This scholarship was established in September 2016 by the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Advisory Board, friends and family of Gary Kinzel and is awarded to students enrolled in Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Bio, September 2024
Gary grew up very poor, in a small town in Fairfield County, Ohio. His father died when he was nine years old. After high school, he followed his brother to Ohio State and graduated from there in 1968. Gary paid his way through college by working during the summer months and with scholarships. He fondly remembers his faculty throughout his college experience and believes that Ohio State truly looks out for their students.
After he received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, he went on to get his master’s degree, something he later strongly recommended that his students do after receiving their undergraduate degree. Upon graduation, he worked at Battelle and received his PhD from Purdue. His dream was to come back to the Buckeye state and teach at his alma mater. In 1978, his dream became a reality when he started teaching in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He truly loved teaching and helping his students. His life was Ohio State, and he believes he owes almost all his success to this special place.
After Gary stepped down from teaching, he wanted to give back to the place that brought so much joy to him and his family. From his personal experience, he knew the impact that scholarships have on students.
After 35 years, Gary stepped down from teaching and currently serves as a faculty emeritus in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. Gary has two sons, one of which followed his father’s footsteps and is teaching mechanical engineering at Notre Dame.