A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Vol. 3, No. 1, Spring 2009
D
onors and guests of Lawrence
Technological University gathered
in the newly renovated Westin Book Cadillac
Hotel in downtown Detroit on March 12 for
Winterlude 2009, the University’s annual
donor recognition event.
In keeping with a Venetian-inspired theme,
students in period garb from Lawrence Tech’s
Society of Dramatic Arts greeted guests at the
reception. The cocktail hour with an Italian
antipasto buffet was followed by a sit-down
dinner in the exquisite Venetian ballroom.
Venue Worthy of the Occasion
Co
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Winterlude 2009 Honors New and
Long-time Contributors
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“Winterlude celebrates the generosity and
long-time loyalty of our donors,” said Dino
Hernandez, assistant vice president for major
gifts and campaign director. “We wanted a
Steve Brown, vice president of
Scholarship recipient Andrea Freile
university advancement, introduced
venue that was worthy of the occasion.”
thanked donors.
inductees to giving societies.
The renovated Book Cadillac has
reclaimed its position as a premier social
gathering destination. Listed on the National Register
in Detroit, as well as the tallest hotel in the world.
of Historic Places, the hotel was built in 1924 by the
Robin Leclerc, director of university special events
Book brothers and at the time was the tallest building
and services, who orchestrated the event, chose the
fourth-floor ballroom and reception area that combines
the grandeur of the hotel’s original Italian Renaissance
style with the renovation’s contemporary elegance.
Major donor Leon Linton, BSME’62, gave the keynote address.
At tables hosted by Lawrence Tech staff or faculty
members, guests enjoyed an elegant sit-down dinner
and music by a strolling violinist.
Induction into Giving Societies
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Lewis Walker, president, and Steve Brown, vice
president of advancement,
thanked donors for their continued generosity in support of
Lawrence Tech, especially in the
face of the nation’s economic
challenges. They introduced the
individual and corporate donors,
whose current or cumulative
contributions qualified them for
membership in a giving club or
society. (See presentations on
center spread.)
Honored guest A. Leon
Linton, BSME’62, who was
inducted into the prestigious
Edward Donley Society, spoke
about his days as an engineering
student and how his career
preparation at Lawrence Tech
led to the founding of his
successful conveyor systems
company in Tennessee. His
The Venetian Ballroom was the setting for the sit-down dinner.
gift of $2.5 million will name
the Department of Mechanical
Engineering in the College of
Engineering. (See story on p. 2.)
Multiple scholarship recipient
Andrea Freile thanked donors
for providing “the bridge
between a person’s dreams
and reality.” Without the
scholarships, she would have
lacked the funds for a college
education because her parents
had spent all their savings
to emigrate to the United
States from Ecuador. Freile is
The interactive donor honor wall highlighted donors.
representing Lawrence Tech in
the Miss Michigan Pageant and
has adopted high school dropout prevention as her
platform.
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Students in Venetian costumes greeted guests.
The reception before dinner was a time to socialize.
Donor Wall on Display
INSIDE
Linton Gift Names Department of Mechanical Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
First Donley Scholar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Sculpture Donated by Taubman Unveiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Laird Johnston Remembered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
LaMotte Electrical Engineering Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Robofest 2009 Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Winterlude 2009 Honorees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Browns Support Student Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Jubilee Society Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Sims Architecture Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Alumni Visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tech Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Later in the evening guests John and Georgia Boyse enjoyed a
dessert buffet with coffee and cordials.
One of the ways the University says thank you to
its supporters is with the interactive donor honor
wall. A 42-inch touch screen was on display to
give attendees the chance to navigate the videos,
biographies, and photos honoring donors, especially
those of the four highest giving levels—the Edward
Donley Society ($1 million+), the Russell Lawrence
Society ($500,000+), the E. George Lawrence
Society ($250,000+), and the 1932 Society
($100,000+).
The newly inducted members of the highest-level
societies were videotaped by a professional crew
in a studio set up adjacent to the festivities. Their
interviews will be added to the video clips on the
donor honor wall.
The evening ended with a jazz quartet performing
at a dessert afterglow featuring coffee and cordials.
THE LAWRENCE LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Lawrence Tech’s First Donley Scholar
Has Big Plans for Engineering Future
Linton Donates $2.5 Million,
Names Department of
Mechanical Engineering
Linton’s company, SSI, develops
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heavy-duty conveyor systems for a
Leon Linton, BSME’62,
variety of industries.
has donated
$2.5 million to name the
various equipment design
Department of Mechanical
applications.”
Engineering in the College of
Going to school at night
Engineering at Lawrence Tech.
and on weekends, he earned
The Memphis-based
his degree when he was 28
entrepreneur is founder and
and after graduation went to
CEO of Southern Systems, Inc.
A. Leon Linton, BSME’62
work for Jervis B. Webb, the
(SSI), which designs, builds,
conveyor systems company in
and installs custom conveyor
Farmington Hills.
systems for manufacturing and distribution
Eventually, he convinced his employer
facilities.
to let him operate a one-man office in
In town for Winterlude 2009, Lawrence
Tennessee. Five years later, he was on his
Tech’s donor recognition event, where he was
own.
the keynote speaker, he also presided over the
SSI developed a niche market for heavydedication of the A. Leon Linton Department
duty conveyor systems utilized in the
of Mechanical Engineering at a campus
manufacture and production of heavy trucks,
celebration earlier the same day.
construction equipment, military tanks, oil
Linton, a 1968 recipient of the Lawrence
field pipe, aircraft, furniture, appliances, and
Tech Alumni Achievement Award, said, “The
package handling machinery.
education I received at Lawrence Tech has
His successful company operates as a
been the backbone of all the activities I have
general contractor in many states and is
done throughout my working life.”
one of very few companies in the United
Born in rural Mississippi, he was 12 when
States capable of slipform, continuous-pour
his family relocated to Michigan. While
concrete construction of massive silos and
still in high school, he began a millwright
related equipment associated with ethanol
apprenticeship and worked the midnight shift
production, cement manufacturing, pet food
at a Ford Motor Company assembly plant.
processing, and coal handling and storage.
He later worked on the construction and
“Lawrence Tech has always been mindful
installation of conveyor systems, machinery,
of and catered to serving the needs of industry
and automation equipment. Taking the
by providing a top-flight education for
advice of several mentors, he enrolled in
students in the meaningful disciplines needed
the mechanical engineering program at
for industry to stay competitive and move
Lawrence Tech.
forward,” he said.
“My courses at Lawrence Tech started
For more information on how to make
paying dividends very quickly,” he said.
a major or planned gift to the University,
“My ability to make physics calculations and
contact Dennis Howie, associate vice
solve basic problems expanded significantly
president of university advancement and
to more complex issues. Other courses
chief development officer, at 248.204.2304 or
were teaching me about exciting materials
howie@ltu.edu.
and new methods that could be used in
onored, amazed, and totally
surprised.”
That’s how Erica Walker, a junior in civil
engineering, felt when she learned that she had
been chosen as Lawrence Tech’s first Donley
Scholar.
Established by long-time Lawrence Tech
donors Ed, BME’43, and Inez Donley, the
full-ride scholarship is based on merit and
financial need and is open to any prospective
or current Lawrence Tech student in
engineering. With a preference for full-time
students with racial, gender, or geographic
diversity, the scholarship requires candidates
to have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and an ACT
score of 30 or higher.
forming her own company. A participant
in the Department of Civil Engineering
entrepreneurial certificate program, she says
this business-focused curriculum affords her
the opportunity to take courses that she knows
will prepare her for business ownership.
As a Donley Scholar, she will receive
support and mentoring from the president,
senior members of the University’s executive
leadership team, and Chairman of the Board
of Trustees Lloyd Reuss.
“This one-on-one interaction not only
provides extraordinary personal, career, and
academic counseling and networking, it
challenges Donley Scholars to realize their
full potential,” said Jerry Crist, professor of
Co
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A.
“H
Lloyd Reuss, board of trustees
chairman, and Erica Walker.
Lewis Walker (L) and Erica Walker with Ed Donley, BME’43
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Walker certainly fits the bill.
