Kettering University faculty and staff showed where they stand, giving over $55,000 and reaching 75% participation in this spring’s 2025 FUNd Drive.
Their message: We’re not just here to do a job. We’re here because we believe in what this place makes possible. From April 15 to May 2, 253 employees gave to initiatives that directly support students, sending a powerful vote of confidence in Kettering’s mission and the people it serves.
“When faculty and staff give, it sends a message,” said Ken McKinnon, Director of Facilities Services and co-chair of this year’s drive. “We believe in what we do here, and we’re willing to invest in it.”
That clear support was most evident for the Keep Me Kettering Scholarship, the campaign’s top-funded initiative with nearly $45,000 in gifts and pledges. This critical resource helps students stay on track to graduation, and this year, it also became the focus of a new effort: the Golden Lanyard Project.
Designed to recognize those who help students stay the course, the Golden Lanyard is more than a symbol. It’s a daily reminder that behind every scholarship is someone who chose to stand behind a student.
“Every gift helps a student keep moving forward,” said Dr. Demet Usanmaz, Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences and co-chair of the drive. “We can support more students so they can engage in learning opportunities and continue working toward their future career goals.”
Gifts also supported more than a dozen other funds — including scholarships, academic programs, student organizations, DECA, SAE teams, and the Kettering Archives — proving again that the Bulldog community doesn’t just believe in potential. It invests in it.
Building Culture. Driving Impact.
Internal giving is about more than dollars raised — it strengthens the University in other critical ways. High participation rates among faculty and staff contribute to stronger rankings and increased competitiveness for external funding. Those rates also inspire alumni, foundations, and corporate partners to step up their support.
Over the past 12 years, the FUNd Drive has raised more than $700,000 to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. With the continued generosity of faculty and staff, that legacy is only growing.
