Engineering Success

In the realm of engineering, systems engineers stand as indispensable pillars, weaving together visions and solutions across multiple disciplines. Recognizing the critical need for nurturing such talent, Oakland University is grateful for the establishment of the new Garrity Scholarship for Excellence in Systems Engineering within the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS).

The scholarship is an initiative by alumnus Steve Garrity and his wife, Susan. Steve graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science and this endowment was conceptualized as a tribute to the robust systems engineering education he received at Oakland University. Inspired by the multidisciplinary exposure and the focus on systems during his time at the university, Steve credits his alma mater with laying the groundwork for a rewarding career that spanned academia, government and industry.

Steve’s journey in systems engineering began unexpectedly when his high school counselor introduced him to OU. From his undergraduate days in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, to his further specialization at Northwestern University, Steve’s academic path was profoundly shaped by dedicated faculty. "My professors were not only educators but also skilled systems engineers who instilled their knowledge and passion into their students," he recalls.

With a career that includes significant roles at Lockheed Martin working on the International Space Station and national defense system satellites, Steve's professional achievements reflect the comprehensive training and real-world applications he encountered during his formative years. Now retired, he wishes to pay it forward by enabling future generations to pursue a rewarding career in systems engineering.

Steve’s brother, Bill Garrity — along with his wife, Rene — have also joined this worthy cause, contributing significant funding to the scholarship. As a retired senior vice president at Consumers Energy and an OU engineering alum himself, Bill’s backing not only amplifies the scholarship’s impact but also marks it as a family commitment toward advancing systems engineering education. Bill also points out that the "practical, hands-on laboratory experience provided at SECS was instrumental in my career development and success."

This scholarship is the first at Oakland University specifically named for systems engineering, emphasizing the program's unique strengths and its alignment with contemporary needs in both private and public sectors. It is designed to provide aspiring systems engineers with the resources to explore and excel in a field that offers unlimited possibilities.

“The Garrity Scholarship will support students who choose to embark on this challenging yet rewarding path, preparing them to become leaders who can navigate and solve complex problems in any domain they choose to venture into,” Steve explains.

“As we celebrate the establishment of the Garrity Scholarship for Excellence in Systems Engineering, we reflect on the profound impact that alumni like Steve and Bill Garrity have on our community,” says Michael Westfall, vice president of University Advancement. “Their dedication to giving back not only enriches our academic programs but also inspires our students to strive for excellence and innovation in their careers. Through such scholarships, Oakland University continues to foster an environment where future leaders are born, equipped with the skills to engineer solutions that matter.”

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