An Evening in Photos: Relive the 2023 SAE Foundation Annual Celebration 

Posted: May 24, 2023

The SAE Foundation hosted the 2023 Annual Celebration event on May 23, 2023, at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI. Now in its 25th year, the SAE Foundation Annual Celebration brings together students, teachers, volunteers, and donors to recognize and pay tribute to the career accomplishments and generous spirit of the industry professionals who inspire the next generation of innovators. 

This year’s event recognized Jim Farley, president and chief executive officer, of Ford Motor Company, as the recipient of the 2023 SAE Foundation Industry Leadership Award.

Patrick Brady, SAE Foundation Chair, Jim Farley, and David Schutt, CEO, SAE International

Dana Pless was awarded the Ableson Award for Visionary Leadership, the highest recognition the SAE Foundation trustees bestowed upon an individual who has exhibited exemplary leadership that benefitted SAE International or SAE Foundation. 

 Don Ableson, Dana Pless

The SAE Foundation/DENSO Young Industry Leadership award recognizes individuals who are newer to the engineering field, have achieved significant career accomplishments, and shows potential for significant leadership growth. This year, the award was presented to Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Technical Operation Manager – Global Propulsion Systems, Stellantis and Dr. Umar Zakir Abdul Hamid, Senior Lead Strategist- CEVT AB (GEELY Group).

Dr. Venkat Ramikrishnan and Andrew Clemence, Senior Vice President & Green Business Group Leader at DENSO International America, Inc.

Dr. Umar Zakir Abdul Hamid and Andrew Clemence, Senior Vice President & Green Business Group Leader at DENSO International America, Inc.

In addition to the awards presented, the Annual celebration is an opportunity to showcase SAE's A World In Motion (AWIM) program and the students who have benefitted from this unique approach to STEM education. During this year's celebration, Jim Farley and David Schutt talk to students about their SAE AWIM projects. 

The event also made time for connections with valued SAE volunteers. Jim Farley, David Schutt, and Patrick Brady, connected with 2022 SAE Top Contributor of the Year, Kunjan Vyas from the Detroit Public School Community District.

Enjoy reliving the highlights and want to further your impact? Donate to the SAE Foundation to make a difference in the lives of young learners.