Anonymous Gift Funds Endowed Department Chair in ME-EM

An anonymous gift from an alumnus to Michigan Technological University will provide an endowed department chair for the University’s largest academic department. The $3 million estate gift from the donor, whom the University refers to as “Jack,” will fund the Endowed Department Chair in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM).

This marks just the second endowed department chair at Michigan Tech after the establishment of a similar position in Electrical Engineering. The endowed department chair position in ME-EM, currently held by William W. Predebon, will be realized and fully recognized by naming the position through Jack’s estate.  Until the gift is realized, the position will be known as the “J.S. Endowed Department Chair in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics.”

Dale Kero, senior major gift officer for ME-EM, says this is not the first example of Jack’s philanthropy to his alma mater.

“Jack has already established an endowed scholarship in the amount of $250,000 for graduating students at his local high school who major in mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics at Michigan Tech,” Kero says.

According to Kero, “Jack really appreciated the ‘hands-ons’ education he received from Michigan Tech that he continues to use in his career.”

Kero says Jack believed in “life-long learning” and hopes these gifts to Michigan Tech will provide that same opportunity for future generations.

ME-EM Department Chair William Predebon says “this is a very important recognition for the ME-EM Department.”

As the department’s current chair, Predebon says he is humbled and honored to receive this named position. “I am very grateful to Jack for his trust and support of the ME-EM Department.”