Flashback: Welcome A section Class of 2016
Welcome A section Class of 2016
Kettering University
July 5, 2012
More than 200 freshmen have joined campus for the A section class of 2016. Welcome freshmen - and hello Class of 2016!
Kettering's A-Section class will have more than 200 fresh faces in it, including four valedictorians and two salutatorians, with students coming from across the country including from California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin. They will be joined by the second half of the freshman class (B Section) in October.
Kettering's entering freshmen are joining the University at an exciting time. Building upon the university's strong foundation, the campus community is gathering momentum as it makes changes and improvements going into the 2012-13 academic year.
Probably the most significant change is Kettering now offers a guaranteed fixed tuition for all undergraduate students beginning with the 2012-13 academic year, becoming the first Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) University in Michigan and one of only a handful in the nation to offer the cost-saving guarantee. Kettering has also eliminated all academically related fees in its all-inclusive tuition package.
The just-finished renovation of the student cafeteria will give students more options, including Starbucks coffee and a Coke fountain machine, with an updated setting for a better dining experience.
Additionally, Kettering had its first ever Presidential Inauguration Friday, April 20. It was one of the most important days in the history of the institution. Called "Celebrate Kettering," the special ceremonies culminated with the inauguration of President Robert K. McMahan as Kettering's seventh president at a formal ceremony.
On a national level, Kettering University is among 60 nationally respected universities that have been singled out in the first round of an elite national partnership called US Ignite, designed to make broadband construction faster and cheaper.
Incoming students include Kettering's first two Buick Achievers Scholarship recipients to receive a $25,000 award. Haley Luxton, an incoming A-Section freshman from Burton, Mich., and Jessica Porzio, a B-Section sophomore from Lancaster, New York, were both awarded the 2012-13 Buick Achievers National Scholarship at the $25,000 level. The renewable scholarship is awarded by the General Motors Foundation.
The young women are financing their own educations and say the scholarship is important to achieving their goals. "I am so honored to have received the Buick Achiever Scholarship. This scholarship will ease the financial burden of paying for college," said Luxton. "It allows me the opportunity to receive an outstanding education while gaining knowledge, skills, and the experience I will need to achieve my goals of becoming a mechanical engineer," she added.
Porzio said "I am paying for my education by myself, so this scholarship means the world to me. After just one year's worth of student loans, I was already worried about being able to pay it all off after I graduate. But because of this scholarship, I no longer have to worry about it. I can focus on my education without having to worry about paying for it after. It is like a weight lifted off my shoulders" Luxton, a graduate of Bendle High School, will major in Mechanical Engineering. Her co-op employer is Takata in Auburn Hills, Mich. Porzio, a graduate of Lancaster Central High School, is also majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Her co-op employer is Inteva Products, located in Troy, Mich.
Meet some of Kettering's other freshmen:
Richard Budop III, salutatorian of Woodhaven High School, finished high school with a 4.11 grade-point average. He was involved in Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, robotics, National Honor Society, and tennis. Richard will pursue a degree in Computer Engineering.
Austin Burke graduated as one of the top 10 students at Allen Park High School. He finished high school with a 4.06 grade-point average, was involved with drama club, marching band, Interact club, National Honor Society and the robotics team. Austin is undecided on his major.
Graduating as one of the top 5 students at Hanover-Horton High School, Cody Cochran was named Jackson Area Manufacturers Association Student of the Year. Cody was involved with FIRST Robotics as well as varsity golf, student council, student athletic council and National Honor Society. He will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Kearsley High School top 10 graduate Nicolas Donders participated in cross-country, track and field and is an Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America Troop 316. He plans to attend Kettering University and major in Engineering Physics.
Keith DuVall, another top 10 graduate of at Allen Park High School, enjoyed Allen Park soccer and Dearborn rugby. He will pursue a degree in Biochemistry, with a career plan in neuro-pharmacology.
Lutheran High School Westland student Jacob Fairbairn was named honorable mention in the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers 2012 Academic All-Star Program. His extracurricular activities include many charitable causes as well as athletic pursuits. A member of the National Honor Society, he received the Presidential Scholarship for Kettering University and will pursue a degree in Computer Science.
Cody Michael Grant, one of Swartz Creek High School’s top graduates, was involved with National Honor Society, Swartz Creek United Methodist Youth, cross-country, track and field, as well as marching and concert band. He received the Metro Scholar Athlete Award, Captain's Award, Rookie of the Year, Most Outstanding, and Academic and Athletic Varsity Letter. Cody will pursue a degree in Applied Physics with plans to obtain a doctorate in physics.
