GameAbove and Eastern Michigan University announced the five-year anniversary of the philanthropic investment that established the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology (GACET), highlighting growth in academic programs, national rankings, infrastructure and workforce impact. In 2021, GameAbove made a $5 million-plus naming gift, the first named college on EMU’s campus, that has since transformed it into a nationally recognized, industry-lined institution preparing students for high-demand careers. Today, GameAbove’s total contributions to EMU’s College of Engineering and Technology have exceeded $8 million, funding initiatives, including scholarships. Future of Engineering and Technology.
“The impact of this partnership with Eastern Michigan University has exceeded even our highest expectations,” said Chao Sun, vice president of investments and giving at GameAbove. “From expanding academic programs to strengthening industry connections and increasing access to opportunity, the College of Engineering and Technology is a model for how strategic investment in education can drive real, measurable outcomes.”
Since 2021, the college has grown to 13 accredited offerings, including mechanical and electrical and computer engineering, as well as cybersecurity and IT, earning new and renewed accreditations across engineering, aviation and technology.
Game Above College of Engineering and Technology
GACET’s engineering programs are ranked No. 60 in the nation in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings– marking the highest placement in program history for institutions that do not offer doctoral degrees in the field. Among 291 eligible programs nationwide, Eastern is the top-ranked public university in Michigan in this category.
Enrollment has doubled to 18% of EMU’s student population (up from 9% in 2016), making GACET the university’s third-largest college.
“GameAbove’s partnership has been instrumental in accelerating our growth and elevating our national profile,” said Mohamad Qatu, dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.
“Their support has enabled us to expand high-demand programs, invest in state-of-the-art facilities and align our academic offerings with industry needs. Together, we have built a college that is not only competitive nationally, but deeply connected to the workforce and communities we serve.”
Eastern Michigan University President-elect Dr. Brendan Kelly said, “As I step into this role, I am inspired by the extraordinary momentum created through the partnership between Eastern Michigan University and GameAbove. The impact of their generosity is visible across the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology — from cutting-edge labs to nationally ranked programs to the life-changing opportunities our students experience every day. Their commitment has elevated EMU’s standing and accelerates our ability to serve the region and the industries that rely on a highly skilled workforce.”
GACET has also committed to complete two renovation phases totaling $84 million to modernize the Sill and Roosevelt buildings, and develop advanced labs in robotics, cybersecurity, VR, vehicle dynamics and drone technology, many built with industry and government partners.
The college has helped raise more than $100 million for growth and infrastructure, and secured key grants, including a $1.62 million cybersecurity grant supported by GameAbove and a $1 million award from both the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Roush.
Industry Partnerships
Industry partnerships with Ford, Toyota, General Motors, Roush, and Gulfstream have expanded internship and job placement opportunities, with more than 180 industry leaders now serving on college advisory boards.
In access and inclusion, GACET leads Michigan peer institutions in the percentage of African American students enrolled in and graduating from engineering and technology programs. Programs like Digital Divas and the Girls in Engineering Academy reach hundreds of K-12 students annually in STEM-focused programming.
Strategic enrollment planning and international partnerships have generated more than $5 million in revenue.
Both organizations reflected on the impact of the past five years, highlighting a shared commitment to growth, innovation and workforce development.
“This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, partnership and purpose align,” Sun said.
Source: Future of Engineering and Technology
About GameAbove
GameAbove is a privately held global investment company backed by CapStone Holdings Inc. Brands include GameAbove Sports, GameAbove Entertainment and GameAbove Giving. GameAbove is rooted in philanthropy and dedicated to inspiring greatness through sports, entertainment, technology and youth academies. To learn more, visit GameAbove.com.
Follow GameAbove on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @GameAbove, X @Game_Above and YouTube @GameAbove.
About the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology
The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology provides world-class experiences in engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, construction management, autonomous vehicles, drone technology, aviation, and other areas of study in high-demand career fields in engineering and technology. It is within the college’s mission to cultivate individuals’ intellectual and personal growth through research-informed education and diverse programs that emphasize the practical application of scientific knowledge. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the college’s website at gameabove.emich.edu.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is the second-oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 12,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. With a strong focus on career readiness, the University equips students with the skills, experiences, and professional networks needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and personalized support, EMU prepares graduates to launch meaningful careers and make an impact in their communities.
Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For additional information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.
Source:
https://today.emich.edu/story/story/13246
Celebrating five years, Eastern Michigan University and GameAbove are rewriting the future of engineering and technology through transformational partnership
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