Kettering University

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A tribute to quality

By Patricia Mroczek

Provost Michael Harris hosted the Kettering University Department of Business’ elegant awards ceremony in early May at Detroit’s world-class Max M. Fisher Music Center.

About 100 guests gathered for hors d’oeuvres, desserts and the presentation of several major awards from the Division of Academic Affairs and Department of Business. Faculty members from the Department of Business were among the special guests. The star of the evening’s celebration was Bruce Coventry ’75, who is chair of Kettering’s Board of Trustees and received the 2008 Kettering University Business Alumni Achievement and Service Award. Kettering President Stan Liberty presented the highest honor to Coventry, president of the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) and vice president of Chrysler.

President Liberty called Coventry “a great friend of the University” and credited his leadership for Kettering’s recent transition from a narrowly-focused automotive engineering school to a broader-based technical and business university that has launched a new technical MBA degree, a new international bachelor of Business Administration degree, an Engineering Physics degree, a Biochemistry degree and a Premedical course of study.

Coventry said he was grateful for the award and the education that prepared him well for international business. “It is difficult to adequately explain the impact of this academic program,” he said. “I thank you for the guidance and encouragement. The co-op program really does set this education apart. A rhythm exists – you must be flexible and you must adapt. I was privileged to have Neil McCarthy for a professor. Neil, we got it, thanks to you. I’m not sure our teachers ever know how well they prepared us. A Kettering graduate is just so much more and better prepared,” he added.

The first given was the 2008 Business Student of the Year, awarded to Kristin Winter, a senior from Alpena, Mich., whose awards include Kettering University Woman of the Year, a first place DEX winner, an active member of the Kettering Entrepreneur Society, and co-owner of www.Ratemystudentrental.com.

Chris Quinn was recognized next with the 2008 Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award. Quinn, a senior from Gastonia, N.C., whose leadership as the first co-op student at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, was characterized “as a gift for the DSO,” by DSO President Anne Parsons.

In addition, Harris recognized the 2008 Business Employer of the Year, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Harris presented the award to Anne Parsons, DSO president and executive director.

Provost Harris then presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for 188 consecutive terms of inspired teaching in support of Kettering’s Business students to Chemistry Professor Reg Bell. Business Professor Neil McCarthy received an Appreciation Award for 35 years of outstanding teaching and dedication to the Study Abroad Program. Tony Hain received an Appreciation Award for significant contributions to Kettering University and the Department of Graduate Studies and Business.

Following the ceremony, guests attended a “Tribute to Benny Goodman” concert, featuring Dave Bennett and his sextet, with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, in Orchestra Hall.

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