As a child growing up in Detroit, she was
always fascinated by how things worked, how
they were put together. As a student at King
High School on the east side of Detroit, she
excelled in math and science. “I wanted a
career in something that combined both in a
practical, hands-on way.” That led her to civil
engineering—“I really like studying largescale construction projects”—and eventually
Lawrence Tech.
Walker had looked at several schools,
including the University of Michigan
and Purdue, but Lawrence Tech with its
small class sizes, individual attention, and
professional focus won her over. “I just knew
I’d be happier here. I’m more comfortable
raising my hand in a class that doesn’t have
700 people in it.”
Walker says her long-term goals include
being a field engineer, working her way
up to project manager, and eventually
chemistry, who also is chair of the scholarship
committee. “It’s also the desire of the Donley
program to provide its recipients with
special mentoring in selecting course and
career objectives. Additionally, there will be
opportunities provided for special summer
educational experiences.”
Walker is looking forward to a summer
internship with Kiewit Construction,
headquartered in Denver. She was introduced
to the firm at a career fair on campus last fall
and is excited to start her project.
In March, she flew to Florida to meet the
Donleys, who created and funded this fullride, undergraduate scholars program that
could be a stepping stone to a Fulbright or
Rhodes graduate program. She was happy to
say thank you in person to the couple who
made this opportunity possible.
For more information, contact Dino
Hernandez, assistant vice president for major
gifts and campaign director, at 248.204.2306
or hernandez@ltu.edu.
Taubman Commissions
Sculpture for Quadrangle
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Alfred Taubman, whose naming gift of $4 million launched the Student Services Center
on campus that bears his name, has made another contribution to the University, a
commissioned sculpture by internationally recognized artist Beverly Pepper. The massive, steel
piece titled “Ockham’s Wedge” was dedicated on April 22.
Pepper says the inspiration for her work came from William of Ockham, a medieval
writer and philosopher, who was born in England in 1280 A.D. His theory, called Ockham’s
(or Occam’s) Razor, supposes that the
simplest explanation for a phenomenon
is often the most correct. His “razor”
encourages observers to shave off
extraneous concepts, variables, or
constructs to get to the heart of the matter.
In modern parlance, the theory might be
translated “keep it simple.”
Pepper lives in New York and Italy,
and her work is represented in galleries, museums,
parks, and other public spaces around the world.
She is noted for her exquisite mastery of proportion
and interplay of forms. Often working in steel, iron,
concrete, and stone, she is best known for a series of
powerful totemic sculptures that she feels echo mankind’s earliest efforts to mark important places.
Taubman, who was visiting the campus last year, felt the newly landscaped quadrangle needed a focal
point. So he informed University officials that he would find an artist and commission a work that would
be suitable.
Pepper’s use of material and powerful imagery make a strong statement and the combination of
physical and spiritual qualities in her work will inspire students, faculty, and visitors to Lawrence Tech for
generations to come.
Lewis Walker and A. Alfred Taubman unveil the Beverly Pepper sculpture, “Ockham’s Wedge.”
TECH REPORT
SPRING 2009
Kern Foundation Earmarks $1.2 M
For Entrepreneurial Studies
Laird Johnston Remembered with a
Scholarship Bearing His Name
CONTRIBUTORS
The Laird E. Johnston Family—(L–R) Grant,
Susan, Chris, and Krista at Winterlude 2009.
L
aird Johnston, who twice served as
dean of the College of Engineering
at Lawrence Tech (2000–05, and later
as interim dean, 2006–07), has been
honored by his family with the Dr.
Laird E. Johnston Memorial Endowed
Scholarship in Engineering.
Funded by a generous donation from
the family with additional resources
from friends and colleagues (See box,
right.), the scholarship is open to full- and
part-time students in their junior, senior,
or post-graduate years. Preference will
be given to engineering students, and
candidates must have a grade point of
at least 3.0. Four scholarships will be
awarded each year.
Johnston, who passed away in 2008,
was a life-long learner committed to
helping young people succeed. Himself
the father of four sons, he is described by
his widow, Susan Johnston, as “an ever
curious engineer who loved all people—
we called him ‘Mr. Wonderful.’”
A graduate of MIT,
Johnston earned 11 patents
and had a successful
career at both General
Motors and EDS before
joining Lawrence Tech.
Impressed with the life
stories they had heard
at various student and
alumni functions over
the years, the Johnstons
were motivated to make a
Laird Johnston
donation that would offer
scholarship assistance. “I
certainly remember what it was like with
Laird going to school and working while
we were raising four little boys. My
sons and I thought this would be a fitting
tribute to their dad,” she said.
A condition of the scholarship is
that all recipients must spend one
day volunteering at New Horizons, a
not-for-profit rehabilitation agency in
southeastern Michigan that provides
vocational training and job placement
services for people with disabilities.
Johnston served for years as chairman of
the board of trustees for the organization.
“In his way, Laird is still taking care of
people,” said Mrs. Johnston.
He was chairman emeritus of New
Horizons at the time of his death as well
as dean emeritus at Lawrence Tech—
both titles he carried with great pride,
she said.
For more information on how to
make a gift to the Dr. Laird E. Johnston
Memorial Endowed Scholarship in
Engineering or to set up an endowed
scholarship in the name of a loved
one or faculty member, contact Dino
Hernandez, assistant vice president for
major gifts and campaign director, at
248.204.2306 or hernandez@ltu.edu.
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long-time supporter of Lawrence
Tech, the Kern Family Foundation
has made a $1.2 million donation to
fund a program aimed at fostering an
entrepreneurial mindset among College of
Engineering undergraduate students.
The five-year grant will underwrite
advanced the University’s efforts
systemic changes in the engineering program
by providing resources to create an
to establish a more entrepreneurial foundation.
entrepreneurial certificate comprised of
“We want to help our students develop
multidisciplinary
attributes such as critical
practical experience,
thinking, creativity,
a seminar series, and
innovation, appreciation
“There will be greater
an alumni support
of diverse perspectives,
group who had started
and effective listening
emphasis on companies and/or
and communication. In
‘learning by doing.’ ”
developed innovative
addition we want them to
products.
develop business acumen
Howard Davis,
and learn how to bring a
director of corporate and foundation relations,
product idea to commercialization,” said
said, “This gift emphasizes the Kern
Maria Vaz, provost and principal investigator
family’s ongoing commitment to educational
for the grant. “These skills aren’t necessarily
excellence and innovative engineering talent.”
learned in books—or even in the traditional
The Kern Family Foundation, a private,
classroom. Thanks to the generosity of the
independent grant-making organization, was
Kern family, we will be able to implement
founded in 1998 with proceeds from the sale
changes to the curriculum that will transform
of a division of Generac Power Systems. The
the educational experience of our engineering
company had been founded in 1959 by Drs.
students.”
Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern. When the
The effort will facilitate change not only in
Kerns sold the remainder of their business in
academic course work, but also in the culture
2006, they directed most of the proceeds to
of the faculty and in the infrastructure that
their foundation.
supports the student experience at Lawrence
For more information, contact Howard
Tech. There will be greater emphasis on
Davis, director of corporate and foundation
“learning by doing.”
relations, at 248.204.2316 or hdavis@ltu.edu.
Previously, the Kern Family Foundation
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“Sanctuary” by Tom Holland is one of the pieces that was donated to Lawrence Tech.
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Art Dealer Scaglione Donates
Collection to Lawrence Tech
A
lbert Scaglione, owner
of Park West Gallery
in Southfield, Mich., donated
266 original works of art from
American and international
artists to Lawrence Tech
with a value of $515,000.
The gift, along with an
additional $7,500 in framing
services, qualified Scaglione
for membership in the
Albert Scaglione
University’s Russell Lawrence
Society (gifts totaling
$500,000 or more).
Displayed in buildings across campus,
the works of artists such as Yaacov Agam,
Littorio Del Signore, Anatole Krasnyansky,
Linda Le Kinff, Zamy Steynovitz, and
Itzchak Tarkay represent a variety of styles
and sensibilities. A recent reception was held
on campus to celebrate the gift. Some of the
pieces will be auctioned off to support student
scholarships.
