DTE Supports the Future of Engineering in Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The DTE Energy Foundation’s recent gift of $100,000 helped Grand Valley State University surpass its $5 million goal in private donations to build a state-of-the-art facility for its engineering program. The gift supported the construction of the John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering, which is located on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

According to Fred Shell, DTE Energy vice president of corporate and government affairs and president of the DTE Energy Foundation: “DTE prides itself on being a partner in all the communities it serves across the state. As we all pursue the best economic future for Michigan, engineers will play a key role in providing innovation for competition in our global economy. With its hands-on program and high academic quality, Grand Valley’s engineering program is a good investment for preparing the talented work force we need for the energy industry and other manufacturing and technological sectors in Michigan.”

DTE recognized that a partnership with the Seymour & Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing would be based on a shared dedication to community outreach, service learning and involvement in the enhancement of K-12 programs. Two summer programs give a hands-on introduction of engineering and computer science careers to middle school girls. Another involves high school students in a robotics competition. The college, through these and other efforts, continues to build a pipeline for future engineers and computing professionals. Kennedy Hall has facilities designed specifically to support outreach, which helps members of the community recognize and seize their potential including, sometimes for the first time ever, considering going to college.

During the recent dedication for Kennedy Hall, Roger Royer, regional relations manager for DTE Energy, and John Huebler, Grand Valley director of corporate and foundation relations, toured the new Student/Faculty Collaboration Room that DTE Energy sponsored. This space was designed for students to study, work with professors and brainstorm on group projects. The room is adjacent to faculty offices and provides 24/7 wireless network connectivity, white boards and a smart board. It also boasts multipurpose furnishings that can be configured into various groupings for all kinds of study groups.

Kennedy Hall, a $16 million facility built in part with complementary funds from the State of Michigan, was dedicated on October 17. It joins the Fred M. Keller Engineering Laboratories as the latest educational asset of the university’s Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. The 52,000-square-foot building will be instrumental in supporting the university’s growing electrical and computer engineering programs, while making possible new initiatives in product design and manufacturing.

“We’re grateful to have this support from DTE as a partner that is committed to industry and progress in Michigan,” said Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas. “Grand Valley graduates tend to stay in Michigan, and that is one of the ways we give back to our region and state. We are proud of the engineers that DTE will help us prepare for the many challenges ahead.”

Thanks to the DTE Energy Foundation and over 200 other donors, the campaign garnered over $5.3 million in support for scholarships, equipment and programs as well as construction of Kennedy Hall. This effort will help the university to continue to produce highly skilled engineers who integrate hands-on industry experience with intensive classroom instruction. Presently, between 90 and 100 percent of Grand Valley students pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam each year, while the national rate hovers around 70 percent. Not surprisingly, the 700 students in Grand Valley’s engineering program can look forward to the nearly 100 percent placement rates that the university has achieved in recent years.

For more information on Kennedy Hall, please visit www.gvsu.edu/innovationconnection