President’s Letter

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of “Beyond Boundaries,” a publication that celebrates the ingenuity, creativity, and impact of the Lawrence Technological University community. As you turn these pages, I invite you to explore an institution that is not only keeping pace with the rapid evolution of our world but also helping lead the way.

At Lawrence Tech, our mission is grounded in five defining pillars: technological eminence, research and creative practices focus, industry immersion, interdisciplinary agility, and professional excellence. These principles do not just guide our direction—they are embedded in everything we do. You will see them come alive in every story within this issue.

In our College of Engineering, these pillars are vividly illustrated through a groundbreaking project supported by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. LTU researchers have developed a carbon-fiber-reinforced composite that replaces traditional steel rebar. This innovation, tested in a full-scale bridge beam, represents a leap forward in sustainable infrastructure, with the potential to extend the lifespan of our nation’s bridges by decades. Our architectural engineering capstone team earned global recognition as finalists in the 2025 Architectural Engineering Institute student design competition. Their achievement reflects the spirit of collaboration and technical excellence fostered across our programs. Under the mentorship of dedicated faculty, these students are shaping the future of the built environment.

In the College of Architecture and Design, interdisciplinary agility and technological exploration are at the forefront. This spring, students and alumni traveled to Rome to immerse themselves in the eternal city’s architectural legacy—combining cultural exploration with AI-driven design reinterpretations. Their use of generative tools to engage with history shows how technology can deepen our humanistic inquiry.

Back on campus, we eagerly anticipate ShowLTU CoAD 2025 on May 8th. Students will showcase innovations in architecture and design, 3D modeling, and digital visualization. This signature event exemplifies our commitment to empowering creative practice with emerging technologies.

The College of Business and Information Technology continues to serve as a bridge between academic theory and real-world business dynamics. Professor Warren Browne’s timely analysis of potential automotive tariffs underscores our focus on equipping students with insight into market trends and global policy impacts—ensuring they are prepared for leadership in a complex, fast-moving world.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, we are proud to host Robofest 2025 on May 15, 16, and 17, our global robotics competition drawing 600 students from all over the world. Now in its 26th year, Robofest fosters early interest in STEAM, AI, and teamwork—planting the seeds for tomorrow’s innovators and problem solvers. We also welcome Sonali Gandhi, Ph.D., to our natural sciences department. Her establishment of a biophysics lab reflects our growing research footprint and our commitment to offering hands-on discovery opportunities to our students.

In the College of Health Sciences, we address urgent needs in healthcare access and workforce development. Thanks to a $1.7 million federal grant, our physician assistant students are now serving in rural Michigan communities—gaining valuable clinical experience while providing essential care. Our nursing program is also advancing a meaningful partnership with the U.S. military to prepare students to deliver care that is not only clinically sound but deeply compassionate and mission-focused.

Outside the classroom, our student-athletes continue to exemplify excellence—balancing demanding academic programs with athletic achievement. At LTU, we believe in developing the whole person and are proud of the determination and drive our athletes bring to every field and lab.

Finally, in philanthropy, we celebrate alumni like Michelle Collins and Donald James, Ph.D.—individuals who turned their LTU education into a platform for leadership, impact, and giving. Their stories remind us that success is not only measured by personal advancement but also through the difference we make in others’ lives.

As you explore this issue, I hope you will be inspired by the remarkable ways our students, faculty, alumni, and partners are pushing boundaries and advancing knowledge. At Lawrence Tech, our future is built at the intersection of creativity, research, and purpose. We are proud to share that journey with you.

Thank you for being part of our community.