With a doctorate in mechanical
engineering, Scaglione actually began his
career teaching mechanical engineering at
Wayne State University. Later, his research
into heat shield technology
with an emphasis on
space travel was heavily
underwritten by NASA. When
the technology began to focus
on weapons technology, he
decided to make a change.
Having worked in a relative’s
gallery one summer as a
teenager, he decided to turn
his hand to collecting and a
new career emerged.
He founded Park West
Gallery in 1969. Today, it is the largest
independently owned gallery of fine art in
the world, selling works of art through its
galleries in Michigan and Florida as well as
on cruise ships internationally. Scaglione is
dedicated to discovering and displaying the
works of artists from around the world.
Along with his wife, Mitsie, he founded
the Park West Gallery Foundation in 2006 to
provide a range of services for children and
families.
For more information about the Scaglione
art collection, contact Robin Leclerc at
248.204.2203 or rleclerc@ltu.edu.
Many Lawrence Tech colleagues and other
friends pledged their support for the Dr.
Laird E. Johnston Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Engineering. Nabil
Grace, Center for Innovative Materials Research
director and chair of the
Department of Civil Engineering, led the effort with
a $25,000 gift to honor his
longtime friend.
Nabil Grace
Other donors include:
Ammar N. Abdulahad
Joyce Adderley
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Aljian
Bruce J. Auten
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Berch
Robert L. Bierley
Lauren L. Bowler
Mark Brucki
Sally M. Buick
Angelina D. Card
Kenneth J. Cook, PE
Carol C. Cox
Howard Davis
Daniel L. Faoro
Janice Ferman
Joann M. Fitzgerald
Marija Franetovic
Judith Frank
Fairlie F. Glynn
Ruth Gordon
Mr. and Mrs. M. Scott Gordon
Staci Hayman
Elizabeth Heid
Dino and Amy Hernandez
Deshawn Johnson
Jeanne Johnston
Levon H. Keshishian
Pamela Lowry
Susan Varbedian Lucken
Richard E. Marburger
Al and Bruce McWilliams
Gail Nastwold
Paula A. Nranian
Catherine J. Phillips
Marquita M. Poinsetta
Judith A. Raetz
Charlene Ramos
Jane M. Redfern
R. Daniel Rigal
Jane S. Roeser
Carol Ann Rose
Rosenthal Collins Group, LLC
Mr. and Mrs. Max Schwandt
Lisa K. Sordyl
Joni L. Starr
Lorana D. Stewart
Karen G. Street Trust
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis W. Vandemark
Maria J. Vaz
Nancy J. Walker
Linda S. Wareck
Susan L. Wilson
Christine C. Zajac
THE LAWRENCE LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Mark and Cheryl Bill’s Planned Giving
Benefits Lawrence Tech Students
LaMotte Scholarships
Target Electrical
Engineering Students
ow that he’s retired and living in
Sisters, Ore., near Mt. Bachelor
Ski Resort in the Cascade Mountains,
Mark Bill, BSME’75, and his wife,
Cheryl, enjoy skiing six months of the
year. But before building their dream
home and taking early retirement,
the former Lawrence Tech Alumni
Association board member and Ford
executive took steps to set up an estate
plan that included charitable giving.
Bill is an advocate of Lawrence
Tech’s hands-on approach to learning
that lets students “take an abstract theory
and apply it to something.” Although he
earned graduate degrees in engineering
and business from other institutions, he
says his BS in Mechanical Engineering
from Lawrence Tech was the most
important because it formed the
foundation for his career.
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Hank LaMotte, BSEE’54, is joined by Julie Vulaj and Dino Hernandez of
university advancement.
The Bills retired to Sisters, Ore., and built their dream house in view of the Cascade Mountains.
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A few years ago the Bills established
the Mark and Cheryl Bill Endowed
Scholarship with a life insurance gift.
The paid-up policy that they no longer
needed was actually from his first job
out of Lawrence Tech, when he was an
air conditioning engineer at Lear Siegler
in Holland, Mich. (See story below on
how to make a life insurance gift.)
Bill went on to a 30-year career in
engineering and product development
at Ford Motor Company, starting as
an engineer on the team that fixed the
fuel system design on the Pinto. He
moved on to Powertrain Planning for
the Thunderbird and Mustang and then
spent 10 years on the Town Car vehicle
program.
A chain of international
assignments began in 1996 when
he was named director of product
development for vehicle programs
in China, followed by a stint as
chief engineer of the Ranger for
North and South America. At the
time of his retirement in January
2007, he was based in Japan as Asia
Pacific chief platform engineer for
the Ranger and Everest. A sideline
of his work with the Ford Ranger
was truck motorsports racing. The
record he set of 205.208 mph on
the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah
at the 2001 World Finals remains
unbroken.
Cheryl and Mark Bill with Daniel Witting (center),
recipient of the endowed scholarship they endowed
by donating an unneeded life insurance policy.
A career highlight for Mark Bill was his record run in the “Rocket
Ranger” at nearly 206 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2001 during
the 100th anniversary of Ford Motor Company.
Making Time for Estate Planning
Bill didn’t want to wait until he
was sitting around in a rocking chair to think about charitable
giving and regret that he didn’t plan his estate sooner. “Most
of your life you spend trying to accumulate things that will
improve your life, but it’s not what you get, but what you give
that makes a difference,” he said. “We found that by endowing
a scholarship we could help other people improve the quality
of their lives, too.”
For the Bills, estate planning wasn’t just about tax liability
reduction. “It’s also a way to provide for future generations and
demonstrate your values,” he said. “We have taken care of our
kids and grandkids in our estate plan, but we also wanted to
support higher education on an ongoing basis with a bequest.
As the estate dissolves, a portion will go to Lawrence Tech.”
The Bills have become immersed in their new community
in Oregon, teaching skiing at local resorts, helping organize
the annual rodeo, and welcoming visitors to the Sisters
Outdoor Quilt Show in the 1880s-style Wild West town. But
Bill’s roots in Michigan and the value of his Lawrence Tech
education won’t be forgotten. The scholarship and bequest
leave a lasting legacy.
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Gift Your No-Longer-Needed Life Insurance
Policy to Lawrence Tech
M
any people wisely choose to purchase a life insurance policy as a form
of income replacement in the event that something unforeseen happens.
Over the years, the policy might gain in value, but it always carries a liability: the
premium payment that must be made to maintain the policy.
As individuals approach retirement and the need for income replacement to
support a family either no longer exists or is drastically reduced, that premium
payment can become more and more of a liability.
What else could you do with that money? Perhaps the additional boost to your
disposable funds would appeal to you. Or you might invest those funds in a shortterm vehicle that would provide added security as you enter into retirement. But
how do you get out from under that premium liability, and what can you do with
that policy you no longer need?
One solution is to gift your term or permanent life insurance policy to Lawrence
Tech. Depending on the type of policy and its value, Lawrence Tech could either
surrender it for the cash value or sell it on the secondary insurance market.
Either way, your gift to the University would have an immediate impact on
our service to students—and you’d gain an additional source of cash that could
make your life a little easier. You might even receive a tax deduction for the
donation.
For more information, contact Dennis Howie, associate vice president of
university advancement and chief development officer, at 248.204.2304 or
howie@ltu.edu.
enry “Hank” LaMotte, BSEE’54, remembers that his
parents—Josue and Pauline LaMotte—instilled in him
the importance of receiving an education. It’s a philosophy
that encouraged him to complete his degree at Lawrence Tech,
and one that motivated him 55 years later to establish the
Henry “Hank” J. LaMotte Electrical Engineering Endowed
Scholarship.
With a $20,000 gift from an IRA rollover and matching
gifts, LaMotte established the scholarship that targets electrical
engineering students in both undergraduate and graduate
programs. In addition, this loyal alum also has created an
expendable scholarship that he plans to fund with annual
donations and campaign pledges with matching gifts.
A longtime supporter of Lawrence Tech, LaMotte has made
annual gifts to the University for more than four decades,
and he has been an active member of the National Alumni
Association board of directors.
He retired from a multiple-decade career at Michigan Bell,
where he held a variety of executive positions. A veteran, he
served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957.
