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include the Kettering Entrepreneur Society (KES),an organization that offers its members networking,mentoring, and other opportunities that strengthenfledgling business plans or even new businesses.Successful start-ups launched through KES includePRIME LLC, AlfaJango, and Youth for Tomorrow.CLASS PROJECTSTo help move innovation out of the classroom andinto the community, Dr. Melton developed the “AudioTourister” project for his Electrical Engineering SeniorDesign class. Students repurposed vintage luggageby adding sound systems compatible with modernelectronics, including MP3 players, iPods, and laptopcomputers. Students designed and built the systemswith commercialization in mind and the colorful “AudioTouristers” were then auctioned off, raising $1,660 forGoodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan in December. Formore information, visit www.kettering.edu/visitors/storydetail.jsp?storynum=3166.AWARD-WINNING INNOVATION CENTERKettering’s Innovation Center is a 9,000-ft2 buildingthat provides businesses with dedicated wet and/or drylaboratory capabilities in a business-incubator setting.The $3.2-million project is the first building in Kettering’sTechnology Park, which opened in August 2010, and islocated in close proximity to the significant science andengineering assets at Kettering.The Innovation Center was designed by SHW Groupand recently won a Design Excellence Award from theAmerican Institute of Architects. Amenities in the publicspace include a business center, furnished executive andadministrative offices, a conference room with high-techaudio/video systems, a café dining and seating area, anda reception area.NATIONAL DIFFERENCESKettering’s cutting-edge approach for teachingstudents how to become innovators received the KernEntrepreneurship Education Network (KEEN) nationalBest in Class Award in 2010. Dr. Melton said the nationalrecognition helps set Kettering’s Business of Innovationefforts apart from other institutions.Other fresh ideas are generated through Kettering’sMcDonald Professor of Entrepreneurship, currentlyheld by Art DeMonte. Dr. DeMonte often team teachesBusiness 372: Innovation and New Ventures toencourage his creative, proactive students. “It’s a keyactivity that complements our Entrepreneurship Acrossthe University program, the Kettering EntrepreneurshipSociety, and the commercialization efforts of ourTechWorks incubator and Innovation Center,” saidDr. DeMonte.Dawn Hibbard is the Director ofMedia Relations and Social Media atKettering University in Flint, Mich. Hercommunications credentials includecorporate, nonprofit, communityjournalism, and higher education.Additionally, she is a nationallypublished author and photographer.44 | Technology Century | SPRING 2012