Kettering University announced it has accepted a $2 million donation from Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) in support of various initiatives, including construction of a new Learning Commons building where students will learn, collaborate, and create technologies that will shape the future.

The $2 million gift from Navistar provides:

• $1 million to name the Navistar International Innovation Commons space in the new Learning Commons building;
• $750,000 to support research initiatives; and
• $250,000 in scholarship support for students from the Greater Chicago area.

“We are excited to provide this support for Kettering University,” said Troy Clarke ’78, Chairman, President, and CEO of Navistar. “We believe in Kettering University’s vision and are proud to support educational initiatives and a facility that will play a key role in training the next generation’s engineering and technical leaders.” 

Kettering University’s Learning Commons will create new technology-infused spaces on campus that allow for cross-disciplinary collaboration, mirroring what students will encounter in industry settings. Navistar’s support also allows faculty the opportunity to expand research initiatives. It also provides resources to support student recruitment through new scholarships.

“This generous gift from Navistar highlights the deep and growing partnership we have shared for many years,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, Kettering University President. “This gift touches all aspects of our mission. It helps us to add another world class facility to our campus and the Flint community. It also creates new research opportunities for our talented faculty who are inventing the future of mobility. Finally, it creates scholarships that will allow us to enhance recruitment in a key and growing market in the Chicago area. We are grateful for Navistar’s support and partnership, and for the amazing opportunities this gift provides for current and future students.”

Navistar currently employs 16 Kettering University students in co-op positions and has been a corporate partner of Kettering since 2005. The company’s support for research initiatives will create partnerships between Kettering University Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty and Navistar to develop artificial intelligence for advanced driver assistance systems and machine learning applications for Powertrain.

“Kettering students enjoy impactful experiences at Navistar through our co-op program,” said Walter Borst ’85, Chief Financial Officer of Navistar and member of the Kettering University Board of Trustees. “We are pleased to provide this additional support to Kettering students as part of our gift to the University. We are also excited to work with Kettering faculty on innovative research related to disruptive technologies impacting the transportation industry.”

The Learning Commons will serve as a multi-use academic and student life building with open spaces, food service, and a new, modern library. It will have open spaces, natural light, and have space for academic classrooms, public art, and collaborative spaces.