For more information, contact Dino Hernandez, assistant
vice president for major gifts and campaign director, at
248.204.2306 or hernandez@ltu.edu; or Julie Vulaj, director
of major gifts, at 248.204.2313 or jvulaj@ltu.edu.
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Insurance Policy Funds Scholarship
H
Top Reasons
Seniors No Longer
Want/Need Life
Insurance
1. The policy is no longer
needed for income
replacement
2. The premium payments have
become unaffordable
3. The policy is about to lapse
4. Divorce or death of a spouse
5. Change in estate plans
6. Business owner no longer
needs buy/sell agreement
Lowrey Estate Honors
Longtime Commitment
H.
Douglas, BME’41, and Janet M. Lowrey’s $100,000
bequest to Lawrence Tech from their estate has
established an endowed scholarship in engineering.
Lowrey, who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award
from Lawrence Tech in 1974, had a distinguished career in
aerospace technology at Chrysler Corporation. He retired in
1975 and passed away in 2004 at the age of 93 at his home in
La Jolla, Calif.
His wife, Janet, who passed away last October, was a success­
ful businesswoman and longtime supporter of the Republican
Party, who eagerly participated in local, state, and federal
politics. A strong supporter of American men and women in
uniform, she was a tireless volunteer.
Born in the farming community of Saranac, Mich., Lowrey
began his college career at Western Michigan University,
where he met his first wife, Naomi Radka. They had five
children as he completed his degree in mechanical engineering
at Lawrence Tech.
A longtime automobile and aircraft enthusiast, Lowrey
was hired at Chrysler Corporation in 1948 and held a series
of increasingly more responsible positions in automotive
engineering, defense operations, and missile technology until
he was named president of Chrysler’s Space Division in 1961.
A prime contractor to NASA, Chrysler, under his direction,
participated in a variety of high-profile projects, including the
Apollo program, for which he received NASA’s Distinguished
Public Service Medal.
Lowrey also managed production of the Redstone, Jupiter,
Jupiter C, and Saturn rockets, which had a perfect success rate
in more than 100 launches.
A widower, he met and married Janet in 1990, and together
they enjoyed a life of golf, music, theater, and dancing.
“We are honored by their generosity,” said Dino Hernandez,
assistant vice president for major gifts and campaign director.
“Mr. Lowrey’s remarkable career in space technology brought
him great satisfaction, and he always attributed part of his
success to the education he received at Lawrence Tech. By
establishing this scholarship, the Lowreys will help give other
students the same opportunity.”
For more information on how to establish a scholarship or
make an estate bequest, contact Dino Hernandez, assistant
vice president for major gifts and campaign director, at
248.204.2306 or hernandez@ltu.edu.
TECH REPORT
awrence Tech has announced the winners of
the annual Alumni Association Donley
Distinguished Graduate Awards, which this
year honored Nathan Shobe from the College of
Architecture and Design and Lauren Meganck from
the College of Engineering.
Both winners, who were selected for academic
performance, extracurricular activities, and leadership
qualities, were saluted at the annual Graduating
Scholars Banquet and each received a 10K Balfour
Artcarved class ring.
Shobe, who earned a 3.85 grade point, was active
in Exploration Day and the Solar Decathlon and
is a member of two honor societies as well as the
American Institute of Architectural Students. He
Lewis Walker, Lawrence Tech president (L), and Michael Zulinski, BSIM’74, served on the Dean’s Student Leadership Council
Alumni Association president (R), congratulate Lauren Meganck, BSCvE’09, and
Nathan Shobe, BSAr’09.
and participated in studies at Tsinghua University
in China last spring, where he was a design critic of
student architectural projects. In addition, he assisted Associate
competition and is now preparing for the national event. She
Dean Joseph Veryser in making a presentation to local high
also participated in the North Central Regional Conference
school students about the College of Architecture and Design.
Concrete Canoe project and the student chapter of the
He will be starting the master’s program in architecture
American Society of Civil Engineers, for which she earned
at Harvard in the fall. “I am honored to have received this
the “Outstanding Student Member” award three years in a
award. I had four terrific years at this great university, and
row. She was inducted into two honor societies. She has been
I feel prepared to move on to another great university,”
an enthusiastic mentor for first-year students and was named
said Shobe.
“Outstanding First-Year Mentor” for the last three years.
Says Meganck: “I tried to make the most of my time at
Meganck, a member and officer of the Honors Society,
Lawrence Tech. When I was notified I’d won, it just felt like
was acknowledged for her academic achievement (3.75 GPA)
all the hard work and commitment had come together.” After
as well as her significant contribution to the University in
graduation, she will be joining the firm of Barton Malow as a
a variety of extracurricular activities, including the 2009
project engineer.
Lawrence Tech Steel Bridge Team, which won the regional
Army’s Joint Center for Robotics
Tops Sponsor List for Robofest 2009
f:L
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icholas DeMarco, BSCvE’58, remembers with
great fondness the years he spent at Lawrence
Tech, and he recently notified the University of his
intention to donate some of the proceeds from the sale
of his home as part of a planned-giving bequest.
Retired from Metcalf & Eddy, the company that
pioneered water resource management and hazardous
waste remediation, DeMarco and his wife, June, now
live in Mesa, Ariz.
DeMarco is a veteran of World War II—a Canadian
citizen, he had enlisted in 1941 and survived more than
40 missions as
a bombardier
in the Royal
Canadian Air
Force—and was
married when
he first came to
Lawrence Tech
in 1952.
“We had come
to Detroit to
visit one of my
wife’s cousins
and decided to
emigrate,” he
recalled. When
they moved in
1951, he took a
job with Alex J.
June and Nicholas, BSCvE’58, DeMarco
Etkin, Inc., as a
cost estimator,
and enrolled part-time at Lawrence Tech. “I had
always wanted to further my education.”
At 32, he said, “I was as old as some of the faculty
members,” but that didn’t prevent him from jumping
into college life. The oldest student to pledge with
Phi Kappa Upsilon fraternity, he eventually served as
its president and was elected president of the Student
Council in his senior year. “A scholarship allowed me
to go to school full-time in my senior year, and I was
always grateful for that opportunity,” he said. He also
is a member of the Lambda Iota Tau Honor Society.
Initially after graduation, DeMarco moved to
California to pursue a career in heavy construction. He
worked for four years with the California Department
of Water Resources on the California Water Plan
that brought fresh water from northern California
to southern California. He became a Registered
Professional Engineer (civil) in California and later in
Washington.
While serving for 10 years with Bechtel
Corporation, he worked on a billion-dollar grassroots
hydro project and later oversaw construction of several
multi-billion-dollar nuclear power plants. After stints
with Burns and Roe in Washington and Brown and
Root’s Chicago office, he landed at Metcalf & Eddy,
where he served as a project manager on the Southeast
Resource Recovery Facility in Long Beach—the first
and only successfully completed waste-to-energy plant
in California. He later served as construction manager
for the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority,
building new plants and rehabilitating existing ones
across the island, in addition to repairing damage
caused by Hurricane Hugo in the fall of 1989.
Retired since 1991, he said, “What I learned at
Lawrence Tech helped me everyday on the job.
I am very grateful for the professors—especially
Doc Graeffe, Henry Nace, Hurst Wolf, and Dr.
Joseph Grabys, chairman of the Department of Civil
Engineering. I remember them as real gentlemen and
excellent teachers. Sometimes during my career, I
thought it would have been nice to have talked to them
about a project or a problem.”
Today, DeMarco says, “It’s a privilege to meet
fellow graduates and fraternity brothers. It’s always a
happy occasion.” He likes to keep in touch via email.
The DeMarcos’ two children are grown and on
their own—their son, Christopher, is a philosophy
and physics instructor at Jackson (Mich.) Community
College, and their daughter, Elizabeth, owns a café.
The DeMarcos also have three grandchildren.
“Now, we want to do what we can to help future
Lawrence Tech students succeed,” he said.
For information and assistance on making this
type of gift, please contact Dennis Howie, associate
vice president of university advancement and chief
development officer, at 248.204.2304 or howie@ltu.edu.
