John Chanik, BSME’39

John Chanik, BSME’39, worked at AM General for much of his career. Dubbed “Father of the Hummer,” he served as project engineer for the military Jeep’s replacement currently in use by U.S. and NATO armed forces. He received the LTU Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award in 2006.

John and Betty Chanik established a bequest at Lawrence Tech in 2012 for “the betterment and enrichment of the University.” The gift was designated to the A. Alfred Taubman Engineering, Architecture, and Life Sciences Complex that opened in 2016. The facility provides students and faculty with laboratory and collaboration space to support emerging multidisciplinary programs.

The Marburger STEM Center, housed within the Taubman Complex, is a clearinghouse for STEM initiatives on the LTU campus. Student ambassadors, faculty, and staff work with K-12 educational partners throughout metro Detroit to creatively inspire the next generation’s interest in STEM fields. Over 7,500 students, teachers, and parents have been served through outreach and partnership since the Center’s opening. One example of engagement was connecting the superhero movie “Black Panther” with scientific inquiry and the periodic table. This published article has been downloaded over 17,000 times.

According to LTU’s president, Dr. Virinder Moudgil, “John Chanik’s innovative contributions to the automotive industry, and commitment to the Southeast Michigan community are exemplary and admirable. Through his generosity, students in the Taubman Engineering and Life Sciences Complex avail numerous opportunities in robotics and STEM education to create future transformative leaders. The University’s academic programs are strengthened due to his kind and thoughtful donation.”

Like John, you have the power to change the lives of LTU students for generations through a gift in your will. All it takes is one sentence. Contact Kevin Finn at 248.204.2305 or kfinn@ltu.edu to learn more about including a gift to LTU in your will.