Donor Spotlight: Alan D. Kulwicki Donor Advised Fund backs engineering research and students

Alan Kulwicki with race car
The late NASCAR Hall of Famer Alan Kulwicki ('77 BS Mechanical Engineering) with his No. 28 Ford Thunderbird. He later changed his number to 7.

For the third year in a row, the Alan D. Kulwicki  Donor Advised Fund (DAF) provided $45,000 to fund two faculty fellowships, one awarded to  Ryo Amano, professor, mechanical engineering, and another yet to be announced. These one-year fellowships support the growth of some of the college’s key research areas.

The alumni group also provided $12,000 in support of student stipends needed to operate the college’s popular Makerspace.

“Alan Kulwicki was known for his contributions to the automotive field and motorsports,” said Jan Beatty-Hendley, chair of the fund’s advisory committee. “Supporting engineering and applied sciences aligns with his legacy and commitment to innovation and education in these areas.

“The Makerspace stipend specifically helps alleviate financial burdens and allows students to focus on learning, skill development, creativity, and experimental projects. Continued support from the fund signifies a dedication to these values and the importance of engineering.”

If you are interested in financially supporting the college, please go online. If you’d like to discuss a major gift or an estate gift, contact Jean Opitz at opitz@uwm.edu.