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.鈥15, and Touline 鈥淟ulu鈥 Kourdie Elshafei, 叠.础.鈥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. 鈥淟ulu 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,鈥 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
Recognizing a nearly 30-year, distinguished partnership
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.鈥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.鈥96, M.S.E.鈥03; Paul Pagano, B.S.E.鈥10; Dr. Kendra Fein, B.S.E.鈥15; David H. Nall, B.S.E.鈥86; Second row: Mark Zempel, B.S.E.鈥92; Jim Castellano, B.S.E.鈥87; Anne Saad, B.S.E.鈥06; Third row: Greg Serkaian, B.S.E.鈥06; Joanna Croes, B.S.E.鈥17; Fourth row: Mark Clapper, B.S.E.鈥13; Robert Smalldon, B.S.鈥00; Jason Joseph, B.S.E.鈥97.
Academic Successes
