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The close proximity to home, along with a renowned College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), inspired Baughman to continue his education at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn.

Baughman graduated with bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and engineering mathematics, then went on to a successful career at Ford Motor Co. that spanned 36 years. But over the years, his passion for 51��Ƶ-Dearborn never wavered.

He and his wife, Irene, want to see the University continue to recruit and retain the best and brightest students to CECS, so they decided to help out.

The Baughman’s plan to donate current and planned gifts totaling $100,000 to 51��Ƶ-Dearborn, in an effort to establish the James and Irene Baughman Scholarship.

“We want to give opportunities to people who grew up like I did in Detroit,” he said. “It was very high on our priority list.”

The Baughman’s gift is expected to impact 51��Ƶ-Dearborn students for years to come, and it doesn’t hurt that the funding stems from the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation’s 2009 Inventor of the Year. Baughman earned the prestigious award for his contribution to the development of the Plasma Transferred Wire Arc thermal spray coating process.

In addition to the award, he is named an inventor on seven U.S. patents.

He commended 51��Ƶ-Dearborn for its preparation of future engineers, and hopes the funding will assist in the University’s continued efforts.