KETTERING UNIVERSITY

FLINT, MI – Traditional school bus safety might be a thing of the past. A group of undergraduate computer science students at Kettering University are developing a system to implement cheap, reliable artificial intelligence systems on school buses. These models, hypothetically, could be used outside of the school bus as well. To keep a running count of people on the bus, students are training artificial intelligence to recognize the fronts and backs of all people in all different circumstances. (With) Kettering students -- the learning and growth are very high.

FLINT, MI – Kettering University has hired Jennifer Umberger, a higher education professional with more than 20 years of experience, as vice president of Marketing and Communications. Umberger leaves a job from Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, where she served as an associate vice president or marking and communications. “I am excited about the talent and experience Jennifer brings to the oniversity,” said Kettering University President Robert K. McMahan. But she also brings us a depth of leadership experience in higher education that will add significantly to our leadership team.”Umberger will develop and implement marketing and communications strategies, according to a news release from the university. “It’s a privilege to steward the Kettering University story.”Betsy Homsher, who filled in the vice president of marketing and communications role during the hiring process, will return to being a special assistant to McMahan.

FLINT, MI – Kettering University has named Scott Grasman, a former professor and Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering department head, as its new Dean of the College of Engineering. The dean will oversee all engineering programs with a focus on developing new opportunities for Kettering students, according to a news release from the university. Grasman has worked in higher education at Rochester Institute of Technology and Missouri University of Science and Technology as a professor and department chair. He holds Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate-level degrees in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. The new dean’s past research has addressed sustainability in engineering, vehicle electrification, alternative energy and need-based programs for transfer students, according to the release.

FLINT, MI – Kettering University esports Coach Dan Nowaczyk may be the owner of a new tattoo depending on the success of the team’s upcoming charity event. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, about 50 members of the Kettering esports team will spend 24 hours gaming to raise money for Hurley Children’s Hospital in Flint. It’s the second 24-hour streaming charity event that the team has hosted. If the team is able to raise $10,000, Nowaczyk will get a tattoo to commemorate the charity event. “Hurley Children’s Hospital is a pillar of the Flint community,” Nowaczyk said.

MORRIS TWP, MI - Mt. Morris Township residents will now have the option of grabbing a bite of a Philly cheesesteak. Charleys Cheesesteaks, a national restaurant chain that makes Philly cheesesteaks, will be opening at 4335 Pierson Rd., replacing the old Wendy’s building. Morris Township Supervisor Jolena Sims and building inspector John Woodell confirmed the opening to MLive-The Flint Journal. “I’m excited that this is coming to the township,” Sims said.

FLINT, MI - The Flint Institute of Arts closed early on Thursday, Sept. 29, due to a water main break, according to a news release sent by the FIA. The FIA, located at 1120 E. Kearsley St., is expected to reopen Friday, Sept. 30, for normal hours and programming. Check the Flint Institute of Arts social media pages for any updates or changes. Read more at The Flint Journal:MSHDA Board approves funding for improvements to Dauner Haus Apartments in FentonKettering University opens $63 million state-of-the-art Learning CommonsMeet Karima Amlani: A Flint community leader, activist and role model

Kettering’s University’s new $63 million Learning Commons has state-of-the-art technology combined with intricate architecture that makes it a new haven for students and faculty alike. “To learn more about it and its purpose, you must first suspend everything you think about university spaces. The Learning Commons is unique. The Learning Commons was designed by world-renowned architectural firm Stantec, which has designed academic facilities in 37 states and provinces across North America. Officials broke ground on the Learning Commons on Feb. 5, 2020.

On Friday, Sept. 23, Kettering University officially opened its new Learning Commons, a $63 million, 105,000-square-foot building designed to encourage collaboration and transform the social and academic life for students and faculty. The main entrance of the Learning Commons is a two-level connector that provides two ways to access the building. The Learning Commons furniture has Bernhardt Becca sofas inside, which were designed by Flint native Terry Crews, host of NBC’s reality competition America’s Got Talent. He is excited about the Learning Commons. We can serve Kettering students, staff and faculty no matter where they are in the world.

