What was one of your lifelong dreams?
As a child fascinated by the Apollo moon program and a son of an electronics technician, I had always aspired to be an engineer and pilot. Fortunately, I was able to become a pilot, but the engineering degree seemed unachievable while working to support my family.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you began your journey began in IT.
I earned my first bachelor’s in computer technology at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in 1986, after which I served in the United States Air Force (USAF) as a B-52G pilot. My studies at EMU initially focused on pre-engineering, with the desire to transfer to the U-M College of Engineering (CoE) after two years. However, the U-M transfer advisors discouraged EMU students from applying unless our GPA was close to 4.0, so I changed the course of my studies. It was hard to believe that 40 years later I was standing on the field at the Big House for the first time, graduating with the long-desired Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
What did your studies focus on?
Once our children were nearing the end of their education and with blessings from my wife, I enrolled at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in January 2012. In April 2015, I was accepted into the electrical engineering program at the U-M CoE. A month later, I graduated from WCC with an Associate of Science degree in Math, Physics, and Pre-Engineering. That fall, as a junior, I began taking electrical engineering courses, one class each semester. Over the next eight years, I focused my studies on the application of Electromagnetics theory and Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).
You were recently highlighted at Health Information Technology & Services (HITS) for earning your degrees while working, tell us a little more about that experience.
When I returned to Medical Center Information Technology (MCIT) in 2006 after 11 years of working at Anixter/Ameritech/SBC/AT&T our Senior Director, Joe Kyza allowed me to pursue my educational aspirations by using the Tuition Support Program to complete the associate and second bachelor’s degrees. When our Director Chuck Singer became my manager in 2017, he also supported my ongoing studies. The support included 75% of the tuition and approximately 4 hours weekly away from the office to attend class.
What is something you are especially proud of?
While attending WCC our son completed his bachelor’s degree. I encouraged him to return to WCC to complete an associate degree in photography he had begun five years earlier. We finished our studies at WCC the same semester and were able to graduate together.
Do you have a favorite experience you would like to share?
One of my favorite experiences at U-M CoE was during the winter semester of 2020 while enrolled in the EECS 425: Integrated Microsystems Laboratory course, where we worked in the Laurie Nanofabrication Facility to fabricate a MEMS device. It was fascinating to design and create a micro-electromechanical actuator that was only 2 mm (about 0.08 in) square and 100 microns thick, which is about that of a human hair.
While studying at the University of Michigan, I also enjoyed participating in the Student Veterans of America (SVA) and the U-M Amateur Radio Club, spending time with members while balancing family, school, and work commitments.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy amateur astronomy or stargazing with my friends and helping host the annual Great Lakes Star Gaze. My favorite pastimes are road trips and camping with my wife, children, and grandchildren. I also love to cook for family and friends.
