Category Archives: News

Like a gradual but powerful crescendo in music, CIM’s many strategic achievements of late have coalesced into a single, grand, and historic gesture.

On Wednesday, March 6, CIM announced the commitment of a $5 million gift from Kevin & Kristen Stein and Family.

The gift, the largest single contribution from a couple in CIM history, pushes the school’s ongoing Second Century Campaign, through recent gifts, pledges, and expressed intentions, past $33 million, and caps the many remarkable successes of Blueprint:100, CIM’s recently completed centennial plan.

The new gift also enshrines the Stein family name alongside other legendary CIM family benefactors including Mixon, Robinson, Kulas, and Addicott.

“We could not be more grateful to Kevin, Kristen, and their family for this incredible endorsement of CIM and investment in the future of classical music,” said Paul W. Hogle, CIM’s President & CEO.

“Their philanthropy will have a profound impact not only on our school but also on musical life in Greater Cleveland and on the lives of our students, both during their time at CIM and for many years beyond.”

The Stein gift is multifaceted. Most prominent among the initiatives it supports is the renovation of Kulas Hall, slated to begin this summer, but the gift also underscores the essential need for endowed scholarships, beyond the funds already raised as part of Blueprint:100.

Scholarship advocacy from the Stein Family will in turn fuel continued alumni success, adding to the school’s long legacy of producing members of leading orchestras, chamber ensembles, and opera companies as well as noted academics, composers, and administrators.

The gift also memorializes Curtis Stein, Kevin Stein’s late father. Upon completion of the Kulas Hall project, CIM will present a biennial organ recital and masterclass in his honor. The organ loft and concert pipe organ will be renamed in memory of Curtis K. Stein through a generous gift from Kevin & Kristen Stein and Family.

“Cleveland owes its status as a musical capital in large part to CIM,” said Kevin Stein, a CIM Trustee since 2021. “We are honored to help extend that tradition by empowering the world’s most talented classical music students to attend CIM and hone their craft in a venue equal to their highest aspirations.”

The Second Century Campaign has earned record-setting philanthropy in support of CIM scholarships and capital projects. Already, 19 Trustees have committed the largest gifts in their lifetime to CIM, and 11 have made unprecedented commitments of $1 million or more. The campaign enjoys broad support, with gifts coming from 649 donors representing Trustees, Governing Members, alumni, private foundations, corporations, and the State of Ohio.

Kevin Stein is President, CEO, and Director of TransDigm Group, a leading designer, producer, and supplier of proprietary aerospace components, headquartered in Cleveland. Its products are in use on nearly all commercial and military aircraft in service today. At CIM, he serves as Chair of the Investment Committee and a member of the Executive Committee.

Prior to joining TransDigm in 2014, Stein worked for Precision Castparts Corporation, now a division of Berkshire Hathaway, as President of the Castings and Forgings Group and as an Executive Vice President of the Corporation. He also worked for Cooper Industries and Tyco Electronics/Raychem Corporation as a division president.

Stein also serves as a Director at Axalta, a NYSE listed company, and is a Trustee at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills and a Director at Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hobart College and a master’s degree and doctorate in inorganic chemistry from Stanford University.

Kristen Stein is a licensed interior designer and the owner and principal designer of Stein Design Team, a full-service interior design company. Her specialty is applying traditional and contemporary aesthetics to luxury residential spaces, collaborating with clients to create rooms that are both functional and personal. She also holds degrees in childhood development and a master’s degree in educational administration. She has worked as a teacher and administrator.

Reflecting on the Stein family’s already considerable support for CIM, including Kevin Stein’s board service, Hogle said he is inspired by all that the couple has done and given in support of the future of classical music.

This latest gift, however, is in a class by itself, he said, a gesture whose significance is impossible to overstate and whose impact transcends financial considerations.

“I have had the privilege of working with thousands of donors to support hundreds of projects large and small over my four-decade career,” Hogle said. “Very few have been as joyfully generous in their philanthropy as Kevin and Kristen.

“CIM will never be able to truly thank them enough, but we hope that the illustrious careers and phenomenal performances their gift makes possible over the coming decades will be a fitting reward.”

Photo by Jeff Selser Photography

Read the full article on cim.edu

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Since she was in 8th grade, Nayely Gonzales BS ’25 was intrigued with engineering and technology. She loved anything that was hands-on and remembers helping her father, who worked in construction, with some of his home improvement side jobs. He taught her how to change a doorknob before she was seven years old.

