various machining areas, quality assurance and technology development and implementation roles. John was also involved in the education and training of the next generation of manufacturing engineers by teaching part-time at Wayne State University in Detroit. He holds over 30 patents covering areas as diverse as machining processes, tooling, metrology and manufacturing processes for a variety of electric motors applications.
John has held a wide variety of SME leadership positions, including chair of Michigan Chapter 69, member of the SME’s International Awards & Recognition Committee and served as the 2012-13 NAMRI/SME president. He received the SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award in 1992 and the S.M. Wu Research Implementation Award in 2015.
John holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from University of Louisville and a doctorate in manufacturing from the University of Wisconsin.
SINCE 1980
SME OUTSTANDING YOUNG
MANUFACTURING
ENGINEERS
Raed Al Kontar, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Diptak Bhattacharya, PhD
Senior Researcher
General Motors
Warren, MI
Nadim S. Hmeidat, PhD
Materials Scientist
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Knoxville, TN
Amber M. Hubbard, PhD
R&D Staff Member
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Knoxville, TN
SINCE 2014
SINCE 2024
EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING TRAINING AWARD
The SME Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award honors a manufacturer who demonstrates an exceptional commitment and dedication to upskilling and enhancing talent, while preparing new and incumbent employees for a successful career in manufacturing. The industry’s ongoing workforce crisis motivated SME to document, celebrate and share best practices with others looking to make talent development a core strategic pillar.
SME has named CoorsTek the recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award in recognition of its commitment to building a future-ready workforce.
CoorsTek earned the award for its comprehensive training ecosystem, led by CoorsTek Academy, which supports onboarding, skills development, and career advancement. The program combines technical training, on-the-job learning, and structured career pathways. New hires complete a guided onboarding process with ongoing evaluations and 30-, 60-, and 90-day check-ins to ensure successful integration.
The company also strengthens workforce development through its Train the Trainer program, enabling peer-led instruction and knowledge sharing across facilities. A data-driven skills management framework further enhances impact, using a global proficiency matrix to identify gaps, track capabilities, and align training with operational needs.
In addition, CoorsTek partners with educational institutions and workforce organizations to expand talent pipelines, apprenticeships, and technical career opportunities. SME recognizes CoorsTek for its leadership and measurable impact in advancing the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION AWARD
The Workforce Development Innovation Award was established to recognize leaders in workforce development and to provide outstanding benchmarks for organizations striving to build effective workforce strategies. It honors establishments for their exceptional commitment to upskilling employees, enhancing talent and preparing both new and incumbent workers for successful careers in the manufacturing industry.
Matrix Human Services has been named the recipient of SME’s 2026 Workforce Development Innovation Award for its impact in preparing Detroit residents for careers in manufacturing and skilled trades. Its flexible, industry-aligned training programs create accessible pathways to employment while addressing regional workforce needs.
Matrix delivers strong outcomes, including high retention and completion rates, robust credential attainment, and an 81% job placement rate. Participants gain in-demand skills and benefit from increased wages and long-term career opportunities.
Designed for nontraditional learners, programs offer short-term, stackable training—ranging from one-week courses to advanced technical pathways. Participants receive hands-on instruction, earn industry-recognized credentials such as SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA), and access comprehensive support services, including coaching, case management, and career readiness training. These efforts are driving real impact: graduates quickly secure sustainable employment and build stronger futures. SME recognizes Matrix Human Services for its leadership, innovation, and measurable contributions to advancing the manufacturing workforce.
SME CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The SME Chapter of the Year Award honors both professional and student chapters that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact. These chapters are elevating the member experience while expanding SME’s reach and influence. Through their efforts, they are driving meaningful change and strengthening manufacturing communities at the local level.
Professional Chapter of the Year
The SME Professional Chapter of the Year, North Texas C051, demonstrated exceptional performance through measurable growth, strong engagement, and meaningful industry impact with their ManufactureTX 2025 Summit. This flagship event welcomed 125 participants, more than doubling their attendance goal, while expanding SME’s reach with 45% non-member participation. The chapter also achieved measurable membership growth, generating 13 new members and 6 renewals, with 35% student participation, helping to build a strong pipeline for the future of manufacturing.
Student Chapter of the Year
The SME Student Chapter of the Year, California State Fullerton S282, delivered an outstanding example of impact, scale, and leadership through their Manufacturing Day 2025 Expo. This signature event welcomed over 500 participants, far exceeding their original goal, including approximately 300 students, 100 educators, and 100 industry professionals. With an 80% satisfaction rate and strong participation from underrepresented student groups, the chapter significantly expanded SME’s visibility across campus and throughout the Southern California manufacturing community.
GUSTAV J. OLLING DIRECTORS SCHOLARSHIP
The 2026 Directors Scholarship honors 1995 SME President Gustav J. Olling, PhD, FSME, CMfgE, for his contributions to SME and the SME Education Foundation. The Directors Scholarship is supported through personal gifts made by members of the Board of Directors from SME and the SME Education Foundation, as well as the SME Past Presidents and SME Education Foundation Emeriti.
Brady Askelson
University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA
MAJOR: Manufacturing Engineering/Technology
Jacob Mazelin
University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI
MAJOR: Robotics Engineering
E. WAYNE & BEULAH KAY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Beulah Kay established this endowed scholarship in memory of her late husband, E. Wayne Kay, who was deeply committed to SME and manufacturing engineering.
Kay, a lifelong SME member, served as chair of Detroit Chapter 1 in 1945. Originally from Iowa, the Kays lived out the American Dream after moving to Detroit in the early 1940s, creating and managing a successful chrome-plating business.
E. Wayne Kay’s legacy lives on through this scholarship, which is provided to high school seniors who plan to pursue manufacturing careers.
The Ohio State University Columbus, OH
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering/Technology
Adrian Moehl
Cayden Emory
Roane State Community College
Harriman, TN
MAJOR: Manufacturing Engineering/Technology
Dominic Shipley
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering/Technology
Jude Alfaouri
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
MAJOR: Computer Engineering
Keenan Machi
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering/Technology
SINCE 2025
E. WAYNE & BEULAH KAY
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Logan Lyons
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
MAJOR: Electrical Engineering
Mason Lyons
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering/Technology
Maya Panta
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering/Technology
Phoenix Davila
Blinn College
Brenham, TX
MAJOR: Mechatronics
Shane Bright
Randolph College Lynchburg, VA
MAJOR: Engineering
Walker Schul
Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering/Technology
DR. IRVING PRESSLEY MCPHAIL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Named for the late 2020 SME Education Foundation president, Irving Pressley McPhail, PhD, a professor, mentor and president of Saint Augustine’s College, this scholarship fulfills McPhail’s lifelong pursuit of higher education and championing the cause of diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of society.
The SME Education Foundation Board of Directors established this scholarship to provide scholarships to young women and minority students. This scholarship ensures opportunities for underrepresented communities pursuing manufacturing or engineering pathways.
DR. IRVING PRESSLEY MCPHAIL
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Alivia Phelps
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL
MAJOR: Aerospace Engineering
Rashad Washington
Tulsa Welding School
Tulsa, OK
MAJOR: Welding Engineering/Technology
Skyler Xue
Yale University
New Haven, CT
MAJOR: Biomedical Engineering/Technology
Ella Huber
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering/Technology
For more information on the SME International Awards & Recognition Program, visit sme.org/awards.
August 1: Submit International Honor Award, Award of Merit and Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award nominations.
December 1: Nominations are due for SME Fellows selections.
Email award submissions to nominations@sme.org. The SME Education Foundation’s annual scholarship applications are due by February 1. Learn more and/or apply at smeef.org/scholarships.