L
Co
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N
Donley Distinguished Graduates Honored
At the Graduating Scholars Banquet
n
DeMarco Earmarks
Estate Assets for
Bequest
SPRING 2009
Lawrence Tech President Lewis Walker and TARDEC representative Bernard Theisen (top row center)
congratulate Robofest Championship teams that won project grants from the U.S. Army’s Joint Center
for Robotics.
Presenting Sponsor
A
Je
f
s presenting sponsor for Robofest 2009, TARDEC, the advanced military
automotive technology laboratory at the U.S. Army’s Detroit Arsenal in Warren,
Mich., is supporting Lawrence Tech’s outreach efforts to get students in grades 5–12
interested in technology-based careers.
Robofest is an annual autonomous robotics competition that challenges students to
design, build, and program robots. Teams that qualified in 37 regional competitions in nine
states and five countries convened at Lawrence Tech on May 9 for the World Robofest
Championship.
“Events like Robofest are important to TARDEC because they help us lay the
groundwork for the future of Michigan’s engineering and technical workforce,” said
Bernard Theisen, project manager for outreach at the Joint Center for Robotics. “Robotics
is a multidisciplinary field, so students are exposed to the computer science, electrical
engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, and math disciplines.”
The funding from TARDEC’s Joint Center for Robotics supports workshops, education
assessments of Robofest participants, and student teams:
• Workshops at 10 Detroit and Highland Park schools build awareness of robotics and give
educators the basics for developing student projects and teams. Current schools involved
are: Cleveland Intermediate High School, Detroit Edison Public School Academy, Neinas
Elementary, Detroit Merit Academy, Highland Park Community High School, Service
Learning Academy, Detroit Community High School, Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary
and Middle School, Mae C. Jemison Academy, and Kettering High School.
• Pre- and post-assessments of the math and science skill levels of students participating in
the Robofest competition will be conducted.
• Robofest Championship teams will be selected to demonstrate their robots at other public
robotics events organized by TARDEC, such as Robotics Engineering and Technology
(RET) Days.
CJ Chung, Robofest founder and Lawrence Tech associate professor in the Department
of Math and Computer Science, said sponsor support has helped Robofest grow from 150
participants in 2000 to more than 1,500 last year.
“Together our goals are to provide hands-on learning and teamwork experiences that
will motivate young students to pursue higher education in technology-driven fields,”
said Chung. “We also are nurturing creative and innovative ideas that will lead to
entrepreneurship.”
Gold Sponsor
• Herbert and Elsa Ponting
Foundation
Silver Sponsors
• DENSO
• IEEE Region 4
• Michigan Council of
Women in Technology
Foundation
Bronze Sponsors
• Grandport
• RIIS LLC
• LEGO Education
• Realtime Technologies
Friends
ABB Robotics, Black
Dog Robotics, Cranbrook
Schools, Flutterbot,
MACUL, Mindsensors,
Carnegie Mellon University’s ROBOTC, Stoutware
Engineering, Dr. and Mrs.
CJ Chung, and Mr. and
Mrs. Dennis Howie.
THE LAWRENCE LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Winterlude 2009 Honorees
TRUSTEES SOCIETY
Co
.
EDWARD DONLEY SOCIETY
Presi
f:L
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Tim Nasso accepts the award on behalf of Dow Automotive.
Edward Donley Society honoree Leon Linton, BSME’62 (center), with (L–R) son Larry Linton, Glenda Wood, and daughter Marie Keyes.
Je
f
1932 SOCIETY
L. Lee Gorman, BSME’97, and her husband, Mark Ritz, become members of the Trustees Soc
BENEFACTORS SOCIETY
President Walker presents the award to Ingeborg Schneider and Professor Emeritus George Schneider, ACmT’73.
Fred Butters, BAr’84, accepts for the American Institute of Architects.
PRESIDENTS CLUB
Alex Andre, BSME’49
Ann and Mark Brucki, CIMBA’07
Kenneth, BSEE’64, and Elaine Cook
Nadrine and Professor Nabil Grace
Rainy Hamilton, Ha
Raymond, BSEE’70, and Margaret Khan
TECH REPORT
Co
.
SPRING 2009
Winterlude 2009 Welcomes
Newest Donors to Societies
The following donors were inducted into the various giving societies
to acknowledge their level of commitment and generosity to Lawrence
Tech. Awards were presented at Winterlude 2009.
“We are exceptionally grateful for their support,” said Dino Hernandez,
assistant vice president for major gifts and campaign director. “Their
willingness to step up—even in these trying economic times—is remarkable and very appreciated by the University and our students.”
Robert and Linda Height
A. Leon Linton
Keith and Terry Pratt
The Estate of Walter Hartung
Russell Lawrence Society
The Estate of Natale Bifano
1932 Society
f:L
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The Laird E. Johnston Family
The Estate of Martha A. and
George J. Studnicka
Drs. Nuño and Maria Vaz
AVL North America, Inc.
Mark and Ann Brucki
Kenneth and Elaine Cook
Dr. Nabil and Nadrine Grace
Kenneth and Margaret Grezlik
The Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers
Raymond and Margaret Khan
Chester and Lucille Kus
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Christopher T. Mall
Paul Ozment
The American Institute of
Architects
SAE Foundation
L. Christine Blackwell
Edward and Ruth Adler Schnee
Benjamin and Marion Bregi
Devdas and Sandya Shetty
Stephen and Barbara Brown
Howard and Judith Sims
Hamilton Anderson
Associates, Inc.
State Farm Insurance Companies
Je
f
Benefactors Society
Stephen Brown, vice president of university advancement, and his wife, Barbara
Carol and Paul, BSIM’87, Ozment
Alex R. Andre
Robert Bubenko
International Business Machines
Corporation
Lucille and Chester, BSME’48, Kus
Presidents Club (Lifetime)
Trustees Society
L. Lee Gorman and Mark E. Ritz
amilton Anderson Associates
C. Lee and Barbara Zwally
BorgWarner, Inc.
Dow Automotive
Provost Maria Vaz and her husband, Nuño, receive their Trustees Society award from President Walker.
SEMBOIA, Inc.
Professor and Mrs. George
Schneider
n
ident Walker (R) presents the Trustees Society award to the Laird E. Johnston Family—(L–R) Krista, Chris, Grant, and Susan.
ciety.
Edward Donley Society
Christopher T. Mall, BSME’94 (center), with
Dino Hernandez and Julie Vulaj
Samaroo’s Limited
Dennis and Linda Zollweg
Linda Height, vice president for finance and administration
Devdas Shetty, dean of
engineering
Janice Huffman, State Farm
Insurance
THE LAWRENCE LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Browns Donate $25K to Help
Underwrite Student Activities
Staff, Faculty Donations Break
Record, Fund New Scholarship
S
T
$212,343
9
–0
20
08
–0
8
$140,131
07
20
–0
06
6
–0
7
$132,316
20
$118,945
05
5
–0
04
20
$108,681
20
–0
03
Class of 1959 Alumni Join Jubilee Society
Blue Devil Showcase
E
Senior Projects
Featured
Chef prepares cherries jubilee.
Gretchen Minnhaar, BSArE’59
and businesswoman in Grand Rapids and
continues to make an impact on the cityscape
and in cultural affairs. In recent years she has
gained acclaim as a fine artist. Her large-scale
paintings are part of corporate, hospital, and
private collections.
Also on the podium was student speaker
Ellen Rotter, who represents both the class
of 2009 and women entering the field of
architecture today.
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship and the
LTU Trustee Scholarship helped fund her
Je
f
very April Lawrence Tech welcomes
alumni who graduated 50 or more years
ago to the Jubilee Society Brunch. This year
120 society members, including 16 new
inductees, attended the reunion and feasted on
the event’s signature dish—cherries jubilee—
complete with cooking demonstration and
flaming presentation.
Gretchen Minnhaar, BSArE’59, a
prominent architect and artist from Grand
Rapids, was the keynote speaker representing
the class of 1959. A native of Argentina,
Minnhaar came to the United States when
her husband, Luis Tomatis, was training to be
a cardiac surgeon at Henry Ford Hospital in
Detroit. She worked in the hospital lab during
the day and attended Lawrence Tech at night.