FLINT, MI -- Three Flint-area colleges are teaming up to host a College and Career Kickoff event downtown next month. The University of Michigan-Flint, Kettering University and Mott Community College are hosting the event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at the Riverfront Conference Center, 1 Riverfront Plaza, in downtown Flint. It’s an event designed to help high school students and young adults choose a career pathway or pursue higher education, according to a news release from Mott Community College. The event will include refreshments and giveaways for attendees. Financial aid and admissions teams from each of the Flint-area colleges will be at the event to provide information on choosing the right college, application processes, FAFSA and financing your degree.

FLINT – It seems like every time I visit Atwood Stadium I say to nobody in particular how nice it looks since Kettering University took control of it from the City of Flint in 2013. Let’s be honest, it was a mess back then.

Grandville senior tight end Brayden LaCroix makes the catch and runs the ball in for a touchdown in the first half as Grand Blanc and Grandville face off during the first game of the season on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 at Kettering University's Atwood Stadium in Flint. (Jake May | MLive.com)

Grand Blanc senior wide receiver Tae Boyd drops a catch while double-teamed by Grandville junior defensive backs Cashis Ruff (9) and Aven Kaat in the first half as Grand Blanc and Grandville face off during the first game of the season on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 at Kettering University's Atwood Stadium in Flint. (Jake May | MLive.com)

FLINT, MI – In his nearly 40-year career at Kettering University, Bob Nichols wore 16 different titles. Nichols was often the one chosen to head up a new department or initiative after joining Kettering University after owning his own business. That was all before Nichols led the FIRST Robotics Community Center, a job that Nichols describes as the best one he’d had. Kettering’s FIRST Robotics Community Center sponsors and houses robotics teams in the Flint area. Nichols also helped lead the Robot Honor Society, a prestigious club at Kettering University where only the best of the best students were eligible.

FLINT, MI -- Three hundred and seventy five students from Kettering University’s Class of 2022 walked across the stage and received their degrees during a commencement ceremony at Atwood Stadium this afternoon. The ceremony took place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18, at Atwood Stadium in Flint. This is the third commencement ceremony to be held in a row at the stadium since it was refurbished. Kettering alumnus Brady Ericson, who graduated in 1994, was the featured speaker during the ceremony. “It’s been a long time coming, but to have my master’s degree now is good feeling,” Sheridan said.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University raised a record $155 million in its Boldly Forward Capital Campaign that received funds from more than 6,000 donors, the university announced this week. “This campaign is a real testament to the University and how much people believe in it,” Kettering President Robert K. McMahan said. “From the volunteers on the campaign committee and hardworking University Advancement team to over 6,200 generous and committed donors. What it has already made possible has been a game-changer.”Plans for the Learning Commons include a digital library, state-of-the-art technology-based gathering spaces and and open food court. The campaign success has doubled the number of endowed and expendable scholarships that the university offers, according to a news release from the university.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University has announced that it will be freezing tuition for the 2022-23 school year at the same levels as 2020-21. The private, four-year institution’s tuition rates will remain at $44,380 despite rising inflation rates that have put pressures on higher education in recent months. “A competitive tuition and generous financial aid speak to our commitment to keeping a Kettering education accessible,” University President Robert McMahan said. “Our co-op job market is rich with opportunity for students; students are receiving competitive and remarkable opportunities from our employer partners,” according to Tracie Jones, interim vice president for Enrollment and Cooperative Services. In April, a nationwide report from SmartAsset said that Kettering University graduates have the highest starting salaries in Michigan.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University hosted more than 60 middle school and high school vehicle design teams at Square One Education Network’s 15th Annual Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge this week. The event took place on Wednesday, May 18, at the Kettering University GM Mobility Research Center off North Chevrolet Avenue and Bluff Street. Related: Winners of Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge at Kettering University announcedAlthough the day started off with light rain, teams were able to adapt and overcome, protecting their gear and work through the inclement weather with tents and make-shift electronic covers. The IVD Challenge pitted the teams against each other in three separate competitions: Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, and Full-Scale Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge. In the Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, students will be challenged to re-engineer a “Power Wheels Jeep” into an autonomous vehicle.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University hosted more than 60 middle school and high school vehicle design teams at Square One Education Network’s 15th Annual Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge this week. The event took place on Wednesday, May 18 at the Kettering University GM Mobility Research Center off North Chevrolet Avenue and Bluff Street. Square One is a Michigan-based nonprofit organization that develops talent for future workforces, according to a news release from the university. The IVD Challenge pitted the teams against each other in three separate competitions: Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, and Full-Scale Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge. In the Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, students will be challenged to re-engineer a “Power Wheels Jeep” into an autonomous vehicle.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University is hosting more than 60 middle school and high school vehicle design teams at the Square One Education Network’s 15th Annual Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge this week. The event will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 18 at the Kettering University GM Mobility Research Center off North Chevrolet Avenue and Bluff Street. The IVD Challenge pits the high school and middle school teams against each other in three separate competitions: Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, and Full-Scale Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge. “We’re looking forward to seeing Square One students in action — their innovative designs, builds and on-the-spot troubleshooting skills,” said Scott Travis, director of Specialty Admissions for Kettering University. Read more at The Flint Journal:McLaren exec, chief medical officer remembered for ‘unmatched leadership’Petition to recall Flint school board president rejected for unclear languageCase in Flint school board alleged assault delayed until next monthDistrict-wide career fair to be held at GISD this week

