Kettering University

Kettering honored 315 graduates at summer commencement

By Patricia Mroczek

Innovation and technology served as themes for Kettering University’s Commencement ceremonies in June at the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center.

Kettering President Stan Liberty presided at graduation services for 315 graduates (238 undergrads and 77 master’s candidates). The grand marshal was Dr. Henry Kowalski, professor of Mechanical Engineering.

Two technology innovators, who helped propel their industries to new heights, received honorary degrees. They are: Dr. Curtis R. Carlson, president and chief executive officer of SRI International, and the late David W. Hermance, a 1970 graduate of Kettering/GMI, who has been called “the ambassador for green cars” and “a giant in advanced vehicle technologies.”

Two graduates of Kettering’s Academically Interested Minorities program (AIM) served as undergraduate student speakers. They were Gadryn Higgs and Stephanie Thach. Higgs is from

Freeport, Bahamas, and received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Thach is from Flint and received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering.

James Bendert of San Diego, Calif., received the Outstanding Thesis Award and a bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics. His co-op was at Argonne National Labs in Argonne, Ill. Bendert's thesis title is "Diagnostics of PEMFuel Cell Electrolytes by Raman Spectroscopy and AC Impedance Spectroscopy.” It covers diagnostic study of cation impurities in PEMfuel cell electrolytes by Raman spectroscopy and AC impedance spectroscopy both in the pure membrane form and within the electrode. He received the nomination from his faculty adviser Dr. Bahram Roughani, interim department head of Physics.