IN MEMORI A M
ESD BOARD MEMBER
IN MEMORIAM With deep gratitude for their participation and service, The Engineering Society of Detroit acknowledges the passing of the following members:
MICHAEL CAIRNS Director of Global Design Integrity Fiat Chrysler Automobiles U.S. LLC ESD Board of Directors, 2017-2020 Future City Competition Finals Judge Member since 2016
ROY JERUE Senior Engineer, Fanuc Robotics America, Inc. Member since 1999
JAMES KNOLL Retired, Chrysler Corporation Member since 1965
THOMAS LEVITT CEO/Owner, Levitt & Associates, Inc. Member since 1994
6 | TechCentury A U T U M N
2020
Michael Cairns 1962-2020
Creative, involved, dedicated. Those are the words that are often used to describe ESD Board of Directors member Michael Cairns, who died on September 7, 2020, at the age of 58. Cairns served on the Board since 2017. Cairns, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University and completed his education at Wayne State University earning an MBA, was Director of Global Design Integrity at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. As an ESD member and Board of Directors member, he was highly involved in sharing his automotive and engineering expertise with programs for young engineers. Robert Magee, Executive Director of ESD, said Cairns is remembered as generous with his time and insight, and helping others was his passion. “He was an ideal Board member. You could call him at any time and he never hesitated to help with enthusiasm. He loved what ESD was all about and he enjoyed representing FCA to up-and-coming engineers,” Magee said. Cairns frequently hosted ESD staff and student groups at the FCA facilities. “Whenever we would bring student groups for a tour of the South Plant, he would arrange the tour himself, and would take time out of his schedule to participate on the tour the whole time, answering questions and providing insight,” Magee said. “The college students really appreciated that. They loved having that connection and the introspection and expertise that he provided.” Cairns was also highly involved in supporting the ESD’s Girls in Engineering Academy, a program designed to improve academic achievement and increase interest in engineering among girls. His strong belief in the need for GEA led to him being instrumental in securing a $35,000 grant from FCA Foundation to support the program, as well as encouraging department heads and leadership to facilitate and engage in the Academy. “Michael believed in succession planning, in looking to the future,” said Magee. “His passion, innovation, dedication and forward-thinking will be greatly missed.” Cairns is survived by his wife Rosemary Jakubiec and their four children. Memorial contributions may be made to Karmanos Cancer Institute in his name.