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University graduates have the highest starting salaries in the state, according to a nationwide report from SmartAsset. Kettering graduates have an average starting salary of $75,700, over $4,000 more than the next highest starting salary from Michigan Technological University graduates, per the SmartAsset report. Michigan Technological University is followed by the University of Michigan, Lawrence Technological University and Michigan State University. Kettering was also named the third best value college in the state of Michigan. “Our graduates are in high demand and leverage their success at Kettering throughout their careers of leadership and service.”With the co-op program, Kettering graduates leave the university with a degree and more than two years of work experience.

FLINT, MI -- Creative solutions to modern problems flooded Kettering University this morning as Genesee County students presented their inventions at the ninth Young Innovators Fair. More than 100 students gathered on the fifth floor of Kettering University’s Campus Center Tuesday morning to showcase their inventions and compete to move on to a state Innovators Program competition held in Detroit. Sarah Perkins, Lead Cooperative Education Manager at Kettering, helped facilitate the Young Innovators program to become a state-wide competition. Kettering University received almost 400 invention applications from students this year. The Young Innovators curriculum is organized and provided to local schools in an effort to encourage nontraditional learning and classroom structures.

FLINT, MI -- Third- through eighth-grade Genesee County students will gather to showcase their inventions at Kettering University for a chance to advance to the Michigan Invention Convention next month. More than 100 students are expected to participate in the Young Innovators Fair, a showcase from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8. The students are participants in the Kettering Young Innovator Program, a project-based curriculum that works with local school districts. This is the ninth Young Innovators Fair that Kettering has hosted, according to a news release from the university. Read more on MLive:21 Genesee County teams competing at FIRST Robotics competition at Kettering UniversityInterim Flint schools assistant superintendent promoted to official roleCarman-Ainsworth schools seeking two millage renewals on May ballotGrand Blanc schools evaluating future of academic recovery interventionists hired with COVID-19 funds

This year, in two legs held at Kettering University in Flint, there will be 21 Genesee County teams competing at the FIRST Robotics district competition, according to the competition’s website. Related: FIRST Robotics competitions to begin this week at Kettering UniversityMore than 60 teams from all over mid- and Eastern Michigan will be competing at Kettering University over the next two weeks. Kettering University sees the competition as a great opportunity to get more STEM-focused students on their recruitment radar. The university began sponsoring FIRST Robotics teams in 1998 and has given out more than $5.5 million in scholarships since then. Kim Shumaker, robotics outreach manager for Kettering University, said robotics students are the “perfect fit” for Kettering.