The couple returned to Argentina,
where she earned her master’s degree in
architecture, became a licensed architect, and
opened her own firm. She told how female
professionals were common in Argentina,
but not so in Grand Rapids where the couple
ultimately settled.
Although she faced challenges being
accepted, she succeeded as an architect
Ellen Rotter, BSAr’09
schooling, along with working on campus
in University Housing and the Advancement
Office. She told the group how her father,
Gary Rotter, BSAr’75, inspired her to study
architecture at Lawrence Tech and about the
traditions they now share.
Class of 1959 Reunites
Attending the Jubilee Society Brunch on
April 25, 2009 were inductees:
Thomas Allan, AIST’59
Albert Bayer, BSCvE’59
William Bouteiller, BCvE’59
David Dunham, BSCvE’59
Carl Jacobi, BSEE’59
Edward Jankowski, BSCvE’59
Kenneth Kisabeth, BSIM’59
Charles Knight, BSIM’59
Harrison Levy, BSME’59
Gretchen Minnhaar, BSArE’59
Glenn Noble, BSCvE’59
Raymond Stocki, BSEE’59
Jon Tincher, BSEE’59
Russell Van Zanten, BSEE’59
James Wheeler, BSIM’59
Hayward York, BSIM’59
Alumni from the class of 1959 are inducted into the Jubilee Society.
4
$94,320
3
–0
02
20
f:L
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n
$258,901
Co
.
percent overall participation rate of current
he generosity of staff, faculty, and
employees, with some areas achieving 100
administration at Lawrence Tech once
percent participation,” said Randazzo. They
again was evident as they blew past their
include: Campus Safety and Mailroom,
$160,000 goal for the 2008–09 campaign
Financial Aid, Office of the President, Office
to post a record-breaking $258,901.30 in
of the Provost, University Advancement,
donations—or 161 percent of goal.
Marketing, the Library and the Veraldi
“In what is arguably the worst economy in
Instructional Technology Center.
decades, the commitment of our colleagues is
Weber added, “We all believe Lawrence
truly remarkable,” says Mary Randazzo, manTech is a great place to work and a great place
ager of alumni relations and alumni giving,
to learn. We want to be sure as many students
who helped coordinate the effort. “One focus
as possible who want to come here can.”
of the campaign this year was the establishment of a faculty/staff
scholarship. It will be
open to undergraduate
and graduate students
with financial need.”
Previously, the money
raised was included in
the general fund; but
this year participants
Kristi Weber
Ammar Abdulahad
Badih Jawad
could opt for the scholarship as a way to funFaculty and Staff Campaign Records
nel their contributions.
Leading the
300,000
successful charge
were co‑chairs Kristi
250,000
Weber, administration—
assistant director
200,000
of admissions;
Ammar Abdulahad,
150,000
staff—operations
specialist, Help Desk;
and Badih Jawad,
100,000
faculty—professor
and director, Master of
50,000
Science in Mechanical
Engineering.
0
“Working with our
three co-chairs, we
were able to realize a 61
20
can help with things like equipment and ice
rental,” he said.
Brown joined Lawrence Tech in 2006
and previously had served as associate vice
president for marketing and communications
at Wayne State University. Prior to
that he had held senior positions
with J. Walter Thompson, Ogilvy
& Mather, Leo Burnett, and what is
now Saatchi & Saatchi.
A graduate of the University of
Toronto with a bachelor’s degree in
commerce and finance, Brown said,
“Professionally, I’m focused on
helping to differentiate Lawrence
Tech in the marketplace so we
can attract students, faculty, and
research dollars. But I wanted to
show our personal commitment­­,
too. Lawrence Tech has a long
tradition of staff and faculty support for advancement. Barbara and
I were happy to join.
“In addition, I believe it’s important to give back and demonstrate
to all donors that those of us in
development share in their comBarbara and Steve Brown are supporters of student activities
mitment to this great institution,”
like the Blue Devils hockey team.
he said.
Brown, who became an
American citizen in 2003, is proud of his dual
“As we attract more traditional students to
citizenship. Active with Outward Bound,
Lawrence Tech, it’s important that we create
the Detroit Athletic Club, and the Dearborn
a campus experience that will help them build
Animal Shelter, the Browns live on the
strong attachments to the University,” said
Tournament Players Club golf course in
Brown. Avid fitness enthusiasts and golfers,
Dearborn.
the Browns wanted to support activities
For more information on how to make
that relate directly to student life, including
a gift to support student life activities at
club and intramural sports. Brown, who was
Lawrence Tech, contact Rebecca Sellers,
born in Canada, is especially excited about
major gifts officer, at 248.204.2216 or
Lawrence Tech’s resurgent Blue Devils
rsellers@ltu.edu.
club hockey team. “We’re hopeful our gift
tephen Brown, vice president for
university advancement, and his wife,
Barbara, have contributed $25,000 in an
unrestricted gift to the University endowment
to help fund student activities on campus.
Jubilee Society Brunch attendee John Pettypool,
BSME’52, takes a look at the senior projects and
talks with a member of the Formula SAE® team.
S
enior projects, including the Formula
SAE® race car, were on display at
the Blue Devil Showcase in the Buell
Management Building on April 25. Students
had the opportunity to show sponsors, family,
and friends their completed work and share
with visiting prospective students the process
of developing and testing a design.
“Through senior projects, students gain
valuable life lessons, including leadership,
teamwork, planning, budgeting, and advocacy
that will help prepare them as future leaders
and professionals in the work force,” said
Howard Davis, director of corporate and
foundation relations. “Contributions from
industry often help fund these student projects
and provide real-world resources.”
To find out how corporations can support
academic programs with monetary or in-kind
donations, contact Howard Davis, in the
Office of University Advancement, at
248.204.2316 or hdavis@ltu.edu.
TECH REPORT
SPRING 2009
AAUW Chapter
Offers Financial
Aid for Returning
Women Students
Co
.
Sims Establishes Alternative Energy Fellowship
For Architecture Students
T
The Charles A. Wright Museum of African American History exterior and interior
Having attended
school on the GI Bill
after being discharged
from the Navy in 1955,
Sims understands
firsthand the need for
financial assistance.
“If it hadn’t been for
Howard F. Sims
the GI Bill, I’m not
sure I could have gone to college,” said the
University of Michigan alumnus, who holds
both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in
architecture.
Established in 1964, his company—
formerly called Sims-Varner & Associates—is
a comprehensive architecture, engineering,
and planning firm that made its mark with
major municipal, transportation, cultural,
and institutional projects. Its cumulative
portfolio of work tops $3 billion and includes
the Charles A. Wright Museum of African
f:L
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oward F. Sims, FAIA, principal, SDG
Associates, has long been impressed
by the caliber of Lawrence Tech architecture
graduates. Having hired his fair share of
alumni over the years, he said he was moved
to donate $20,000 to establish the Howard F.
Sims Graduate Architectural Fellowship in
Alternative Energy Applications.
“It has been my experience that Lawrence
Tech grads are ready to hit the ground
running right after graduation,” said
Sims. “And I am extremely interested in
sustainable architecture, so I wanted to make
this a priority.”
The fellowship will give preference to
graduate students who undertake a thesis or
final project in alternative energy research
or design applications. Applicants must
have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and they may
apply for the fellowship during the graduate
admissions process.
n
H
Scholarship Honors Late Son
Of Former Dean Michel
P
American History, a major
expansion to Detroit’s Cobo
Hall, the School of Social Work
at the University of Michigan,
historic Stroh River Place, and
terminals and parking facilities
at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
His firm was named “Airport
Consultant of the Year” by the
Michigan Bureau of Aeronautics.
Other airport work includes
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport,
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Willow
Run Airport, Bradley International Airport,
and Rickenbacker International Airport.
“I chose Lawrence Tech for this
contribution because I am an admirer of the
program,” he added.
For more information, contact Howard
Davis, director of corporate and foundation
relations, at 248.204.2316 or hdavis@ltu.edu.
Je
f
rofessor Emeritus Richard Michel and his wife,
Martha, were touched by the donations that friends
and colleagues made in honor of their late son, Paul.
When Paul passed away in 1993, Michel was dean of
the College of Arts and Sciences at Lawrence Tech.
