Louisville Couple Creates WKU's Second Fully Endowed Chair In Engineering

January 30, 2008

Bowling Green, Ky. - A new commitment of more than $1.6 million from two Western Kentucky University alumni will create the University’s second fully endowed chair. 
              
According to Tom Hiles, WKU’s vice president for Institutional Advancement, Don and Jennifer Greulich of Louisville recently made this commitment, which will be added to their previous gifts of nearly $400,000, to create a $2 million Greulich Endowed Chair in Robotics and Automation Engineering in the Ogden College of Science and Engineering.
              
“Through the Greulich Endowed Chair, the College will bridge two disciplines—mechanical and electrical engineering—to give our students more practical training to make them more employable with a wider range of industries,” Hiles said.  “We are very excited by the possibilities that will be created through this generous gift.”
              
Hiles said that in addition to the Greulich gifts, WKU has received nearly $2.6 million in other gifts and pledges for Engineering since the program’s inception in the late 1990s.  The program received approval from the Council on Postsecondary Education in the fall of 2001. In 2005, the program was fully accredited by ABET Inc., the professional organization responsible for accreditation of engineering programs.
              
In addition to these funds, the University received more than $2.2 million in state matching funds from the Regional University Excellence Trust Fund.  Two of the University’s endowed professorships and its only other fully endowed chair are in the field of engineering, Hiles said. “Private support has certainly been critical for the implementation of this new degree program,” he said. 
              
Don (’72) and Jennifer (’71) met when they were both students at WKU.  Don Greulich is the president of Kerr Greulich Engineers, Inc. in Louisville (http://www.kerr-greulich.com/), which provides building systems engineering and design throughout the United States. The company designs mechanical and electrical systems, such as plumbing, fire protection systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.  Kerr Greulich Engineers has a staff of 50.  The company currently has projects in California, Texas, Florida, New York and Kentucky.
              
Blaine Ferrell, dean of WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering, said fully endowed chairs are significant for the program for several important reasons.
              
“One, it indicates a level of support from external constituents and indicates they value the job that the faculty members are doing in educating the next generation of engineers,” he explained. “This certainly boosts morale.  Secondly, Engineering as a professional degree is very expensive, especially when you factor in the project-based approach.  Faculty members spend more time working one-on-one with students on projects that transform our engineering students into experienced young professionals. The endowments provide financial support for this extra effort that would not be possible within the current budget.”
           
Stacy Wilson, interim head of the Department of Engineering, agreed.  “The mission of our department is project-based engineering, which means that we attempt to involve students in engineering projects and experiences whenever possible throughout their academic experience, both in and out of the classroom,” she explained.  “These programs are very expensive and would not be possible without private support.  Gifts from individuals and corporations allow us to offer opportunities to our students that we could not otherwise offer.  Private support is the lifeblood of our department.”
           
Dr. Ferrell said the Greulichs’ gift is particularly timely, as the College is currently investing money received through the efforts of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to equip a multidisciplinary automated robotics laboratory in the University’s Environmental Science and Technology Building.  “This effort will involve Architectural and Manufacturing Science, Computer Science, and Engineering faculty and students,” he said. 
           
“Part of the mission of the Department of Engineering is to be relevant to the needs of industry,” Dr. Wilson said.  “Robotics and automation play an important role in manufacturing.  The Chair in Robotics and Automation Engineering will provide opportunities for our faculty and students to engage in activities which directly support the needs of industry.”
           
Don Greulich says he and Jennifer are pleased to have the opportunity to support their alma mater.  “This is where we were educated and where we matured,” he said.  “We appreciate the value of the good education we received at WKU.”
              
In addition, Don Greulich said WKU’s new Engineering program requires private support in order to succeed.  “Engineering provides innovation for new products which will lead to new jobs for not only Western Kentucky but all of Kentucky, as well as the region and beyond,” he said.   “Accredited Engineering programs available at the university level in Kentucky encourage our students to remain in Kentucky.”
              
WKU President Gary Ransdell said this new gift will support WKU’s goal to provide an impact on the region’s economy and quality of life.
              
“The Engineering program has played a significant role in these efforts,” he said.  “This momentum has taken nearly 10 years to build, and continuing to sustain this growth in the face of diminishing state support is a challenge. This momentum cannot be regained easily if lost for even a short time. However, this important challenge can be met with the continued support of donors like the Greulichs.  We are truly grateful for their leadership and vision.”

WKU Endowed Chairs and Professorships in Engineering
Greulich Endowed Chair in Robotics and Automation Engineering
James D. Scott Endowed Chair in Civil Engineering
James L. “Bud” Layne Professorship in Mechanical Engineering
Kenneth E. and Irene S. Hall Professorship in Civil Engineering

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For more information, contact Tom Hiles, (270) 745-6208, or Blaine Ferrell, (270) 745-4448.