Alumnus Mike Winfield wins Meritorious Service to Students award
Michael D. Winfield, '62, has been selected for The College of Engineering 2021 Dean’s Meritorious Service to Students Award for over 45 years of demonstrated commitment to student success.
As an alumnus, Winfield has shown remarkable dedication, helping students in multiple ways. Early in his 37-year career at Universal Oil Products (now Honeywell UOP), Winfield led UOP's student recruitment efforts, bridging research collaborations between UOP and Ohio State to support the graduate programs at the university that align with the research programs at UOP. He personally organized internship programs and directly recruited, supervised, and mentored many students, even as he took on the demanding role of President and CEO of UOP. Over his tenure, 15 of these students were hired and enjoyed successful careers. One became the head of UOP’s research program, and another with 107 patents helped commercialize numerous impactful technologies. Still another became the head of sales and marketing for the western hemisphere, and a fourth VP of manufacturing.
Winfield has enjoyed mentoring students in the classroom as well. For a great many years, he guest lectured in CBE’s Senior Design course, discussing various applications of chemical engineering principles in industry and offering seasoned advice on a wide range of topics that help students prepare for their careers. Amidst a demanding, challenging curriculum and facing an uncertain future following graduation, students greatly appreciated these kind words of support.
Winfield also lent his business talents to the university on behalf of students. He has served on CBE’s Advisory Board since its inception and is a current member of the College of Engineering External Advisory Council. In 2008 he commenced service as vice chair of CBE’s New Koffolt Labs Committee, working hand in hand with board chair William G. Lowrie. As vice chair, Winfield drew on his industry background and business acumen in the ten-year effort to fulfill the dream of a new chemical engineering building, which represents the single, greatest investment in the success of this department’s students over the last decade. Winfield’s contributions in leadership, planning, organizing, and fundraising were critical factors in making it a reality.
Winfield has not only selflessly dedicated time and effort on behalf of students—he also invested his own funds. In 2003, Mike and his wife, Arlene, created the Michael D. Winfield Chemical Engineering Endowment Fund, which has helped many students go on to make their own contributions to society.
Years ago, Professor Joe Koffolt established a fundamental principle in the chemical engineering department—students come first, because they are the “jewels” of the department. Mike has held true to the principles of our most-admired department professor and one whom Mike attributes much of his success to. Michael Winfield is a jewel who shines from both his successful accomplishments at UOP and his selfless commitment to the well-being of this university.
