The Foundation often serves as a catalyst for funding partnerships that support new academic programs. The manufacturing management program in the College of Business and Economics is an excellent example. This program has been selected as one of the Foundation's key fund-raising projects for 1998. A combination of faculty, staff and volunteers is currently seeking financial support from manufacturing companies throughout the region. Today's manufacturing plants are among the nation's most high-tech work environments.
Demand is fierce for graduates with engineering technology and business management skills.
These graduates must understand the entire production process from acquisition of raw materials to shipping finished products. They must communicate equally well with design engineers and the workers on the manufacturing floor so the projects come in on time, on budget and within quality control guidelines. When companies such as Boeing, Immunex and Physio Control approached Western about developing the region's only undergraduate program in manufacturing management, the University responded. The new curriculum is one of the most rigorous on campus, with highly selective entrance standards and a demanding course load in both engineering technology and manufacturing management. In addition, two internships are required prior to graduation.