FLINT, MI – The first of two FIRST Robotics district events begins this week at Kettering University. Robotics teams at local high schools from across the state will convene to compete in the FIRST Robotics district competitions from March 3-5 and March 10-12. Teams have six weeks to design and build their industrial-sized robots in the FIRST Robotics competition, per the release. Kettering University, which has sponsored FIRST Robotics teams since 1998, has hosted district competitions each year since 2008. Kettering hosted a VEX Robotics Competition State Championship with 78 robotics teams over the weekend on Feb. 27.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University received a $10,000 grant to support eight high school FIRST Robotics teams this week. The grant, from the Nartel Family Foundation, is the first donation from the foundation to the university. It will be used for the FIRST Robotics teams program that consists of eight local high school robotics teams.

FLINT, MI -- Gamers on the Kettering University esports team are preparing for a 24-hour livestream to raise $5,000 for the Hurley Children’s Hospital in Flint tomorrow. The esports team of nearly 40 members will begin streaming on the team’s Twitch channel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13. The team partnered with Extra Life, a nonprofit that works to encourage gamers to raise money for hospitals. League of Legends player Lauren Ward used to host 24-hour gaming parties with her friends in Canada. “I decided to participate because Hurley Children’s Hospital is a lifeline for so many kids in Flint,” Ward said.

Wallethub has ranked U-M Ann Arbor as the best school in the state for 2022.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University is one of the best 387 colleges in the United States, according to The Princeton Review’s 2022 rankings. The Princeton Review’s list collects responses from more than 140,000 students in its process. Students from Kettering touted their school’s extracurricular programs and co-op format. “Their work experience combined with what they learn in the classroom sets them up for successful careers from the time they graduate.”In addition to The Princeton Review, Kettering University was also named the No. 13 best undergraduate engineering program at schools without a doctorate program in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings.

Gretchen Whitmer announced the first round of Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants totaling nearly $450,000 on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at Kettering University’s GM Mobility Research Center in Flint. Five mobility companies -- MUVE, Airspace Link, KUHMUTE, GreenRoute and Michigan Flyer -- received more than $444,000 in funding to deploy mobility pilots in Michigan that alleviate mobility barriers and help accelerate electric vehicle adoption. “It is our goal to support mobility and electrification companies looking to deploy those technology solutions here in Michigan,” Whitmer said. The Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants focus on catalyzing and scaling mobility solutions that improve environmental sustainability by encouraging electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the buildout of EV charging infrastructure, alleviate mobility barriers and increase access to affordable and reliable transportation options and modernize existing transportation systems. Whitmer says local - not state - mask policies are ‘best way to move forward’Michigan man who told Gov.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University is adding two new academic departments as a part of the school’s Bright Future reinvention initiative introduced earlier this year. The Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Natural Sciences were both added to the university’s list of academic departments, according to an announcement this week. The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program has been one of the fastest-growing degrees at the university since originally offered in 2008. The chemical engineering department will be housed under the College of Engineering. “It is very exciting to have Chemical Engineering join the College of Engineering as a standalone department,” said Craig Hoff, dean of the College of Engineering.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University is the nation’s best automotive engineering school in 2021, according to higher education publisher College Gazette’s most recent rankings. In a top-ten ranking, Kettering was chosen as the No. The ranking sites Kettering’s Mobility Services and Automotive Engineering Design concentrations and lists multiple labs that students have the opportunity to use. “Kettering University (formerly GMI) has been teaching Automotive Engineering for over 100 years, so it’s no surprise that we’re good at it,” said Dr. Craig Hoff, Dean of Kettering’s College of Engineering. Lawrence Technological University in Southfield made the list as the third best automotive engineering school.

FLINT – After a one-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Flint’s premier high school football event is back. Day 2 will see Grand Blanc play East Lansing at 4 before Linden and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep take the field. It’s a great venue and it’s a great event.”Kettering University, which owns Atwood Stadium, was represented at the press conference school president Robert McMahan. (A 1990 graduate of Grand Blanc, Swanson was the clear winner.) Last year’s Gridiron Classic was canceled because of the uncertainty of the high school football season after the outbreak of the coronavirus.

