The 62nd annual FEF College Industry Conference was recently held at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. Over 225 industry executives, student delegates, key professors and university administrators were in attendance this year.

The conference began on Thursday, November 19, with the Industry Information Session which gave 74 student delegates the opportunity to interact with representatives of 19 companies in the metal casting industry.  The Information Session and social time before and after the event is structured to facilitate the sharing of job opportunities and to connect students to potential employers in the industry.

During the General Session on Friday, the following speakers addressed the conference attendees: Patricio Gil (Blackhawk de Mexico S.A.) spoke on the topic Why I Make Castings; Raymond Monroe (Steel Founders’ Society of America) spoke on Globalization; and Alfred Spada (American Foundry Society) focused on the Markets for Metalcasting.

The FEF/AFS Distinguished Professor Award was given to FEF Key Professor, Brad Bowman, Mohawk College, in recognition of his demonstrated personal interest in his students, as well as his knowledge of the industry. As part of the luncheon this year, the Student Delegate scholarships were presented (see next page for complete list) – 17 students were awarded a total of $35,000.00. Additionally, the Keith Millis and Ron Ruddle scholarship recipients were announced.

At the Annual Reception on the evening of November 20, FEF’s highest award, the E.J. Walsh Award, was presented to former FEF student and President Lifetime Patron, Chuck Fowler, President and CEO of Fairmount Minerals. The evening concluded with the drawing of the winners of the 60%/40% raffle that was held to help defray the costs of travel and lodging for the students and professors who attended the CIC – approximately $10,600.00 came in as a result of the raffle – 40% was given away to 12 individuals; 60% will go toward student/professor CIC travel. Thanks to all who bought & sold the raffle tickets!

List of student scholarship recipients (by scholarship received)