Inspire Magazine
Elshafei family gives back to help the next generation of Broncos
In the time since they each graduated from WMU, Ramsey Elshafei, B.S.E.’15, and Touline “Lulu” Kourdie Elshafei, B.A.’14, have been busy. Lulu serves as corporate counsel with ALDI USA and Ramsey is the president of RE Development Solutions.
In addition to their busy, flourishing careers and starting their family, Ramsey and Lulu decided to give back to the University that gave them their start. “Lulu and I both decided to provide a scholarship in our names to students in need as a thank you for all the experiences we had at WMU,” says Ramsey. They provide scholarships to students attending the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences.
![Dr. Sam Ramrattan in professional dress in lab.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u56/2023/ramrattan.jpg)
Recognizing a nearly 30-year, distinguished partnership
![Group at Tesla in Calfironia showing fingers in the form of Ws](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u56/2023/tesla-group-bronco-racing.jpg)
New car goals!
Research strides
Alumni Excellence Awards
Equipped with a WMU engineering degree, Jim Castellano takes on the automotive world
In 2023, Jim Castellano, B.S.E.’87 (far right with Dr. Steve Butt, dean), became the first recipient of the College's Spire Award, honoring the best of the best among previous Alumni Excellence Award honorees.
Castellano took some time to share his thoughts on on his 35 years with Ford Motor Company, his current role as vice president design engineering xEV for Hitachi Astemo Americas and his continuing commitment to supporting engineering and applied sciences education at Western.
![Image](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/hero_12_5/public/images/u56/2023/Alum_Awards_2023.jpg?h=af8eaa2c&itok=67hf2a67)
Meet all 2023 Alumni Award honorees
Front row (left to right): Matthew Simon, B.S.E.’96, M.S.E.’03; Paul Pagano, B.S.E.’10; Dr. Kendra Fein, B.S.E.’15; David H. Nall, B.S.E.’86; Second row: Mark Zempel, B.S.E.’92; Jim Castellano, B.S.E.’87; Anne Saad, B.S.E.’06; Third row: Greg Serkaian, B.S.E.’06; Joanna Croes, B.S.E.’17; Fourth row: Mark Clapper, B.S.E.’13; Robert Smalldon, B.S.’00; Jason Joseph, B.S.E.’97.
Academic Successes
![Image](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/hero_12_5/public/images/u56/2023/DSC08762.jpg?h=989248a5&itok=-9AlqE7K)