The FEF College Industry Conference was recently held at the Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Nearly 250 industry executives, student delegates, key professors and university administrators were in attendance this year.

The conference began on Thursday, November 18, with the Industry Information Session which gave 90 student delegates the opportunity to interact with representatives of 36 companies in the metal casting industry.  The Information Session and social time before and after the event is structured to facilitate the sharing of job opportunities and to connect students to potential employers in the industry.

During the General Session on Friday, the following speakers addressed the top “Reinventing Yourself for Sustainability in Metal Casting”: Corey Jarvis (Trumbull Metal Specialties), Kai Spande (General Motors), and Sid Tankersley (American Foam Cast).

The FEF/AFS Distinguished Professor Award was given to FEF Key Professor, Pradeep Rohatgi, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in recognition of his demonstrated personal interest in his students, as well as his knowledge of the industry. As part of the luncheon this year, the Student Delegate scholarships were presented (see next page for complete list) – 21 students were awarded a total of $39,500.00. Additionally, the Keith Millis and Ron Ruddle scholarship recipients were announced.

At the Annual Reception on the evening of November 19, FEF’s highest award, the E.J. Walsh Award, was presented to former FEF student and President Lifetime Patron, Richard Poirier. The evening concluded with the drawing of the winners of the 60%/40% raffle that was held to help defray the costs of travel and lodging for the students and professors who attended the CIC –13 individuals received prizes between $100 and $500; 60% will go toward student/professor CIC travel. Thanks to all who bought & sold the raffle tickets!