Thanks to You | Kettering University

Bruce Sing '79

After experiencing the value of a Kettering University education, Bruce Sing ’79 has spent four decades helping future students gain access to the same opportunity.

“I attended Kettering University when it was General Motors Institute. Our education was heavily subsidized by General Motors,” Bruce recalls. When the University became independent in 1982, that subsidy ended, and scholarships became a key way to help students manage the cost of attendance.

Determined to keep costs from becoming a barrier, Bruce and his wife, Janice, consistently gave for over 40 years, contributing more than $11,000 to scholarships and serving multiple terms on the KGMIAA Alumni Board.

“The Kettering education model produces a superior product than what comes out of other institutions,” he says. “As a hiring manager for more than 40 years, I’ve observed the effectiveness of engineers from around the world, and I can vouch for the Kettering product.”

This fall, the couple will be honored at the annual Evening of Distinction and Determination for reaching the General Determination Society level of giving.

“Donations to fund scholarships balance the playing field with public subsidized institutions,” Bruce says. His hope is simple: that scholarships inspire students to explore what Kettering offers and to launch careers that “accomplish significant things…that will improve our world.”

Harschal Patel '18

For alumnus Harschal Patel, philanthropy is about fueling ambition, unlocking potential, and giving students the tools to take bold steps forward.

“World-class speakers and ideas can spark curiosity and ambition, and inspire students to change the arc of their careers,” he says. That belief led him to support Kettering University’s Sobey Lecture Series, which brings distinguished thought leaders to campus. He also contributes to scholarship funds, knowing firsthand how they open doors for future students.

“Kettering shaped how I think, solve problems, and approach challenges,” Harschal reflects. “Supporting scholarships is my way of honoring that gift and opening the door for others to experience it.”

To him, scholarships represent an investment in potential. “I hope my contributions give students freedom to dream bigger, take bold risks, and pursue opportunities they might have thought were out of reach,” he says. “If even one student uses that spark to change their life and career, the investment has been worth it many times over.”

That motivation is deeply personal. “My journey has made me deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve received,” he says. “That gratitude inspires me to help open doors for future generations.”

Rich Nanda ’97

“It’s about that spark of wanting to solve problems and improve the world around us. I’m looking for intellectual curiosity above all, that genuine desire to make an impact. That’s what engineers do particularly well.”

Through the newly established Nanda Family Endowed Scholarship, Rich Nanda ’97 aims to empower Kettering students to pursue innovative ideas, tackle ambitious challenges, and gain the hands-on experience that sets them apart.

“Kettering is elite in the leaders it graduates. I see this in my peers, where alumni are doing important, impactful work across all walks of life,” he says.

He also encourages alumni to re-engage directly with the campus community of today. “If you come back and engage with students and faculty, you’ll likely get similarly reignited,” he says. “That renewed spark might even inspire new forms of giving—perhaps another endowed scholarship.”

For Rich, the motivation is simple: “The experience of giving back is incredibly rewarding.”

Ben Lorenz ’00

Access to leading-edge technology shaped Ben Lorenz ’00’s career, and he’s making sure today’s Kettering students receive the same advantage.

Recently, Ben helped secure a transformative gift from Synopsys, a global leader in semiconductor software and electronic design automation. The donation, 50-seat licenses to the company’s full software suite, will support the launch of a new major in semiconductor materials and devices, as well as an expanded intelligent manufacturing curriculum at Kettering University.

“Kettering played the most important role in my career preparation and led to a world of opportunity,” Ben says. “When I learned about Kettering’s interest in semiconductors and plans to grow in that direction, sponsoring the gift was a no-brainer.”

With global demand for semiconductors surging, the tools will position students for success in industries ranging from power generation and biomedical applications to AI and space travel.

“From power generation and biomedical applications to AI and space travel,” Ben says, “all industries are impacted by these tools.”

