Steven L. Ceccio, Ph.D.

Greetings from Ann Arbor. Since my appointment as interim dean in June, I’ve had the incredible privilege of serving the Michigan Engineering community—a community I first joined as a mechanical engineering student in 1982. My education at Michigan opened up a world of opportunities that continue to this day, and I am grateful for the chance to support the College as our students, staff and faculty work to pursue their goals and aspirations. I remain confident in the direction the College is heading and I am excited about our future.

At Michigan Engineering, we aim high. With excellent engineering fundamentals, a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and a focus on equity-centered values and global worldviews, Michigan Engineering is a place where engineers work to have a positive impact on the world and build a future that will elevate all people. We are people-first engineers, and your support has been key to expanding our position as a leader in engineering education and research. Thank you.

As interim dean, one of my top priorities is to enhance the student experience. It is critical that we offer opportunities for our students that help them develop competencies that will support their success on campus and in their future pursuits. One way we achieve this is through our student teams. Michigan Engineering has 143 student organizations and project teams—a number that far exceeds any of our peer institutions. Student participation in these organizations out-scales our peers, as well. These experiences enable our students to graduate with real-world technical and leadership experience and join a robust network of alumni to lean on throughout their careers.

Student organizations and teams are just some of the initiatives we provide for student success. In M-Engin Academy, a cohort of 80 freshmen from diverse backgrounds gather for five weeks during the summer to gain valuable exposure to courses and our campus climate. M-Engin continues to support these students during their academic year through coaching, community-building and additional professional development opportunities.

Nearly 1,000 students participating in International Programs in Engineering travel to over 60 countries annually and graduate socially conscious, global citizens. And, in our Multidisciplinary Design Program, students work in teams on research or industry opportunities with people from multiple disciplines.

Many of the opportunities provided at the College are made possible by the generosity of our donor community. We are committed to exploring additional initiatives to bolster student success, and you can help with a gift today. Please consider investing in our three strategic funds:

• The Michigan Engineering Fund (MEF) supports student-focused initiatives like organizations and teams. Last year, 46 student organizations received MEF funding to purchase equipment and travel to professional development opportunities and competitions.
• The Michigan Engineering Fund – Scholarships provides over $500,000 in annual need- and merit-based scholarships to incoming students.
• The Engineering Student Critical Needs Fund assists with students’ immediate essentials, from technology and health to transportation.

The student experience is at the heart of all we do at Michigan Engineering. With support from donors like you, we can explore and implement new programs that will further prepare our students to lead in the classroom and beyond. Please join me in supporting Michigan Engineering. Together we can create a powerful experience for our students and a collective impact on our community and the people of the world.