On November 18 and 19, 2021, FEF held its annual College Industry Conference (CIC) in Chicago at the Westin Michigan Avenue. Not only was everyone glad to be back together, but many important contacts were made by students, professors, and industry representatives.

This year’s conference brought together 117 current students looking for internships, co-ops, or full-time jobs in the metalcasting industry, along with professors representing 25 FEF schools and over 200 company representatives.

The CIC is an important event for the students because it provides them with the opportunity to network with individuals who are currently working for companies in the field they are interested in joining. The conference is beneficial to companies who are looking for their future employees because every student who attends the conference is already interested in this industry. Professors profit from attending the CIC because they can meet with companies who are looking for research partners—they’re also encouraging the future generation of metalcasters.

In addition to the multiple networking opportunities, attendees enjoyed speaker presentations, the annual reception, and the awards luncheon. During the luncheon, 36 students were awarded scholarships valued at $87,000. These scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000 and are provided by the generous individuals, chapters, and companies who have set up endowments with FEF.

Also during the lunch, the E.J. Walsh and FEF/AFS Distinguished Professor Awards were presented. FEF Past President and Kent State alum Jerry Clancey received the E.J. Walsh Award. This award is FEF’s highest award and is presented to someone who, over the years, has been steadfast in their service to FEF’s goals and ideals. Clancey has been involved with and contributed to FEF for nearly 30 years, beginning when he was a student at Kent State. Charlie Monroe, FEF Key Professor at the University of Alabama, was presented the Distinguished Professor award. Monroe has been part of the FEF family for over 20 years and has been an FEF Key Professor for the last eight years. While attending FEF school, Penn State, as an undergrad, Charlie was awarded a scholarship at the 2001 CIC. 
FEF thanks the companies that continue to be a part of the College Industry Conference each year. Your involvement is of utmost importance as we continue to influence the next generation of metalcasters. We also thank our contributors for your continued support—without you, scholarships and program funding wouldn’t make as much of an impact as it does.

Next year’s conference will be held on November 17-18 in Chicago at the Westin. If your company is looking for professional talent who are skilled, experienced, and ready to contribute to your business’ success from Day 1, plan to attend the 2022 College Industry Conference.    

Click here to view the column in the January 2022 digital edition.