Nayely is now a fourth-year student studying mechanical engineering technology, and she’s had a lot of occasions for experiential learning in her field. RIT corporate partner TransDigm Group Inc.’s support has significantly impacted Nayely’s education and career goals. She was part of the first cohort of the Doug Peacock Scholarship (funded by TransDigm and named for their founding CEO and Chairman of the Board) as a sophomore and completed a successful manufacturing engineering internship at Young & Franklin/Tactair, a subsidiary of TransDigm. TransDigm is a global producer, designer, and supplier of highly engineered aerospace components, systems, and subsystems that are used on nearly all commercial and military aircraft in service today.

“I was so excited when I found out I was selected for the scholarship,” Nayely says. “I remember reading the email and sending a screenshot to my family. They were very proud of me. I felt beyond grateful and blessed. The gift of education is so powerful, and I hope someday I can do the same and give back to others.”

The Doug Peacock Scholarship was established in 2020 and is earmarked for women and students from underrepresented groups studying 5-year programs within the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, the College of Engineering Technology,and the Saunders College of Business. Nayely says she felt uplifted and inspired as a recipient and hopes she will positively influence other young women.

“There aren’t a whole lot of Hispanic students—let alone Hispanic women—in the STEM fields. I hope others can see me and think, ‘If she can do it, I can do it, too.”

Dr. Keith Jenkins, Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion at RIT, is proud to help nurture the relationship between the university and TransDigm and speaks to all of the good the scholarship support is providing to students like Nayely.

“TransDigm is a valued partner as RIT endeavors to diversify our undergraduate student population and improve graduation rates. This most welcomed gift addresses some recipients’ financial barriers while serving as a unique contributor to their collegiate experience and success.”

TransDigm recently increased its financial support of the Doug Peacock Scholarship. President and CEO Kevin Stein was previously highly engaged with RIT in both research and the Office of Career Services and Co-op and served on RIT’s President’s Roundtable from 2012-2015.

“With an increasingly global economy, the importance of a diverse workforce cannot be understated. The development of a diverse workforce leads to better innovation, decisions, and outcomes for everyone,” said Kevin. “RIT and TransDigm are aligned in our commitment to developing and promoting a talented and diverse workforce for the future. TransDigm is honored to contribute through the Doug Peacock Scholarship Program, and we are very pleased to have scholarship recipients like Nayely accepting an internship at one of our subsidiaries. We hope for that to continue moving forward.”

Dedicated to helping students also participate in on-the-job learning, TransDigm works closely with RIT to offer co-op programs. Nayely hopes to work in the aerospace industry someday and felt her internship experience at Young & Franklin during the spring and summer of 2023 was eye-opening. She worked in the design and operations departments and even created and presented a proposal for improved inspection processes to her colleagues. From start to finish, Nayely took responsibility for the project management, including completing the research, project estimation, and communications. She also enjoyed making connections and networking with people throughout the company.

She shares: “It was a really special time, and it was thrilling to be a part of something bigger than me. I liked seeing the business and projects from several different perspectives.”

Nayely also spends her time as a senior peer mentor in the College of Engineering Technology, is the academic director for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, a graphic designer for the ALANA (African, Latin, Asian, and Native American) Collegiate Association, a member of RIT WOCHA (Women of Honor and Ambition), and a front desk attendant at the RIT Campus Center. She has four goals for her future after RIT—pursue her passion for space exploration as a lead engineer, continue outreach to the ALANA community, mentor others, and make her parents proud.

Read the Full Article at www.rit.edu

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Cleveland, OH –  A brand new space for experiments, engineering challenges, lab workshops, robotics teams, field trips and summer camps is welcoming students at Great Lakes Science Center.  The TransDigm Group Learning Center opened in a newly renovated area of the Science Center recently, thanks to Cleveland-based, aerospace manufacturing company TransDigm Group Incorporated — a leading global producer, designer and supplier of highly engineered aerospace components, systems and subsystems that are used on nearly all commercial and military aircraft in service today.

“Whenever we seek to renovate existing areas, add to our footprint, or transform our galleries, the goal is always to provide high quality, informal STEM learning experiences that fulfil our mission to make STEM come alive,” said Science Center President & CEO Dr. Kirsten Ellenbogen. “By partnering to create this new space we have even greater opportunities to help children develop the skills industry leaders like TransDigm Group look to for a strong future workforce.”

