For more than three decades, Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) and Lake Superior State University (LSSU) have built a strong partnership focused on hands-on engineering, real-world problem solving, and preparing students for meaningful careers in manufacturing and automation.
That partnership recently became more visible when AMT sponsored a classroom in LSSU’s engineering facilities, which is the result of a collaboration that has been shaping careers since the early days of robotics education.
A Relationship Built on Robotics and People
The connection between AMT and LSSU dates back nearly 35 years, to a time when robotics was just beginning to transform manufacturing. LSSU was already ahead of the curve, becoming the first university in the nation to offer a bachelor’s degree in robotics engineering technology in 1985. Not long after AMT was founded, Bruce VanSickle, one of its earliest employees, was a Lake State graduate, creating an early connection between the company and the university.
From there, the relationship grew organically. AMT leaders began visiting campus, engaging with faculty, and recruiting LSSU graduates. Over the years, AMT engineers have been active at LSSU, interviewing students, advising on curriculum, guest lecturing, and serving on LSSU’s Industrial Advisory Board. Today, that board includes AMT representatives such as Ryan Tingle, following years of service by Diane Haig and Don Stephanic.
Despite being a small engineering school tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, LSSU graduates have built a strong reputation for succeeding in the automation and manufacturing industry. Many of those graduates have gone on to long, impactful careers at AMT, where Lake State alumni now make up an estimated one-third of the engineering workforce.
Why AMT Sponsored a Classroom
The classroom sponsorship grew out of a broader initiative at LSSU to increase awareness of engineering and robotics, at a time when rural universities face declining enrollment. While LSSU graduates routinely receive multiple job offers months before graduation, many prospective students aren’t aware of these opportunities.
To address this, the university launched an engineering enrollment initiative, supported by industry partners. AMT was one of the first companies LSSU approached.
“We wanted our partners to know how much we value them,” said Jim Devaprasad, LSSU faculty member and long-time advocate for industry collaboration. “And we also wanted students—from their very first year—to see the companies that believe in them.”
The sponsored classroom features AMT’s name prominently displayed inside and outside the space, recognition that ensures students understand who is investing in their education. For freshmen and sophomores just beginning their engineering journey, it also puts AMT on their radar as a potential future employer.
A Shared Philosophy: Applied, Hands-On Engineering
What makes the AMT–LSSU partnership especially strong is a shared belief in applied engineering. At LSSU, in addition to designing systems on paper, students build, troubleshoot, and implement them. That hands-on approach mirrors the work AMT engineers do every day on factory floors across North A
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AMT leaders help guide LSSU’s curriculum to ensure it reflects current and emerging industry needs. When safety became a growing focus in robotics integration, LSSU added coursework in robotic safety standards, helping ensure students graduate with skills that are immediately relevant in the field.
This real-world emphasis pays off for graduates. At AMT, LSSU alumni work across the full lifecycle of automation projects, from customer interaction to system design, installation, and support. Many have built long-term careers at AMT, reflecting a strong alignment between LSSU’s hands-on education and the company’s approach to engineering work.
More Than a Sponsorship
For LSSU, AMT’s support represents more than financial backing.
“To know that a respected systems integrator like AMT has our back means a great deal to us,” Devaprasad said. “Our partnerships with companies like AMT are incredibly meaningful, and we take them seriously.”
For AMT, the classroom sponsorship is another means to fulfill its Core Purpose: AMT exists to build and expand careers because we believe that people applying their talents productively is essential to their happy and fulfilled life.
As students walk into the AMT-sponsored classroom each day, they’re reminded that companies like AMT are actively invested in their education and future careers.
About Lake Superior State University Engineering
Lake Superior State University (LSSU), located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, offers nationally accredited bachelor’s degree programs in Engineering and Engineering Technology. Engineering disciplines include Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering. Engineering Technology programs include Electrical, Manufacturing, and Mechatronics.
LSSU’s Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering is one of only nine ABET-accredited Robotics Engineering programs in the nation. With a strong emphasis on applied, hands-on learning and close collaboration with industry partners, LSSU prepares graduates for immediate impact in manufacturing, automation, and advanced technology fields.
Learn more at LSSU.edu/eng.