Through this gift, Ben connects his personal gratitude to Kettering with a powerful investment in its future students

Wendy '98 and Lee Bauer

For Wendy ’98 and Lee Bauer, giving back to Kettering University is deeply personal. She remembers struggling to afford her own education and knows firsthand how much difference a scholarship can make.

“The decision to create a scholarship stems from a profound appreciation for the education and experiences I received at Kettering,” Wendy says. “I am inspired to give back to the institution that has given me so much.”

Wendy recently established the Wendy Bauer ’98 Endowed Scholarship, which will provide financial support to students with the drive to succeed but who face financial barriers to their academic pursuits.

Enrollment officers note that a $5,000–$10,000 scholarship package can be enough to sway a student’s decision to enroll.

“This scholarship provides opportunities for talented, ambitious, and deserving individuals to access the transformative education Kettering offers,” Wendy says.

Her hope is to encourage others to act as well. “To start a scholarship, identify the difference you want to make,” she advises. “You can build a legacy that supports future generations.”

For Wendy, the motivation is simple: “My decision is driven by belief in the power of education and community—coming together to change lives—and by the desire to make a meaningful, lasting impact in the world.”

Frank Perna Jr. '60

As Director of the Becky Valentine Foundation, Frank Perna Jr. continues to champion education through annual scholarships that help students pursue technical degrees. “The founder of the Becky Valentine Foundation had a keen desire and interest in seeing young students get a solid foundation in the sciences,” Frank said. “Our goal is to help individuals achieve a meaningful technical education so they can help the changing world in a positive way.”

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering (then GMI), Frank built a career that set new standards for leadership in technology and business. As Chairman and CEO of MSC Software, he propelled the company to global prominence in engineering simulation, transforming the tools engineers use to design and innovate. His leadership at MagneTek guided the company’s growth from a $95 million operation to a $1.5 billion global enterprise.

At this year’s Commencement, Frank was awarded the Doctor of Engineering, Honoris Causa, recognizing more than five decades of leadership, innovation, and service to his alma mater.

“Kettering University is proud to confer upon you the degree,” said Kettering President Dr. Robert K. McMahan during Commencement. “You exemplify the Kettering ethos: intellectually rigorous, future-focused, and always learning.”

A former Kettering University Trustee with 22 years of service, Frank’s leadership has shaped both industry and education. “Serving on the Board allowed me to see the potential of Kettering’s mission, and as an employer, I saw firsthand the strength of its Co-op philosophy,” he said.

And when asked what advice he would give today’s students, his words reflect the humility and drive that have defined his career: “Work hard, have fun, and be thankful to those who are making this journey possible.”

Dan Beardslee '83

With the creation of a new scholarship endowment, the Beardslee family affirms their multigenerational commitment to Kettering University’s mission: preparing students for lives of leadership, service, and impact.

The Beardslee Family Scholarship Endowment was established by Joyce Beardslee and her son, Dan ’83, in loving memory of Kelly Beardslee ‘56, Joyce’s husband and Dan’s father, who passed away in 2021.

“In reminiscing this year, my mother and I realized how much the General Motors Institute (GMI), now Kettering, has benefited our entire family,” Dan says. “We wanted to help others experience those same opportunities.”

That story began in the early 1950s, when Joyce and Kelly first met as young employees at AC Spark Plug. In 1951, Joyce accepted a secretary position at GMI, a role that soon brought her into regular contact with Kelly, who was studying Industrial Engineering. The two married in 1956, and years later, their son Dan followed in his father’s footsteps, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering before building a career with entrepreneurial companies across Michigan.

“My dad believed deeply in helping others succeed,” Dan reflects. “This scholarship honors that wish and the values our family shares with Kettering.”

Their enduring goal is twofold: to make a Kettering education accessible to future students and to encourage others to reflect on the role the University has played in their own lives.

“We hope that our contribution not only provides financial support but also serves as an example for others who have benefitted from Kettering to give back and support future generations of students.”