Peter Huckins, a graduate of Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School, received a gold medal in Automotive Services in the SkillsUSA State Competition. Currently enrolled in Southeastern's coop program, Huckins also works for Route 1 Automotive, in Plainville, Massachusetts. He will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a career goal of becoming a mechanical engineer for an automobile manufacturer.
Another Swartz Creek High School top graduate, Claire Jess, was involved with Girl Scouts, National Honor Society, served as vice president of the student council, Power of 100, Peers Who Care, Key Club and SADD. She received the Girl Scout Gold Award and three Academic Achievement Awards. Claire will pursue a degree in Industrial Engineering.
Another Allen Park High School top ten student and member of FIRST Robotics Team #815 Advanced Power, Nicholas Marsh finished with a 4.08 grade-point average. He also participated in National Honor Society, Interact club, marching band, Henry Ford Community College Metropolitan Symphony Band, and was an Allen Park Middle School ski club chaperone. He will pursue a degree in Computer Engineering with a career goal of engineering computers and other electronic devices.
Samuel Melton, son of Doug Melton (formerly of ECE), graduated from Flushing High School with a 4.01 grade-point average. Samuel has earned second-, third- and fourth-place finishes in the Michigan Mites (Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society). He will pursue a degree in Biochemistry.
Top Bentley High School student Lance Menard received both the Presidential and Co-op scholarships as well as Mathematics Award, Thespian Society Award, American Legion Award, and was a member of the Key Club. He was also the secretary of the National Honor Society.
Twins Elizabeth and Veronica Mende both graduated from Will Carleton Academy Michigan with 4.0 grade-point averages. Both participated in called LITE (Lives Improved Through Engineering), where they were introduced to the numerous career opportunities provided by an engineering degree. Elizabeth was vice president of the Student Council and a member of the National Honor Society, and she is an active volunteer for various church activities. Veronica was a class representative of Student Council and a member of the National Honor Society during her senior year in high school and also actively volunteers for church activities. Elizabeth will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Veronica will pursue a degree in Biomechanical Engineering.
Saline student Tommy Michaluk, beat out teams from about 60 Michigan schools in April to earn a spot at the national Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition in Dearborn. Tommy's team had the highest scores on the written exam. He will pursue a degree in engineering.
Fowlerville High School Valedictorian Isaac Parker was a member of the National Honor Society as well as National Merit Finalist and a Science Olympiad state medalist. He was involved with band, cross country, Tech Club, Kreeger Chess Club, Relay For Life and 4-H. He will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in aerospace or alternative energy.
Laura Peters is one of two top seniors at the Valley School. She was the varsity girls' basketball co-captain in 2011, volleyball co-captain in 2010, played varsity soccer for two years, was a member of the Carman Ainsworth robotics team and played flute in the Valley School band. Laura received the Distinguished Student Award in 2009 and 2010, the 2nd Team All ISAC, Conference Award for Varsity Volleyball in 2010, as well as Leelanau Outdoor Center Leadership Award in 2012.
Another top Flushing High School student, Vanessa Robinson, graduated with a 4.03 grade-point average. She earned a varsity letter in cross-country and first place in Category 16B of the Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society. Vanessa has been granted a Trustee Scholarship and a Women in Engineering Scholarship. She will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Ryan Stanislawski, Kensington Woods High School Valedictorian advised his classmates, "As we all go down whatever path life takes us, I hope you can look back on these years and take wisdom from these teachers. Through leading by example, they taught us that the right things don't always bring the fortune or the fame, but in the end brings the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed to something greater than yourself." Ryan will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
One of Bay City Central High School's top ten graduates, Sara Suchodolski, finished high school with a 4.11 grade-point average. She will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a career plan of becoming a mechanical engineer at Uniloy Milacron.
Also a top graduate of Swartz Creek High School, Alexander VanTol completed his studies with a 4.0 grade-point average. He was involved with the National Honor Society, Key Club, marching band, wind ensemble, jazz band and worked on sound for school plays. He received the AP Scholar Award, Most Outstanding Marcher recognition and received an Academic Varsity Letter. He will pursue a degree in Computer Engineering.
Kiran Vekaria, a top graduate of Carman-Ainsworth High School, was a member of the varsity swim team for the past four years, golf for two years, and the Blue Brigade competition band for four years, going to state competitions twice . Kiran is also a part of other organizations like the National Honor Society, student council, of which he is the treasurer, and he was an influential member of the "Empathy for All" group. Kiran participated in the AIM program and will pursue a degree in Applied Physics with a concentration in Material Science.
So welcome freshmen to Kettering University, the home of the nation's most advanced professional co-operative education program and a national leader in the preparation of innovators and entrepreneurs. We're glad you're here!