Lawrence Technological University: Notable Alumni and Enduring Legacy
Lawrence Technological University (LTU), situated in Southfield, Michigan, boasts a rich history and a commitment to "Theory and Practice." Founded in 1932 by Russell E. Lawrence, the university has evolved from its origins as the Lawrence Institute of Technology (LIT) in Highland Park, Michigan, to a comprehensive institution offering programs in various technological fields, architecture, management, arts, and sciences. Over its 90-year history, Lawrence Tech has prepared students for leadership in the ever-evolving technical era, forging alliances with community organizations, professional bodies, and industries that employ its graduates.
The Foundation and Evolution of Lawrence Tech
Russell E. Lawrence's vision during the Great Depression was to establish a university focused on engineering and technological advancements to stimulate economic recovery. With the support of Henry and Edsel Ford, who leased their former Henry Ford Trade School building, Lawrence Tech began its operations.
The university's trajectory has been marked by continuous growth and adaptation. Key milestones include:
- 1932: Founding of the Lawrence Institute of Technology.
- 1935: Development of the four-quarter academic calendar.
- 1955: Relocation to Southfield, Michigan, with the construction of the Engineering building.
- 1989: Renaming to Lawrence Technological University.
- 1990s: Introduction of master's degree programs in business, engineering, architecture, and arts and sciences.
- 2017: Launch of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
- 2021: Addition of a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program.
- 2023: Establishment of the College of Health Sciences.
Throughout these changes, the university presidents have been: Russell E. Lawrence, E. George Lawrence, Wayne H. Buell, Richard E. Marburger, Charles M. Chambers, Lewis N. Walker and Virinder K. Moudgil.
Hall of Fame
The Lawrence Technological University Athletic Department founded the Hall of Fame (HOF) in 2011 when the University restarted varsity athletics in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The individuals and teams that are enshrined in the LTU Athletic Hall of Fame have not only carried themselves with the NAIA Champions of Character's five core values -respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership - they have continued those values throughout their lives following their time at Lawrence Tech. It is those Blue Devils that dared to be different, to be leaders, to be innovators, and designers.
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Notable Alumni: Pioneers and Leaders
Lawrence Tech has produced a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. Their achievements exemplify the university's commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and professional excellence.
Rajeev Batra: As president of Digital Industries for Siemens USA and a member of the Board of Directors for the Siemens Foundation, Batra oversees development, marketing, sales, R&D, and manufacturing aspects. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the Executive Committee of Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation.
Dr. Donna Bell: With over 25 years at Ford Motor Company, Dr. Bell is the director of Technology and Feature Strategy & Planning. She has held various technical and leadership roles, launching key Ford vehicles and technologies, including the Sync in-vehicle infotainment system and ambient lighting. She is actively involved in mentorship and professional organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers.
Mitchell J. Clauw: As head of global pre-programs, program management, and planning at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Clauw is responsible for the worldwide application of standard and robust engineering, research, and development estimation, product development, timing, governance, and financial processes. His career began as a co-op student at LTU, leading to various roles at Chrysler Corporation.
Judith Curran: The director of global vehicle components systems and engineering planning and strategy at Ford Motor Company, Curran has global responsibility for strategy, tactics, and cycle plan timing for significant cross-vehicle components and systems related to connectivity, electronics/infotainment, and interior/exterior and chassis functions.
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Gino DiClemente: After moving to Detroit from Italy, DiClemente founded his own engineering consulting firm, which later became DiClemente Siegel Engineering. The company offers electrical and mechanical engineering consulting and architectural services, working on projects throughout Michigan.
Harvey Ferrero: A 1955 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering, Ferrero has been affiliated with Lawrence Technological University since 1951. He entered independent practice in 1969, focusing primarily on architectural illustrations and residential projects. His breakthrough project was the Max Klein office building in Southfield, completed in 1984.
Ken Grezlik: A 1978 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Grezlik's career included positions at Detroit Diesel, TRW, and Johnson Controls. In 2007, he formed Grezlik International, LLC, a consulting company specializing in quality manufacturing and controls for metal products.
Jason Hammond: As vice president at A.Z. Shmina, Hammond has worked on building projects for the University of Michigan, including athletics and housing, along with medical school and hospital buildings. He has earned three Pyramid Awards from the Washtenaw Contractor Association for his work.
Dr. Nicole Kennedy: The section chief of vascular surgery at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, Dr. Kennedy combines her technical background in electrical and biomedical engineering with clinical practice to improve patient safety and healthcare efficiency.
Javad Mokhbery: Founder of FUTEK, Mokhbery developed sensors for the robotic arm of Curiosity, the NASA Mars rover. FUTEK's advanced embedded instrumentation has also made the company a leading single-source supplier for the med-tech sector.
Andrew T. Rener: As president of Bouma, Rener leads the manufacturing business and self-perform and prime contracting efforts across the country. He taught as an adjunct professor for 15 years and received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty award.
The Fight Song and University Traditions
Music has played a vital role in Lawrence Tech's history, fostering a sense of community and school spirit. The university's fight song, originally titled "Dear Old LIT," was composed by H. Augustine Smith. The song reflected the school’s original name, Lawrence Institute of Technology. When the school became Lawrence Technological University in 1989, the song’s words and title were slightly altered to reflect the current LTU initials.
The fight song was a staple at athletic events and university gatherings for many years. The song was performed by Lawrence Tech band members at every home football and basketball game, as well as at assemblies, convocations, many away games, and other events. Although it faded from prominence in the 1970s, it was revived in 1978 as the recessional played to close Lawrence Tech’s Commencement Exercises.
The song was performed by many famous singers and orchestras. Lawrence Tech basketball games in the 1940s and ’50s attracted tens of thousands of fans to the University’s “home courts” - the Olympia Stadium or State Fair Coliseum. The huge dances that immediately followed the games attracted such greats as Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and many more.
In more recent times, the Birmingham Concert Band recorded a version of the Lawrence Tech fight song early in 2005. The Birmingham band first played the song at the 2004 Commencement, marking the first time in over 40 years that the song had been played with full orchestration. Birmingham Concert Band leader Grant Hoemke deserves credit for reviving and expanding the original scores that again bring the song to life.
Athletics: The Blue Devils
Lawrence Tech's athletic teams, known as the Blue Devils, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). The university's commitment to athletics was renewed in 2011, with the establishment of the Athletic Hall of Fame and the resumption of varsity sports.
Key developments in LTU athletics include:
- 2016: Construction of an AstroTurf athletic field at the Point.
- 2017: Announcement of the resumption of intercollegiate football competition after a 70-year hiatus.
- 2018: Inaugural season of the LTU football team.
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