FLINT, MI -- General Determination, the statue representing Kettering University’s bulldog mascot, returned to campus for the first time in more than a year July 15 after the statue was removed for construction in March 2020. He recalled a long list of history that showed the importance of the General Determination statue during a speech before the unveiling. The vehicle was stolen and vandalizers ran over the statue, according to the Technician, Kettering University’s student newspaper. Since then, it has long been favored by Kettering students who’ve painted the bulldog to promote events, Greek Life and other campus rumors. “General Determination represents that Kettering mentality of determination,” Widger said.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University’s Emily Poirier has had her commencement speech ready for more than a year. It was in April 2020 when Poirier was selected to represent Kettering’s Class of 2020 with a speech at commencement. Due to COVID-19, Kettering University held two commencement ceremonies Saturday, June 19 for the Class of 2020 and 2021. She was one of three speakers during the commencement ceremonies, which began with the Class of 2020 at 9:30 a.m. and the Class of 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Atwood Stadium. Read more on MLive:New elective at Kettering University to address social issues using math, communicationsHistoric smokestack at Perry Center in Grand Blanc being deconstructedGM exec, university trustee to speak at Kettering graduation ceremoniesFlint school board issues warning to superintendent for not keeping members informed

FLINT, MI -- College students should be ready for more than just a profession after graduation, Kettering University Liberal Arts Department Chairman and Communications Professor Babak Elahi insists. Because of that notion, he believes it is important that the university gives students the tools they need to address social issues, like human trafficking, elections, racial justice and climate change. A new elective, dubbed Math for Social Justice, will help students apply their technical knowledge to issues with significant ethical questions that they would likely face in the real world. Like they can take the skills they’ve learned in science, math, humanities and social science and use them effectively to make the world a better place,” Elahi said. Students will have had to complete communications, calculus and statistics classes before being eligible for enrollment in Math for Social Justice.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University alumnus, Board of Trustees member and General Motors executive Gerald Johnson will be the keynote speaker for the Class of 2020 and 2021 graduation ceremonies next week. This is the first time in university history that two graduation ceremonies will be held on the same day, according to a Kettering news release. Students who aren’t able to make it to this year’s graduation ceremony will receive virtual recognition as their names are called to walk across the stage, per the release. Johnson, who graduated from Kettering in 1985, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Administration from the university. Johnson was also the first Black person to lead GM’s North American manufacturing operations, according to the university.

FLINT, MI -- With an iPhone strapped with zip ties onto a toy race car, Clinton High School’s team was ready to hit the race track. The video above shows a first-person point of view as the team -- consisting of juniors Kent McCombs, Samuel Hoffman and Joseph Gilman -- cruise around the track on a test run before a competitive race. More than 50 Michigan high school teams gathered at Kettering University this week to compete in the 14th annual Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge. The statewide competition, hosted by Square One Education Network, utilized the university’s Mobility Research Center. High school students competed in four different categories, all pertaining to engineering and re-engineering vehicles: Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, V2X Innovative Vehicle Design and the Full-Scale Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge.

FLINT, MI -- More than fifty Michigan high school teams gathered at Kettering University this week to compete in the 14th annual Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge. High school students competed in four different categories, all pertaining to engineering and re-engineering vehicles: Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, V2X Innovative Vehicle Design and the Full-Scale Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge. The university has an educational model that differs from most, as students learn and work with university partners in 11-week periods. “Since I was a toddler, I always loved RC cars,” Jaxon Chandler, a sixth-grader at Flint Cultural Center Academy said. “I always wanted to go fast and try to break the laws of physics.”Max Cromf, another sixth-grader at Flint Cultural Center Academy, said the competition can be “nerve-wracking” since you helped engineer the vehicle.

