Drake Hotel, Chicago – November 4-6, 1999

Three hundred fourteen industry and university people attended this year’s conference, along with 131 student delegates representing each of FEF’s 30 schools, for a total of 445 people. This unique conference brought together top industry executives, FEF Board Members, Key Professors, university officials and top student delegates, all interested in metal casting. Phil Duke was the conference chairman this year, assisted by a committee made up of professors, former FEF students, and FEF Board Members.

Due to the generous "special contributions" of several companies and individuals (see back page), the FEF Annual Banquet, was held at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago on Thursday night, November 4. During the evening, several awards were presented including FEF’s highest award, the E.J. Walsh Award. This award went to Professor Lifetime Patron, Douglas G. Warner of Porter Warner Industries. Also receiving special recognition were three magazines who have assisted FEF in its mission and goals this past year – FOUNDRY Management and Technology, Modern Casting, and Die Casting Engineer. The North American Die Casting Association, represented by Dan Twarog, made a $50,000 contribution to the FEF for NADCA’s David Laine Scholarship Fund which is managed by FEF. Dave Sanders, this year’s Vice Chairman, was the Master of Ceremonies.

During the General Session on Friday, November 5, the Keynote address was given by Linda Miller, Manufacturing Director-CFO-PTO, Ford Motor Co. This year’s three panelists included Jerry Clancey, General Sales Manager, Fairmount Minerals, an FEF scholar from Kent State; Scott Strobl, Technical Director, Simpson Technologies, and attended Pittsburgh State; and Robert Smillie, Plant Manager-Cleveland Engine Plants at Ford Motor Co., current FEF Board Member and attended Western Michigan.

During the Edward C. Hoenicke Memorial Luncheon, FEF presented certificates of appreciation to Chuck Jones of the American Foundrymen’s Society, in honor of his retirement and John Hough of the H.H. Harris Fund, for that fund’s contributions to students. These men have been supporters of the need to help young people see this industry as an important life-long career choice and FEF commends them for their hard work over the years. A special AFS Director’s Award was again given through FEF to one of the Key Professors. Doru Stefanescu from the University of Alabama was the recipient of this award.

The Industry Information Session offered students an up-close and personal look at the industry. It also gave the 50 participating companies the most cost-effective way to see some of the top metal casting students in the country all in one place.

The Awards and Recognition Breakfast speaker was the President of Southwest Texas State University, Jerome Supple. Following his comments, 21 sponsored scholarships were awarded to the student delegates who had submitted applications for these awards (see reverse side).

1999 FEF COLLEGE INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

CIC Breakfast Awards, November 6, 1999

Companies and individuals contributing special gifts for the Annual Banquet at the Adler Planetarium: