INSPIRE Magazine 2023-24 from College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
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.
Alumni support plays a crucial role in the growth and development of WMU and its students. There are a number of ways to get involved with the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences:
Financial contributions: provide scholarships, support faculty recruitment, enhance programs
Mentorship: foster a sense of community and create personal and professional connections
Guest speaking: share valuable experience and industry-related knowledge with students
Ramrattan and Bronco Racing
Recognizing a nearly 30-year, distinguished partnership
Dr. Sam Ramrattan’s impact on education and research has for nearly 30 years included work with Sinto Group—the foundry arm of Toyota—in a partnership that is advancing the science of metal casting. “The primary goal of our collaboration is to advance smart technologies to make quality castings faster,” says Ramrattan.
New car goals!
Bronco Racing is speeding into the future with its first electric vehicle. With industry support, the team is making strides toward its goal. “Our partners are helping in any way they can through sponsor visits, workshops, fabrication, donations or even just believing in us,” says senior Noah Gould. "Building our first EV car is no small feat."
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.
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
Electrical engineering student finds the artistry in problem solving
Graduate student set to earn first dual degrees from WMU and University of Lisbon
Mother-daughter duo seeking industrial engineering solutions