Thanks to TransDigm’s investment, the Learning Center is now a key expansion site that will allow the Science Center to increase its capacity, serving even more future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators. The Learning Center will primarily serve students from grades kindergarten through eighth, Camp Curiosity sessions, and high school FIRST Robotics students. The Science Center estimates that an additional 200 students per week will be able to participate in hands-on workshops during the school year, and another 200 campers over the summer. Nearly half of all students who visit the Science Center on field trips are from Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools or other Title I schools, which translates to more than 3,700 students benefiting from additional access thanks to TransDigm.

 

This post originates from The Great Lakes Science Center website.   It can be found at  https://greatscience.com/support/transdigm-group-learning-center.

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Amarachi Kenneth-Gabriel , a Drexel University student

Cleveland, OH – Growing up the child of a former English teacher and a pharmacist, Amarachi Kenneth-Gabriel thought she would study the humanities or medicine when she went to college. But something inside of her was always fascinated by something else.  “Although they are quite silly at times, I always enjoyed the Fast and Furious movies, especially the community building through a shared love of cars,” she recalled. “I wanted to be like Dominic Toretto, building and driving fast cars.”’  Her interest grew when, to escape the monotony of staying at home during the pandemic, she would ‘run errands’ with her mother in the family car. “We would end up going on random road trips with no real destinations,” she said, “just enjoying the fresh air and just being outside.”

Kenneth-Gabriel decided to focus on mechanical engineering during her college search, hoping to spark a career in the automotive industry. Drexel quickly stood out.  “I wanted somewhere that fit me educationally, socially and financially,” she said. “On my visit to Drexel, I instantly fell in love with the vibe, its strong academic reputation and the diversity of both people, ideas, and activities.”

Knowing that two of her three boxes were checked, Kenneth-Gabriel searched the Drexel website for scholarship opportunities to help her defray costs. She applied for and received a Doug Peacock Scholarship. Sponsored by TransDigm Group Incorporated, a leading aerospace manufacturer, the Peacock Scholarship Program provides aid to students from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM. The program is named for Doug Peacock, a founding CEO and Chairman of the TransDigm’s Board, who started the company with Drexel alum Nick Howley (BS ‘75).

“The scholarship made the difference between attending Drexel — my ideal fit school — and going somewhere else that wouldn’t give me what I needed,” Kenneth-Gabriel said. “It’s encouraging to be a woman in engineering and seeing that there are programs that support the growth of diversity in the field.”

As a first-year student, Amarachi has already taken advantage of hands-on learning opportunities offered in her labs and classes, especially Engineering Design, where she applied design concepts to K’nex bridge building and designing race cars. She has also jumped into clubs like the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Student Union and African Student Association, and of course Formula SAE. The activities have helped her become a more well-rounded student.

“My connection to these groups has helped me find my people, my community, and given me support I needed in challenging classes,” she said. “Some of these people I have met have quickly become some of my favorites and I can see us being a community post-graduation.”

 

This post is an adaptation from an article written by been April 12, 2023 by Maeve Zeleniak.   This article can be found at https://drexel.edu/engineering/news-events/news/archive/2023/April/peacock-scholarship-amarachi-kenneth-gabriel/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=student

 

 

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Mr. Stein with Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Kenneth Carle

Cleveland, OH – TransDigm’s President and CEO, Kevin M. Stein and his family have made a generous $5 million dollar commitment to Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) to build a state-of-the-art science facility that will be the hub of scientific education.  Mr. Stein, who graduated from Hobart College in 1988, said “that studying math and science is like learning a language . One that’s practical, pragmatic and teaches wonderful problem-solving skills. We are excited about the opportunity to expose more students to a topnotch science education in a liberal arts environment and encourage well-rounded practitioners of this wonderful language,”

Stein added “STEM fields were always a passion, but it was at HWS where I found the mentoring and close relationship with faculty members, advisors, deans and presidents that was instrumental in my career. This inspired me to chase the challenges and keep learning new things. At HWS, I had the opportunity to take classes in the sciences, music, history, literature, foreign languages, art history. It’s pretty awesome that I can give back to the institution that really molded me and gave me a sense of purpose and commitment to community.”

“Our faculty and students will benefit tremendously from the new science center and the Stein family’s support for the life-changing teaching, mentorship and research opportunities that take place at the Colleges,” Hobart and William Smith Colleges President Mark Gearan said. “In his professional success and his commitment to HWS, Kevin exemplifies the power of the liberal arts and sciences — from research and mentorship on campus, to a prestigious graduate program and career, to supporting our community and helping generations of students. We are thrilled to embark on this exciting project as this gift ignites our plans moving forward.”

