April 28, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 16)
Rock Phelps, who is majoring in product design and manufacturing engineering, works to shape a horseman’s axe in the Keller Engineering Laboratories ahead of the Cast in Steel competition.
The Padnos College of Engineering and the Steel Founders’ Society of America hosted nearly 60 university teams competing in the Cast in Steel competition at the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center in mid-April.
The competition challenges teams to design, cast and test a fully functional metal tool or weapon. This year's challenge was a horseman's axe. Before a television production crew, teams competed with their axes in a series of physical challenges.
The GVSU Casting Club sent two teams to the competition. Mechanical engineering major Aleena Curry said that while the "Axecutioners" did not advance to the finals, they enjoyed watching other teams.
"While we were nervous, we were glad to see that our axe held up against the strength and sharpness tests," Curry said. "As the host team for the competition, it was nice to be so close to home and in a familiar place."
Abishek Balsamy-Kamaraj, assistant professor of product design and manufacturing engineering, serves as the Casting Club advisor.
This article was last edited on April 22, 2026 at 11:16 a.m.
Without a budget, David Eick sent a request to the "Station Eleven" author's team and was delighted when Emily St. John Mandel enthusiastically replied.
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May 19, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 17)
Article by
Sofia Ellis
In a Bridge Michigan article, Mantella wrote that stewardship requires honoring the foundation built by predecessors while having the courage to adapt for what comes next.
May 19, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 17)
The partnership began with a student exchange for music majors and has expanded to other academic disciplines.
May 19, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 17)
Article by
Kate Stoetzner
