A screen displays "An Evening of Distinction and Determination" slide

Henry Ford Museum’s Lovett Hall was filled with the sounds of celebration as the Kettering University community gathered to honor notable alumni and generous donors Thursday during its Evening of Distinction & Determination.

“The Evening of Distinction and Determination is one of Kettering University’s premier events. It’s an honor to celebrate our amazing and accomplished Kettering/GMI Alumni Association award winners and to thank our generous and thoughtful donors,” said Jennifer Patterson, Vice President of University Advancement and External Relations. “Each fall, this event brings together alumni, donors, students, families, faculty and staff, and the energy and warmth among the attendees inspire the entire community. It is a wonderful representation of what makes Kettering University truly exceptional and unique.”

The event, held in partnership with the Kettering/GMI Alumni Association, recognized eight alumni and included a cocktail reception, dinner and a 90-minute program. Chuck Gray ’87 served as emcee for the program. New this year, the Ford Motor Company sponsored the evening. Nearly 200 people attended.

  • Kettering University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan unveils a plaque honoring Paul Bascobert.Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award 
  • This award recognizes an individual who has made specific and exceptional career achievements (traditionally given to people at the highest level in the corporate structure).
  • Paul Bascobert ’87, DBA hc, President of Reuters 
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  • Extraordinary Leadership Award
  • This award recognizes graduates who hold leadership positions in global corporations, inspiring their teams to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
  • Lori Flees ’93, CEO and Director of Valvoline Inc. 
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  • Engineering Achievement Award
  • This award recognizes an individual who has made specific contributions with positive and lasting effects in engineering.
  • John Suh ’90, Vice President, Hyundai Motor Company and Founding Director, New Horizons Studio
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  • Management Achievement Award
  • This award recognizes an individual who has made specific contributions with positive and lasting effects in management.
  • Sean McBurney ’03, Regional President of Caesars Entertainment Inc.
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  • Entrepreneurial Achievement Award
  • This award pays tribute to an individual who has made specific contributions in organizing, managing, and assuming the risk of a business or enterprise.
  • Steven Schwartz ’08, Founder of Alfa Jango and Co-founder and former CTO of Genomenon
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  • Civic Achievement Award
  • This award honors an individual who has made significant and selfless contributions of time and effort that benefit the community.
  • Kai “Ray” Lum ’78, Co-founder of the Chinese Association
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  • Alumni Service Award
  • This award honors an individual who has given outstanding volunteer service to the University.
  • Yvonne Brooks ’07, Senior Test Engineer and Mechanical Consultant S-E-A
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  • Young Alumni Award
  • This award is given to a graduate within the previous 10 years who has rendered significant contributions, exhibited outstanding character or achieved marked success.
  • Peter Deppe ’20, Founder and CTO of KUHMUTE
  • The following donors were recognized for increasing their support in the past year and moving to a new donor society:
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  • The Albert Sobey Society
  • Named in honor of the University’s first president, The Albert Sobey Society recognizes donors who have made cumulative gifts of $10 million or more, pledged a gift over five years to reach this level, or have documented a planned gift of $20 million or more.
  • Robert ’60*, Eng.D. hc and Claire Reiss
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  • The Bell Tower Society
  • This society recognizes donors who have made cumulative gifts of $1 million or more, pledged a gift over five years to reach this level, or have documented a planned gift of $2 million or more.
  • Mr. and Mrs. William M. Jones ’72
  • The Valentine Foundation
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  • The Scholars Society
  • Donors who have made cumulative gifts of $500,000 or more, pledged a gift over five years to reach this level, or have documented a planned gift of $1 million or more are recognized in this society.
  • Deborah Gail Tomusko ’80*
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  • The 1919 Society
  • This society recognizes donors who have made cumulative gifts of $250,000 or more, pledged a gift over five years to reach this level, or have documented a planned gift of $500,000 or more.
  • Center for Arab American Philanthropy
  • Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
  • Walter M. ’77 and Carol S. Rosebrough
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  • The Innovator Society
  • These donors have made cumulative gifts of $100,000 or more, pledged a gift over five years to reach this level or have a planned gift of $200,000 or more.
  • James ’64 and Marilyn Armstrong
  • Brady D. Ericson ’94, Eng.D. hc and Tiffany Ericson
  • Kern L. ’60 and Janet C. Fischer
  • John ’71 and Mary Sue Gunzburger
  • Keith Ridler ’75
  • Robotics Education & Competition Foundation; REC Foundation
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  • The Founders Society
  • This society recognizes donors who have made cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more, pledged a gift over five years to reach this level, or have documented a planned gift of $100,000 or more.
  • Paul ’87, DBA hc, and Jane Bascobert
  • Ronald F. Buck ’59
  • Christopher Echols ’97, M’22 Scholarship Endowment Fund
  • Mr. and Mrs. James L. Jacobs ’55
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Eta Eta Chapter
  • Gregory Salisbury ’94 and Joyce A. Lindblom Salisbury ’93
  • Don ’73 and Carol Sepeta
  • Timothy K. Willis ’88
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  • The General Determination Society
  • Donors in this society have made cumulative gifts of $25,000 or more, pledged a gift over five years to reach this level, or have documented a planned gift of $50,000 or more.
  • Richard ’66 and Johanne Dixon*
  • Raymond C. Dymale ’70
  • KING Health
  • James A., Jr. ’74 and Kathleen* McCaslin
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  • The President’s Circle
  • The President’s Circle recognizes donors who have made cumulative gifts of $10,000 or more, pledged a gift over five years to reach this level, or have documented a planned gift of $25,000 or more.
  • Richard R. DeNardis ’72
  • Duck Creek Technologies
  • Stephen ’68 and Diane Hiatt
  • Richard ’59 and Florence Hughes
  • Philip A. ’67* and Judith E. McComish
  • Wesley J. McCracken ’82
  • Jennifer J. Patterson
  • Bernard J. ’65 and Sharon D. Platte
  • Trustee Designated Gift from Monique Wells, Program Committee, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
  • John ’69 and Kandy Ronayne
  • Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Smith ’77, M’85
  • John D. Soltau ’69
  • Randall H. ’79 and Pat Walter
  • Gordon ’71 and Anne Weller
  • Kenneth E. Williams
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  • The Heritage Circle
  • In 1995, Kettering University established the Heritage Circle to thank and honor alumni and friends who have arranged future gifts to the University through a will, trust, gift annuity, IRA, retirement plan, insurance policy or other estate gift.
  • Kern L. ’60 and Janet C. Fischer
  • John D. Soltau ’69
  • *indicates deceased