MSU Engineering Development Student E-News

Motivated student becomes dedicated alumnus

Anyone who knows Jeff Schmitz would agree that he bleeds green. A 1997 mechanical engineering graduate, he was a dynamic student. Nine years later, Jeff is an energetic and successful alumnus who recognizes the importance of giving back – both as a volunteer and a donor - to his alma mater.

As a student, Jeff immersed himself in various activities and organizations on campus. Among his many accomplishments, he served as project manager for the 1997 MSU Formula SAE Team. Under his leadership, the MSU team received the Outstanding Sportsmanship Award, the Spirit of Excellence Award, and placed tenth overall at the international Formula SAE competition.

(Photo, right: Jeff with his daughter, Claudia)

As an alumnus, Jeff continues to stay closely connected to the College of Engineering. He has been a mentor and steward for the MSU Formula SAE Team since 1998. In this role, he fosters relationships with current and past team members through career development, recruitment, mentoring, and financial and personal time contributions. During his tenure as a Vehicle Development Engineer at DaimlerChrysler, Jeff was the team leader for the DaimlerChrysler College Relations Team, where he coordinated recruiting and diversity activities, and rallied support for the DaimlerChrysler In-House campaign. In the latter role, he encouraged his colleagues to take advantage of DaimlerChrysler’s 2:1 matching gift program, which triples the size of their gift. Jeff has also been an invaluable volunteer advisor to the College. He served two terms on the College of Engineering’s Alumni Board, and is a member of the Board of Visitors for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Most recently he was on campus during engineering design day as a judge for the prestigious inaugural Edison award for excellence in the senior capstone project.

Besides being an active volunteer, Jeff is a long-time donor who has given annually since he graduated in 1997. Jeff and his wife Karen are members of the Beaumont Tower Society, an MSU donor society that recognizes lifetime giving between $25,000 and $49,999. Jeff and Karen have directed most of their support to the College of Engineering, particularly the MSU Formula SAE Team. In fact, they were among a group of young alumni and friends who recently established the Gary L. Cloud MSU Formula Racing Team Endowment, an endowed fund that offers a permanent, flexible stream of support to the MSU Formula SAE Team.

“I owe my success to the education and opportunities I experienced at MSU,” said Jeff. “I’m happy to be in a position to give back, and I hope other alumni will do the same. Together, our support will ensure future generations of engineering students have the opportunities and resources to succeed. "

posted by MSU Engineering Development @ 9:20 AM