GameAbove and Eastern Michigan University announced on March 30 the five-year anniversary of their philanthropic partnership, which established the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. The collaboration has led to significant growth in academic programs, national rankings, infrastructure improvements, and workforce engagement.
The anniversary highlights how targeted investments can transform educational institutions and help meet industry needs. According to the official website, Eastern Michigan University prepares students to make significant contributions to society through its educational focus according to the official website.
Since a $5 million-plus naming gift from GameAbove in 2021, total contributions have exceeded $8 million for initiatives such as scholarships. Chao Sun, vice president of investments and giving at GameAbove, said, “The impact of this partnership with Eastern Michigan University has exceeded even our highest expectations.”
The college now offers 13 accredited programs including mechanical engineering, cybersecurity, aviation technology and more. Its engineering programs are ranked No. 60 nationally among non-doctoral institutions by U.S. News & World Report—the highest placement in program history—and it is the top-ranked public university in Michigan in this category. Enrollment at GACET has doubled since 2016 to comprise 18% of EMU’s student population.
Mohamad Qatu, dean of GACET, said: “GameAbove’s partnership has been instrumental in accelerating our growth and elevating our national profile… Together we have built a college that is not only competitive nationally but deeply connected to the workforce and communities we serve.”
President-elect Dr. Brendan Kelly also commented on the momentum created by this partnership: “As I step into this role, I am inspired by the extraordinary momentum created through the partnership between Eastern Michigan University and GameAbove.”
GACET plans further renovations totaling $84 million for advanced labs with industry partners such as Ford and Toyota expanding internship opportunities; over 180 industry leaders now serve on advisory boards. The college leads peer institutions statewide for African American student enrollment/graduation rates in engineering fields; outreach efforts like Digital Divas reach hundreds of K-12 students annually.
Eastern Michigan University’s campus features historic architecture alongside modern facilities supporting student success according to the official website. The university is recognized nationally for excellence across various fields according to the official website, offering more than 200 undergraduate majors/minors plus graduate programs according to the official website. Its educational experience emphasizes critical thinking skills that foster meaningful societal contributions according to the official website.
James Smith served as president prior to Dr. Kelly’s appointment according to the official website.
Reflecting on five years together Sun said: “This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, partnership and purpose align.”