FLINT, MI -- Nearly $95 million will be distributed to colleges and universities in Michigan’s 5th Congressional District under the federal government’s last COVID-19 spending bill. A total of $94,555,085 will be distributed in emergency funds to area colleges and universities to help deal with the financial fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At least half of the funding for each school will be distributed to students in the form of emergency assistance, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township. Mott Community College is receiving the most funds at $19,824,146, followed by Saginaw Valley State University at $19,906,061, Delta College at $18,648,759, Baker College at $18,018,330 and the University of Michigan-Flint at $14,314,634. The American Rescue Plan allocates nearly $36 billion for more than 3,000 colleges and universities across the country, per the news release.

FLINT, MI -- Fifty Michigan high school teams will join at Kettering University to compete in the 14th annual Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge later this month. Half the teams will participate in person and the other half will participate virtually, according to a news release from the university. High school students will compete in four different categories: Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge, V2X Innovative Vehicle Design and the Full-Scale Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge. Students must re-engineer a “power wheels jeep” into an autonomous vehicle in the autonomous innovative vehicle design challenge, per the release. The full-scale vehicle design challenge tasks students to either transform a gas-powered go-kart kit to build a car into an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Playing video games is now called esports -- and it’s a billion-dollar industry that, for many, is considered a competitive sport.

FLINT, MI -- The Community Foundation of Greater Flint awarded a $7,500 grant to Kettering University to support students at the school’s Pre-College Computer Science Camps. “The generosity of this grant will remove financial barriers for students that have a passion for computer science to participate in our summer programs,” said Cherie Taylor, Kettering’s Pre-College Programs lead. Kettering offers more than 25 different precollege learning programs, including the Academically Interested Minds program, FIRST Robotics Competition and Leadership Camp. “Offering Flint and Genesee County youth the opportunity to learn computer science skills through this camp at Kettering University gives students skills that can be applied to future careers in the STEM field, which is rapidly growing and offers lucrative employment opportunities,” Alexandria Dawson, Community Foundation of Greater Flint program officer, said. Registration for the Pre-College Computer Science Camps is now open.

FLINT, MI -- Kettering University will soon offer scholarships to students who plan to compete on the school’s esports teams. Scholarships of up to $4,000 will be made available by the private, nonprofit university in Flint beginning this fall. “They’re looking to develop themselves as a person and as an Esports athlete.”These scholarships are performance-related, as well. Kettering’s Rainbow Six Siege team were crowned champions of the Fall 2020 Michigan Bandwidth Bowl. The Rocket League team finished third in the Spring 2021 Michigan Bandwidth Bowl, while the League of Legends team placed fourth in the same competition.

FLINT, MI -- Consumers Energy Foundation is supporting Kettering University’s COVID-19 relief efforts with a $10,000 donation to the Keep Me Kettering Emergency Fund, the university announced Friday. The Keep Me Kettering Emergency Fund is used to help students pay tuition. “The generosity of alumni and friends, like the Consumers Energy Foundation, has provided the assistance that our students needed to remain in school.”Consumers Energy is one of many of the university’s co-op partners, which include GM, Ford Motor and Spectrum Health. “Consumers Energy is dedicated to ensuring all Michigan residents have access to world-class educational resources, especially to develop and retain talent with STEM and skilled trades expertise,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. Related:UM-Flint, Kettering University intend to freeze tuition for 2021-22 academic yearMSU announces Flint-exclusive Master of Public Health scholarshipUM-Flint students craft plan to honor graduates individually amid COVID pandemic

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Two Flint universities are planning to freeze tuition for undergraduate programs for the upcoming academic year. Kettering University made its intention to freeze tuition clear earlier this month. This is the second consecutive year that Kettering University is freezing tuition. Last year, Kettering joined many public universities in a decision to freeze tuition despite looming COVID-19-related budgeting concerns. Kettering University, a private institution, costs $22,190 for full-time students.