As a student, Mr. Stein received the Jensen Memorial Research Grant through the Rochester Academy of Science and the Durfee Award, given annually to Hobart’s most outstanding graduate. He graduated with high Honors in chemistry and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and went on to earn his master’s in chemistry and Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry, both from Stanford University.

Mr. Stein joined TransDigm as Chief Operating Officer of the Power & Control Group businesses in 2014 and became President and Chief Operating Officer in 2016. He was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of TransDigm in 2018.

Photo credit: Andrew Wickenden

This post been written referencing the following two articles.
https://www.hws.edu/news/2022/Stein-Family-Commits-to-Integrated-Science-Project.aspx
https://www.fltimes.com/news/hobart-and-william-smith-gets-5-million-for-science-center/article_d17839a8-5aed-594b-bc56-9f2f2969a3df.html

 

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Melbourne, FL – Extant Aerospace has recently awarded the Bruce Cox Memorial Scholarship to local Eau Gallie High School graduate, Stephanie Diaz.  The Bruce Cox Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Bruce Cox, a long-time Extant technician, who was a beloved member of the Extant family and the Melbourne community at large. Extant is grateful to have this opportunity to have an impact on a young person who is pursuing higher education and continued learning. Congratulations Stephanie!

Pictured: Stephanie Diaz and Mark Phillips (VP Human Resources, Extant Aerospace)

 

 

About Extant Aerospace

Extant Aerospace focus is on supporting OEMs and their customers with sustaining product licensing, obsolescence management and aftermarket support services for aging, non-core electronics and avionics systems.  Extant licensing programs provide a high quality solution to the challenges that often accompany the continuing aftermarket support of these systems and components and enable OEMs to focus their resources on current products and new product research and development.  To learn more about Extant Aerospace please visit https://extantaerospace.com

 

 

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KANSAS MODIFICATION CENTER AND NIAR WERX COMMISSIONS TELAIR TO SUPPLY CARGO LOADING SYSTEM AND FLOOR PANELS FOR KMC 777-300ERCF PASSENGER-TO-FREIGHTER CONVERSION OF THE BOEING 777-300ER AIRCRAFT

The TELAIR main deck cargo handling loading system solution for the 777-300ERCF is one of the most innovative and unique cargo loading system on the market. Due to the sophisticated technology, the TELAIR cargo handling and loading system can be operated both mechanically and fully electrically powered. Additionally, switching between modes of operation is possible even after the initial configuration, offering each customer maximum flexibility for the deployment of their fleet. In addition to the cargo loading system, TELAIR will also supply the floor panels to complement the mechanical and electrical handling and loading system. Through state-of-the-art design and manufacturing methods, TELAIR is able to design and produce the floor panel structure to fit the installation requirement best. Compared to traditional manufacturing and installation methods, the Telair floor panels offer a weight-optimized and production system tailored design, with reduced time for installation and removal during operation.

TELAIR’S innovative and high-quality components and system solutions increase aircraft capacity, optimize system integration and save weight and costs. The robust individual components ensure a longer in-service life, which leads to a significant reduction in maintenance costs. “Telair is honored to have been selected by Kansas Modification Center and NIAR WERX for this thrilling new freighter program,” said Ralf Schönzler, President TELAIR. “TELAIR has the most flexible load configurations, coupled with outstanding product support throughout the aircraft lifecycle. The KMC 777-300ERCF freighter will complement airlines’ express and cargo networks. We look forward to our partnership with Kansas Modification Center and NIAR WERX.”

To learn more about TELAIR please visit www.telair.com

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Buena Park, CA – Leach International has recently announced that they are honored to have Leach high-reliability disconnect relays on board the NASA James Web Space telescope, which has now been fully deployed. The Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most complex telescope ever launched into space.

According to NASA, “Webb will fundamentally alter our understanding of the universe. It can observe the cosmos, from planets to stars to nebulae to galaxies and beyond – helping scientists uncover secrets of the distant universe as well as exoplanets closer to home. Webb can explore our own solar system’s residents with exquisite new detail and search for faint signals from the first galaxies ever made. From new forming stars to devouring black holes, Webb will reveal all this and more.” Congratulations to NASA for the successful deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope.

To learn more about Leach Relays please visit https://leachcorp.com/products/relays/

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