| Flint - Area leaders say the largest donation to Kettering University in the school's 80-plus year history could boost the local economy.
On Tuesday, the engineering and management institute received an $88-million check from PACE, a corporate alliance of General Motors, UGS, Sun Microsystems and EDS.
PACE, or Partners for the Advancement of CAD/CAM/CAE (computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering) Education, is donating more than $88-million worth of the latest industrial technology in the form of software, work stations and training.
"I've said for years Kettering is not just an educational asset, it's an economic asset," said U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee, D-Flint. "It's already attracting international students. And I talk to auto manufacturers and other suppliers who want to locate where they can find education and training for their people.
"I think this is one of the greatest things that has happened to Flint in many years because it will attract students, that's no question. And it will also attract those who need trained people."
Kettering President James E.A. John said he sees the potential for new industry to locate near the school on old Delphi Flint West property Kettering now owns just north of the Flint River.
John plans to create a technology research park there, which would mean new business for the city.
Flint & Genesee Economic Growth Alliance Vice President Janice Karcher hopes the announcement means plans for the research park will kick into high gear.
"We've been working closely with Kettering on the technology research park, encouraging them to promote the research potential," Karcher said. "The technology component increases the attraction to businesses. Certainly, having those businesses come in will contribute to the tax base of the city and result in improvements to the surrounding community."
Tim Herman, president of the Genesee Area Focus Council, agrees.
While Herman's attention is more on downtown redevelopment, he lists Kettering and other local higher education institutions as key to the city's revitalization effort.
"Anything good for the university is good for the downtown area," Herman said. "The more linkages the downtown can have to the east, west, north and south is good for this community and good for downtown Flint."
Kettering already has a track record of capital improvements and renovation of the west-side community that surrounds it.
The college has spent about $1 million dollars per year in capital improvements in recent years. It built a $7-million recreation center in 1995 and is in the midst of a $90-million fund-raising campaign.
"They've made a conscious effort to stay right in the center of Flint, reaching out to the neighborhood and looking for improvements," Kildee said. "This tremendous gift will allow them to grow themselves and will aid in the rebirth of Flint."
The PACE donation gives Kettering the edge by arming students with the industry-leading technology used by General Motors.
"Kettering has always been an avant-garde institution on the very cutting edge of education," Kildee said. "It's a tremendous asset for Kettering and the future of Flint."
Shena Abercrombie covers colleges and universities. She can be reached at (810) 766-6307 or sabercrombie@flintjournal.com. | 