Commemorative gifts were used to establish the Paul
Michel Memorial Award. Each year the award is
given to honor a graduate of one of the engineering
technology programs, who has not only successfully
completed the demanding academic program, but
also has overcome a personal challenge outside the
classroom.
Over time, the fund grew through ongoing
contributions from family and friends, and the
Paul Michel
Michels now have diverted $20,000
from the original fund to establish
the Paul Michel Memorial Endowed
Scholarship. With preference to
students pursuing a bachelor of
science or associate degree in
engineering technology at Lawrence
Tech, the scholarship is open to
full- or part-time students, with a
minimum grade point of 3.0.
“For several years I was dean of
the School for Associate Studies,”
Michel said. “During that time I
developed an admiration for the
technology students, and I am
pleased to help support a scholarship
which is targeted to them.
“This is a fitting tribute to our son, Richard and Martha Michel
who was only 29 when he passed away, and it is a great way for us to give something back
to Lawrence Tech,” said Michel. “I had worked at other places before coming to Lawrence
Tech, but my time here was especially enjoyable. This institution is a valuable asset to the
community, and we are happy to support it.”
The Michels, who live in Birmingham, are active in their church, Birmingham First
Methodist. They have participated in several trips to Costa Rica and Chile, where they
helped build schools and a church. After his retirement in 1999, Michel became active in
volunteer work with hospice patients. “We had hospice care for our son, and we know how
important this work is,” said Michel. “It’s another way for us to remember our son.”
For more information on the Paul Michel Memorial Endowed Scholarship or to make a
donation, contact Julie Vulaj, director of major gifts, at 248.204.2313 or jvulaj@ltu.edu.
he Birmingham, Michigan,
chapter of the American
Association of University Women
(AAUW) donated $1,500 to fund an
expendable scholarship at Lawrence
Tech for women students whose
education may have been interrupted
by family responsibilities or other
domestic issues.
Rebecca Sellers, major gifts officer,
attended the local chapter’s meeting
on April 1 to thank the members. The
scholarship targets qualifying female
students who also can demonstrate
financial need and are maintaining at
least a 3.0 grade point average.
“There are a lot of personal obstacles
that can interfere with a woman’s return
to higher education,” said Sellers. “This
gift will help overcome at least some of
the financial strain.”
The AAUW has been advancing
equity for women and girls through
advocacy, education, and research
since 1881. The local chapter has
indicated that it will renew the gift next
year as well.
For more information on the AAUW
expandable scholarship, contact
Rebecca Sellers, major gifts officer, at
248.204.2216 or rsellers@ltu.edu.
Lawrence Tech Encourages
Young Scientists with DAPCEP
S
earching for young scientists in the making, the Detroit-Area Pre-College Engineering
Program (DAPCEP), brings junior high and high school students together to encourage
their interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Currently, DAPCEP is offering the Information Technology for Students and Teachers (ITEST)
program at Lawrence Tech, through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NFS).
“We work with students who are traditionally underrepresented in the technical fields—
especially minority students and girls,” said LaVetta Appleby, assistant director of the Master
of Science Education program, who also coordinates the DAPCEP program. This spring, 61
students from some 37 different Detroit-area schools came for five consecutive Saturdays and
were divided into two groups to study either “Forensic Physics” or “High Fives”—a pre-algebra
course. In the fall, the group will return to campus and students will take the course they didn’t
take in the spring. Appleby teaches the forensic class and Assistant Professor Guang-Chong Zhu
teaches the math class.
Lawrence Tech has been involved with DAPCEP for more than 10 years, offering various
courses to sixth through 11th graders. Professor Anthony Sky, chair of the Department of Natural
Science, is the director of DAPCEP at Lawrence Tech. Lawrence Tech is one of five Michigan
universities participating in the ITEST program.
“This is the final year of a three-year grant from NSF for Lawrence Tech to host an ITEST
cohort,” said Howard Davis, director of corporate and foundation relations. “Currently, DAPCEP
is partnering with the University on an additional NSF grant application.
“Efforts like these not only offer hands-on experience, but also help students become
acclimated to a college campus,” said Davis. ”As a university with a focus on architecture,
technology, science, and engineering education, we feel a special obligation to advance diversity
in those fields through access to higher education.”
DAPCEP students use an electric current to separate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases.
THE LAWRENCE LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Lawrence Tech Visits Alumni, Thanks Donors for Generosity
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awrence Tech President Lewis Walker and members of the advancement team have been visiting alumni around the country,
thanking them for their support of the University. In February they met with alumni in Mesa, Ariz., and Washington, D.C.
A swing through several Florida communities in March included an alumni outing in Lakeland to watch a spring training ballgame.
Their West Coast itinerary in late April and early May covered Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Florida
Lawrence Tech alumni had their own section for watching the
Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees ballgame during spring
training in Lakeland, Fla.
(Left) Orlando host Ken Pawlowski, BSAr’70
Arizona
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Alumni toured the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Mesa, Ariz. Hosted by Richard Exler, BSME’58, the
reception was held in the Arizona wing of the facility that collects, restores, and preserves combat aircraft
from every branch of the U.S. military. Along with President Walker, advancement team members Dennis
Howie, Steve Brown, Dino Hernandez, and trustee Howard Padgham represented Lawrence Tech.
Rebecca Sellers, Lewis Walker, Steve Brown, Michael
Zulinski, and Dino Hernandez joined Florida alumni for a
reception at EPCOT Center.
Julio Grabriel, BSAr’68, with President
Walker at the Miami reception.
Seattle
Lawrence Tech officials Steve Brown, Lewis
Walker, and Dino Hernandez (back row)
with Seattle-area alumni at a reception in
the Forest Room of the Edgewater Inn.
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David Parker, AEEtT’70 (center, left), gave President Walker
and the Lawrence Tech advancement team a tour of the Boeing
facilities in Everett, Wash., to show them the 787 Dreamliner.
Washington, D.C.
Los Angeles
President Walker was joined by Maria Vaz, provost, and Dino
Hernandez, assistant vice president for major gifts and campaign
director, at a reception in Washington, D.C., hosted by Derek
Richmond, BSME’97, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
(Above, left) Catherine Graeffe Burke, host for the Los Angeles event, with
President Walker.
(Above) President Walker and the advancement team made a presentation to Los Angeles alumni while dining at Mr. Chow’s in Beverly Hills.
Oregon
Dino Hernandez and Steve Brown visited Emile
Mortier, BSArE’53 (center) in Eugene.
San Francisco
Advancement team members Julie Vulaj and Dino
Hernandez with Vincent Chan, BSIM’74, vice
president, Protective Services, Bank of America
(center).
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San Francisco
Dan Winey, BSAr’74 (seated, second from left) hosted a pre-conference reception at Gensler Architects for alumni attending the AIA 2009 National Convention.
TECH REPORT
SPRING 2009
Marcum Customer Service Award
Recognizes Outstanding Employee
Golf Outing Set for Aug. 10
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awrence Tech boosters will have the opportunity to golf for glory and support student
scholarships at the sixth annual Tech Invitational set for August 10 at Meadowbrook
Country Club in Northville. A silent auction, gourmet lunch, refreshments throughout the day on
the course, cocktail reception, and participant gifts are part of the festivities.
Last year’s outing raised nearly $160,000 for Lawrence Tech programs and scholarships.
Organizers are lining up corporate and individual sponsors for this summer’s event. There are
many sponsorship opportunities available, some of which include entry of team.
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
OPPORTUNITIES TAKEN
$8,000
$12,000
Cocktail Reception and Auction
Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
DTE Energy
$6,500
Player Premium Sponsor
Sponsor receives:
• One foursome
• Player Premium for each player
$4,000
Luncheon Sponsor
Awards Sponsor
Golf Tees Sponsor
Player Gift Bag Sponsor
Team Photo Sponsor
Sponsors receive:
• One foursome
• Player premium for each player
Volunteer Shirts Sponsor
$3,000
Beverage Station Sponsor
(two available)
Beverage Carts Sponsor
(two available)
Cart Sponsor
Golf Towel Sponsor
Aramark
Golf Ball Sponsor
Johnson Controls–SAFT
Refreshment Coolers Sponsor
Michigan First Credit Union
$3,000
Hole-in-One Contest Sponsor
News/Talk 760 WJR
Foursome and Hole Sponsor
Huntington National Bank
Lawrence Tech Alumni Association
The Remington Group
$500
Hole or Tee Sponsor
Harley Ellis Devereaux
IDC
MJ Capitol Consulting
SHW Group
Each sponsorship opportunity includes
additional recognition associated with
each area, i.e., signage recognizing the
donor at the putting green or driving range.
