Engineering Design Conference: Industry input will help shape co-op program
August 12, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 21)
Article by
Michele Coffill
Bayo Ogundipe, dean of engineering, addresses an audience at the Co-Op Employer Event July 31 in the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center.
The Padnos College of Engineering's storied co-op program will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.
People connected to that program met during the Engineering Design Conference to honor the program's history and discuss exploring changes.
Bayo Ogundipe, dean of engineering, addressed a group of co-op employers, faculty and students, saying this stage of information-gathering is important as the needs have changed for employers and students.
All engineering students complete three staggered co-op rotations.
"The nature of this type of work is changing," Ogundipe said. "Engineers are now wearing multiple hats. And what used to be clear career paths has changed to diverse engineering tracks."
Ogundipe added that today's students want customization throughout their degree paths. "This new generation of workers is constantly working to redefine themselves," he said.
The discussion on July 31 was moderated by Ryan Noble, business lead for engineering solutions at DISHER in Zeeland.
Awards were presented during the event:
- Grace Piasecki, Co-Op Student of YearÂ
- Mehmet Sozen, professor of mechanical and manufacturing engineering, Co-Op Faculty Advisor of the Year
- John Hall, president of Advanced Medical Device Innovations, Co-Op Supervisor of the Year
- Holland's Mission Design and Automation, Co-Op Employer of the Year
Other Engineering Design Conference events included an Industry Advisory Board meeting, Senior Project Showcase and the Order of the Engineer Ceremony, which recognized graduates.
This article was last edited on August 11, 2025 at 4:27 p.m.