FLINT, MI -- The Flint Promise Scholarship Program is hosting a virtual informational session this weekend for graduating seniors, parents, school counselors and interested community members. “The Flint Promise scholarship is an investment in the future of Flint,” said James Avery, director of Education & Training at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, which administers the scholarship program. The virtual meeting will cover basics including eligibility requirements, how the scholarship can be used and what kind of wraparound supports are available. Currently, there are about 140 students enrolled in the scholarship program, which is available at Kettering University, Mott Community College and the University of Michigan-Flint. Read more on MLive:Tom Gores, Consumers Energy pledge $2 million to send Flint kids to collegeFlint Promise scholarship expanded to Kettering University, University of Michigan-FlintEligibility requirements outlined for Flint Promise scholarship program

FLINT, MI -- Over December and January, with help from University of Michigan experts, a new filter for the Flint Community Schools’ Elon Musk-funded water filtration stations was selected, according to Kettering University officials. Sullivan said issues with the original manufacturer and Flint schools’ rapid administration changes have ultimately held up the project. By October of 2019, Flint schools had four hydration stations. Former Superintendent Derrick Lopez pressed the manufacturer on what was inside the filter, Sullivan said. “I guess in a world where everybody trusts everybody, we could have easily said ‘Well, maybe you should try this filter,’” Sullivan said.

FLINT, MI – An Auburn Hills-based company is taking further action in its commitment to diversity through more than $1 million in donations toward a scholarship program at Kettering University. “Kettering allows us to stay in contact with them and continue that relationship with them throughout their college career and then ultimately into our workforce,” Ericson said. Starting freshmen year, students will be on-site, and full time at BorgWarner during their paid co-op rotations. “In many ways, the co-op program at Kettering is setup to where they’re almost acting like engineers on day one,” Ericson said. I’m most excited about how this will complement and further enhance our existing Office of Multicultural Students Initiatives (OMSI) which provides tutoring, mentorship and other support services to ensure our students’ success.”Kettering University students can find the scholarships through the scholarship portal to apply.

FLINT, MI - Flint-based Kettering University is ending five of its 13 majors as part of an effort to refocus on its more popular engineering programs, according to a letter from university President Robert McMahan. Kettering is “sunsetting” its applied math, applied biology, applied physics, biochemistry and chemistry programs, meaning it will accept no new majors in those fields after fall 2021, according to the letter. There are 77 current students majoring in these programs, including 47 seniors. The university will still offer these students the needed classes to complete their degree and will give them “individualized pathways” to graduation, according to the letter. Engineering fields and computer science, which make up six of the university’s 13 majors, contribute half of the university’s annually awarded credit hours, with another 40% coming from service courses for those majors, according to the letter.

FLINT, MI - Flint-based Kettering University is ending five of its 13 majors as part of an effort to refocus on its more popular engineering programs, according to a letter from university President Robert McMahan. Kettering is “sunsetting” its applied math, applied biology, applied physics, biochemistry and chemistry programs, meaning it will accept no new majors in those fields after fall 2021, according to the letter. There are 77 current students majoring in these programs, including 47 seniors. The university will still offer these students the needed classes to complete their degree and will give them “individualized pathways” to graduation, according to the letter. Engineering fields and computer science, which make up six of the university’s 13 majors, contribute half of the university’s annually awarded credit hours, with another 40% coming from service courses for those majors, according to the letter.

(CBS DETROIT) – BorgWarner is taking further action in its commitment to diversity through a donation of $925,000 for scholarships for Kettering University students. Kettering University and BorgWarner will work together to identify students in underserved communities through various recruitment efforts. Through the endowment, Kettering University will be able to award scholarships – with nearly $40,000 earmarked annually. Separately, BorgWarner donated $100,000 to support a new Kettering University initiative and help expand it to more corporate sponsors. According to a 2019 analysis of federal data ranking 4,500 schools nationwide, Kettering University degree holders have the highest lifetime return on investment (ROI) in the state of Michigan.

FLINT, MI -- A group of Kettering University students is hoping to compete on Discovery Channel’s “BattleBots,” a televised tournament-style robot combat competition. The idea to create a Kettering team to compete in “BattleBots” was initiated by University President Robert K. McMahan, a fan of the show. “Of course, Kettering University, a leader in robotics and engineering globally, should be in this competition,” he said of the opportunity. Many of the students involved with the combat robotics team mentor different FIRST teams. Members also plan to look into other competitions such as Robot Ruckus, an annual combat robot competition that takes place in Orlando, Florida.