SME Detroit Gala to honor industry leaders.

Press Release Summary:



Inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for science and technology, Dean Kamen, will deliver keynote address at SME's International Awards Gala on June 2, which is being held in conjunction with "A Passion for Manufacturing: 2008 SME Annual Meeting and Interactive Unconference" from May 31-June 3, 2008. Awards recognize significant contributions to areas of manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, education, research, management, and service to Society.



Original Press Release:



Detroit Gala Will Honor Industry Leaders



DEARBORN, Mich., May 5, 2008 - The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announced today that inventor, entrepreneur and advocate for science and technology, Dean Kamen, will deliver the keynote address at SME's International Awards Gala, 7:30 -10:00 p.m., Monday, June 2, at the Marriott Renaissance Center, Detroit. The Gala is in conjunction with "A Passion for Manufacturing: 2008 SME Annual Meeting & Interactive '"Unconference",'" May 31-June 3, 2008.

The SME International Honor Awards recognize significant contributions to the field of manufacturing engineering in the areas of manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, education, research, management and service to the Society. Additionally, the SME Education Foundation will be awarding scholarships and honoring academics.

"The SME International Awards Gala celebrates our passion for manufacturing and those who have made an impact on it," said Mark C. Tomlinson, SME executive director and general manager. "Dean Kamen is one of the geniuses of our time, and he epitomizes the creativity and enthusiasm of our awardees, and his own passion for technology and its practical uses is sure to inspire members, manufacturing practitioners and educators and students who attend this event."

World-renowned inventor, Dean Kamen, is president of the DEKA Research & Development Corporation, founder of FIRST, and a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Kamen's passion for technology and its practical uses has driven his personal determination to spread the word about technology's virtues and, by so doing, to change the culture of the United States. His vast knowledge of the physical sciences, combined with his ability to integrate the fundamental laws of physics with the most modern technologies, has led to the development of breakthrough processes and
products.

Kamen is expected to share his vision for inspiring young people to become "science and technology heroes." He is most proud of his role as the founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers. SME members and its Education Foundation are avid supporters of the FIRST Robotics and other competitions.

"As manufacturing is the largest single contributor to the wealth of the world's economies, one of SME's primary purposes is to invest in the future," said Bart Aslin, SME Education Foundation director. "Mr. Kamen's FIRST organization and his lifelong innovative work are inspiring examples of how to ignite a young person's interest in science, math and, ultimately, an engineering career,"

"A Passion for Manufacturing" will convene industry leaders, innovators, and educators from throughout the U.S. and Canada to share their ideas and best practices, and discuss advancements in manufacturing technologies and business practices. Open to SME members and nonmembers alike, A Passion for Manufacturing combines an Interactive ""Unconference"" with networking, leadership and industry recognition activities. The entire program has been built by SME members, with other manufacturer practitioners in mind.

Additional Information:
For more detailed information, please visit, www.sme.org/annualmeeting. Advanced registration is required for SME's International Awards Gala: $45 SME members/$90 nonmembers. Registration for the "Unconference" is: $150 SME members/$250 nonmembers.

SME 2008 International Honor Awardees
The seven SME International Honor Awards recognize significant contributions to the field of manufacturing engineering in the areas of manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, education, research, management and service to the Society.

Donald C. Burnham Manufacturing Management Award
Fred Keller, CEO
Cascade Engineering, Grand Rapids, MI
Recognizes exceptional success in the integration of the infrastructure and processes of manufacturing through innovative use of human, technical and financial resources. This includes implementing advanced technology or concepts in education, research or production, early recognition of significant strategic needs and leadership in implementing manufacturing changes, leadership in implementation of combinations of technology, human capability and strategies, and leadership in effective use of existing human, technical and financial resources.

SME Gold Medal Award
Kornel Ehmann, PhD, FSME, Farley Professor in Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Recognizes outstanding service to the manufacturing engineering profession in technical communications through published literature, technical writings or lectures.

Joseph A. Siegel Service Award
Ron Bohlander*, PhD, FSME, GTRI Fellow and Director of Commercial Product Realization
Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA
Awarded to an SME member for significant and unique contributions which benefit the Society. This award is conferred only upon SME members. Contributions may be made through leadership, voluntary support or other timely acts which benefit the Society. When considering SME Past Presidents, the award is to recognize contributions made after their presidential term.

SME Frederick W. Taylor Research Medal
Toshimichi Moriwaki, D.Sc., Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
Honors significant published research leading to a better understanding of materials, facilities, principles, operations and their application to improve manufacturing processes. The honoree must be personally involved in manufacturing research and the research results must demonstratively lead to improved manufacturing.

SME Albert M. Sargent Progress Award
A. Galip Ulsoy*, PhD, FSME, William Clay Ford Professor of Manufacturing
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Recognizes significant accomplishments in the field of manufacturing processes, methods or systems. This could include technical progress in support of productivity techniques which are widely used or are used for many years. This award is normally presented for technical rather than management contributions and the honoree should be personally involved.

SME Eli Whitney Award
Ross Robson, PhD, Executive Director (Retired)
Shingo Prize, Logan, UT
Awarded for distinguished accomplishments in improving capability within the broad concept of orderly production. The honoree should currently be in a top management position, personally active in the development of ideas, concept of process associated with engineering, responsible for proven concepts, with wide recognition in the area of mass production and the generation of greater productivity.

SME Education Award
Winston Erevelles*, PhD, Dean, School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science
Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA
Honors the educator most respected for the development of manufacturing-related curricula, fostering sound training methods or inspiring students to enter the profession of manufacturing. The honoree should be responsible for creating or stimulating development of manufacturing engineering or manufacturing engineering technology curricula still in use or for exceptional contributions to the development of continuing education opportunities. It is not necessary for the honoree to be an academician or a resident of the United States.

About FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology):
FIRST (www.usfirst.org) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.

About the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation is one of the nation's leading non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing manufacturing education. Its approach is threefold: to inspire youth to pursue careers in manufacturing; to support students studying for a career in an engineering-related field; and prepare these students to participate in a global economy. The Foundation has provided more than $24 million in grants, scholarships and awards. The Education Foundation was created by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 1979 as a means of transforming
manufacturing education in North American colleges and universities. It also has an award winning web site to foster interest in manufacturing: www.manufacturingiscool.com. For more information on the Foundation, visit
www.sme.org/foundation.

About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (www.sme.org) is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing practitioners and executives annually. The Society has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of technical communities and chapters worldwide.

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Note to Journalists:
Pre-registration is required by May 31, 2008. Journalists are encouraged to arrive by 6:30 p.m. in the Cabot Ballroom at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center for a Reception hosted by the SME Education Foundation. The Gala will immediately follow the Reception at 7:30 p.m. in the Columbus Ballroom. Attire is black tie optional. For more information about the Gala and all of the events scheduled for "A Passion for Manufacturing: 2008 SME Annual Meeting & Interactive ""Unconference"," please visit www.sme.org/annualmeeting.

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