Kettering University Founders’ Week features top 25 employers

FLINT, Michigan–Kettering University’s top 25 employers took center stage as part of the first-ever Founders’ Week celebration with a technology showcase that featured go-karts, the open hood of a 2020 Chevy Camaro, and other displays of breakthrough technologies.

The expo featured corporate partners, especially those that are active in Kettering’s co-op program — a mandatory fixture of a Kettering education that provides all students with years of work experience by the time they graduate. 

“Kettering is super passionate about our relationships with our corporate partners and this a way to be able to share that,” said Kip Darcy, vice president for enrollment management & marketing.

Founders’ Week is part of Kettering’s centennial celebration. Founded in 1919, hands-on experience has always been a cornerstone of the Flint-based institution. The Founders Week expo also featured examples of Kettering student and faculty leadership in developing the latest in autodrive technology, engine durability testing, crash safety, and lowered emissions. 

Participating companies included General Motors, Asahi Kasei Plastic North America, Light Guide Systems, BorgWarner, Cooper Standard, Glass and Mirror Craft, Bosch Corp., and Hurley Medical Center — all of which work with Kettering students through the co-op program. 

“The co-op experience definitely was a big, big factor for a lot of us here,” said Ian Villaroman, 24, Kettering University alumni and Cooper Standard employee. “It definitely brought me out of my comfort zone. … It definitely morphed me into the engineer I am today.”