Additionally, sponsors will be listed
on all Tech Invitational promotional
materials and other Lawrence Tech
correspondence, including mention in
the Lawrence Tech Report (circulation
10,000).
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Putting Green Sponsor
Driving Range Sponsor
$4,000
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Sponsor receives:
• Two foursomes
• Player premium for each player
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Tech Invitational 2009 Sponsorships
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lifton Johnson, a classroom technology technician, is the spring 2009 recipient of the
Mary Ann Marcum Customer Service Award honoring Lawrence Tech employees who
provide outstanding assistance to co-workers and students. The biannual recognition award was
made possible through a generous gift by Frank E. Marcum, BSME’72 DIT, in memory of his
late wife and former Lawrence Tech staff member.
Glen Bauer, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, nominated Johnson for the
award, praising his dedication, responsiveness, and excellent work. Johnson earned a reputation as
the go-to guy for instructional technology services, not only in the College of Arts and Sciences,
where he has worked since 2001, but also campus-wide.
Beyond his regular duties, he has worked cooperatively with various departments on special
events, such as open houses, Robofest, and the Summer Science Institute. Often recruited for
projects in the other three colleges, he developed a comprehensive classroom projection system
maintenance program in the College of Engineering.
His philosophy on customer service is simple. “I treat others the way I would like to be
treated. For the good of the University, I try my best to help anyone who needs assistance
with A/V equipment in the classroom. It’s important that projectors function correctly so that
instructors can teach without interruptions and students can give their presentations effectively,”
he said.
In recognition of his unique skill set and customer service mindset, Johnson recently
was given a position in eLearning Services, where he has more opportunity to support the
entire campus community. As a Marcum Customer Service Award winner, he received a
commemorative plaque and $500 stipend.
Mary Ann Marcum, MBA’92, was director of continuing education at Lawrence Tech when
she was killed in a tragic auto accident. A strong proponent of recognizing personal achievement,
Mrs. Marcum instituted a variety of reward and recognition programs during her tenure at
Lawrence Tech.
Her husband established the award in her name with a personal contribution in 2008. It was
matched by his former employer—DTE Energy—and leveraged with a 50 percent matching
grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
“Frank not only found a fitting way to remember his wife,” said Dino Hernandez, assistant
vice president for major gifts and campaign director, “but also was able to expand his gift and
make a greater impact by tapping other resources.”
For information about honoring a loved one through philanthropy, contact Dino Hernandez,
assistant vice president for major gifts and campaign director, at 248.204.2306 or
hernandez@ltu.edu.
Contest Sponsors
• Men’s Closest-to-the-Pin
• Men’s Longest Drive
• Women’s Closest-to-the-Pin
• Women’s Longest Drive
• Men’s and Women’s Target Shoot
Hole-in-One Contest Sponsor
(three available)
Foursome and Hole Sponsor
(five available)
In addition to sponsorships, there is
an opportunity to support Lawrence
Tech with a donation to the auction held
during the Tech Invitational.
For more details, please contact Robin
Leclerc, director of university special
events and services, 248.204.2203 or
rleclerc@ltu.edu.
Cliff Johnson (center) displays the Mary Ann Marcum Customer Service Award with Frank Marcum and
Lawrence Tech President Lewis Walker.
2009 Tech Invitational Steering
Committee
Bill Beitz, BSAr’76, BAr’77, JPRA Architects
Ed Powers, City of Southfield
Stephen E. Brown, Lawrence Tech
Conrad Schwartz, BSCE’73
Zephry Brown, Michigan First Credit Union
Art Smith, BSAr’78, BAr’81, Harley Ellis
Devereaux
Matt DeMars, BSME’78, VPG Autos
Kevin Finn, MBA’06, Lawrence Tech
Linda Height, Lawrence Tech
Sponsors receive:
• One foursome
• Player premium for each player
Jason Hoffmeyer, Flagstar Bank
$500
Gary Johnson, Ford Motor Company
Michael Ienna, Condé Nast Publications
Hole or Tee Sponsor
Bob Kunkel, ASIT’72, Caddyshack Golf Shop
(multiple available)
Pam Lowry, Lawrence Tech
Sponsors receive:
• Signage at a hole or tee
Karen Mitchell, DTE Energy
$50
Tom O’Brien, News/Talk 760 WJR
Carey Valentine, Lawrence Tech
Joe Veryser, BSAr’76, Lawrence Tech
Phil Winkler, Progressive Printing
Michael Zulinski, BSIM’74, Lawrence Tech
Alumni Association
Ex-officio members from Lawrence Tech’s
Office of University Advancement:
Bruce Annett, Mark Brucki, Howard Davis,
Dino Hernandez, Dennis Howie,
Robin Leclerc, Mary Randazzo,
Rebecca Sellers, Julie Vulaj
Cocktail Reception and Auction Ticket
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LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Blue Devil Scholarships
Be an Angel. Help a Blue Devil.
In these trying times, students need help more than ever.
Their future—our future—is dependent upon them receiving
a rigorous, first-class education that prepares them for leadership in a rapidly changing world. Financial realities, however,
can limit their choices. Please help a student surmount these
challenges and consider the support you can provide with
a Blue Devil Scholarship. Your help and a Lawrence Tech
education can make all the difference in a student’s life.
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A New Initiative Within the
Proud Heritage, Bold Future Campaign
SPRING
WINTER 2009
2008
Make a Difference
Blue Devil Scholarships offer donors a personal way to invest in
a student’s future. For as little as $1,000 in annual contributions,
you can support a Lawrence Tech student—or students—
throughout their academic career. You may choose a minimum
commitment of two years (for the junior and senior years) or
you may opt to support the education of your Blue Devil
Scholar every year.
See the Difference
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As a Blue Devil Scholarship “angel,” you’ll have the opportunity
to meet and/or correspond with your Scholar. You’ll hear
first-hand how your investment has transformed your student’s
life and you’ll become an important part of his or her academic
network. You’ll become a part of your Scholar’s success.
Be the Difference
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Be an angel and become a Blue Devil Scholarship supporter!
For more information about adopting your Blue Devil Scholar,
please contact Rebecca Sellers, Major Gifts Officer, Office of
University Advancement, rsellers@ltu.edu, 248.204.2216.
Lawrence Technological University | Office of University Advancement | 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 40875-1058 | 248.204.2300 | ltu.edu
The Lawrence Tech Report is published by the Office of University Advancement, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075-1058
Stephen E. Brown
Vice President of University Advancement
sbrown@ltu.edu
248.204.2305
Julie Vulaj
Director of Major Gifts
jvulaj@ltu.edu
248.204.2313
Howard Davis
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
hdavis@ltu.edu
248.204.2316
Dennis J. Howie
Associate Vice President of University
Advancement and Chief Development Officer
howie@ltu.edu
248.204.2304
Rebecca Sellers
Major Gifts Officer
rsellers@ltu.edu
248.204.2216
Robin Leclerc
Director of University Special Events and Services
rleclerc@ltu.edu
248.204.2203
Mark Brucki
Executive Director of Economic Development
and Government Relations
mbrucki@ltu.edu
248.204.2310
Mary E. Randazzo
Manager of Alumni Relations and Alumni Giving
mrandazzo@ltu.edu
248.204.2309
Dino M. Hernandez
Assistant Vice President for Major Gifts and
Campaign Director
hernandez@ltu.edu
248.204.2306
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For more information on giving to Lawrence Technological University, visit giving.ltu.edu, email us at advancement@ltu.edu, or call 248.204.2300.
Leaders in the Making
Lawrence Technological University
Office of University Advancement
21000 West Ten Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48075-1058
ltu.edu