The 2015 Foundry Educational Foundation College Industry Conference (CIC) attracted nearly 300 industry executives, key professors, student delegates and FEF supporters to its gathering in Chicago.

During the General Session on Nov. 20, speakers, including Jason Gutierrez, Strategic Materials Corp., Tom Prucha, AFS, and Rick James, Metal Technologies, shared their work and personal experiences in the metal casting industry. Each focused on Contributions to Technology—this year’s CIC theme.

The FEF/AFS Distinguished Professor Award was presented to FEF Key Professor Paul Sanders, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich., in recognition of his excellence as a motivator and mentor to his students, as well as his high-level knowledge and interaction with the industry. FEF’s highest award, the E.J. Walsh Award, was presented to Bill Sorensen, former FEF Executive Director, in recognition of his many years of service in developing and expanding the impact of the Foundry Educational Foundation. Additionally, FEF awarded more than $59,000 in scholarships to 25 students, including the Modern Casting Partners scholarship to Aaron Weir, Virginia Tech.

The Modern Casting Partners Scholarship was established in 1997 as a part of FEF’s 50th anniversary celebration. This endowment is comprised of advertising proceeds received by Modern Casting from advertising space bought by companies, congratulating FEF’s first 50 years in the September, 1997 special training & education issue.  

Next year’s conference will be held on November 17-18 at the Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago.  

（Souce from: American Foundry Society, December 21, 2015)