The
Technician bulldogs.kettering.edu/technician
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August 21, 2013
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Volume 111
Issue 2
Kettering Adds Atwood Stadium By Matthew White Editor-in-chief In an e-mail to the Kettering community on August 13, Dr. Robert McMahan addressed a news story from The Flint Journal that reported Kettering had taken ownership of Atwood Stadium. While the University had been in talks with the City of Flint to receive the 11,000 seat facility, no formal agreement had been reached at that time. Flint Emergency Manager Mike Brown, however, had ordered the property transferred our of the city's ownership. In return for the property, Kettering has agreed to reimburse Flint for the electrical work done to the stadium for this upcoming year (approximately $33,000). Dr. McMahan stated in his letter to the community that the property would have been abandoned otherwise, creating a blight and security concern on the University Avenue corridor. Kettering will work to make the stadium part of campus and host events in coordination with the Flint community. Ending on a hopeful note, Dr. McMahan said the most important thing to take away from the announcement was that "it symbolizes our belief in the future of this city."
What’s Inside
Opinion
KSG goes too far; remembering the past
Zipcars Coming to Kettering
By Matthew White Editor-in-chief
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Photo courtesy of See & be seen.
Student Voices Talking to freshmen about Kettering
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Look at the city's new master plan proposal
See the breakdown of the University budget
ME Welcomes Dr. Diane Peters
By Robert Hayes Staff Writer
This term, the Department of Mechanical Engineering welcomed their newest professor, Dr. Diane Peters. A native of Midland, Michigan, Dr. Peters was familiar with Kettering's reputation for co-op and engineering education long before accepting a teaching position here this year. Following her undergraduate education at Notre Dame, Dr. Peters worked in industry near Chicago, where she took an adjunct teaching position at a local community college. Inspired by this position, Dr. Peters moved Getting around the City of Flint is about to be- to Ann Arbor, entering the University of Michigan come easier. Students without cars will no longer in pursuit of her Ph.D. need to rely on friends or public transportation to Though she is currently teaching statics, Dr. Peters complete grocery runs after Kettering receives deliv- has spent considerable time in industry working in ery of two Zipcars. The vehicles, typically used for the field of dynamic systems and controls, which short-term rental, will be kept behind the dorms was the study of her graduate and postgraduate reand will be available for personal use. search. The link between the physical machine and Becoming a Zipcar member is the first step in get- its control systems have long been of interest to Dr. ting a vehicle. After signing up on the Zipcar website Peters, and she looks forward to continuing her re(www.zipcar.com), students will, for a $25 annual search at Kettering. membership, be able to rent vehicles. Unlike most When not in the classroom, Dr. Peters likes to car rental agencies, Zipcar will rent to anyone over spend time with her two dogs, as well as volunteerthe age of 18. Reservations for vehicles are accepted ing at the Huron Valley Humane Society near her both on the spur of the moment and well in ad- home in Ann Arbor, where she helps needy dogs vance, allowing great flexibility for students. Arriv- find new loving homes. She loves learning new skills, ing at the vehicle at the predetermined time permits including sewing, quilting, woodworking, and most access through a Zipcard, which comes as part of the recently, glassblowing. Prof. Peters feels it is imporregistration process. tant to continue to take classes in new things, so that Vehicles in the Zipcar fleet are identified by ve- she will always remember what it is like to be a stuhicle model and a nickname (e.g. Focus Flapjack). dent, and know what her students experience learning something totally new for the very first time. Continued on the next page
Flint Plans
KU Budget
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President Hosts Town Hall Releases Budget Information By Matthew White Editor-in-chief On the morning of August sixth, Dr. Robert McMahan, President of Kettering University, hosted a town hall for faculty and staff in bj’s Lounge. In a scene reminiscent of the classrooms where they teach, the back rows were filled as the President made his remarks about the casual nature of the meeting, which he hoped would provide a useful way to discuss recent changes in the University. Much like everything on campus, the meeting began with and was punctuated by the mission, vision, values, and pillars. Dr. McMahan talked briefly about the strategic planning process and its ongoing nature. Rather than being shelved until the next strategic plan is undertaken, he said, these statements should serve as a basis for everything we do. Showing that he is not content with the status quo, Dr. McMahan broke long-held secrecy surrounding the University budget and discussed—albeit in broad terms—the University’s current position. This year, Kettering operated within budget and exceeded net operating revenue, coming to a surplus of $130,000. Dr. McMahan also discussed the new bottom-up process for budgeting and allocating money. Administrative policies on routine areas like travel and expenses are also being simplified in an effort to ease common burdens. Continued on page 10