He's literally raised millions of dollars for the Michigan State University College of Engineering, helping to spur on many of the college's noteworthy academic achievements and construction projects in recent years.

Eight distinguished alumni of the Michigan State University College of Engineering are being recognized with 2020 Alumni Awards for their significant achievements and outstanding contributions. The college also praised a high school educator whose accomplishments reflect positively on MSU and the College of Engineering.

Several important college leadership positions were established in 2018 -Yue Qi was chosen as Associate Dean for Inclusion and Diversity; Theo Caldwell was named Assistant Dean for Student Inclusion and Diversity; and Katy Colbry was appointed Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services.

As we look back upon a year of both unprecedented challenges and success within the College of Engineering, I want to be sure to offer my thanks for all you do to make our remarkable progress possible. Your dedication and support build our program strength and reputation.

Almost 250,000 alumni and friends brought Michigan State University to a significant milestone: surging past the fundraising goal of $1.5 billion more than a year before the Empower Extraordinary campaign closed. While MSU is still accepting campaign gifts until Dec. 31, 2018, the campaign total currently sits at an extraordinary $1.7 billion.

Thomas Wielenga, a 1978 graduate of Michigan State University, so believes in the value of the creative process that he is investing $1 million to kick-start the next teaching paradigm in the College of Engineering.