Since 1970, Olivet Nazarene University has prepared engineers for professional careers. With the dedication of the Martin D. “Skip” Walker School of Engineering on October 6, the ABET-accredited engineering program enters a new era.

“Today Olivet recognizes the professional accomplishments and Christian witness of Skip Walker,” said John C. Bowling, university president, to a large crowd of students, the Board of Trustees, corporate partners, alumni, faculty, and staff at the ceremony in Reed Hall of Science. “Mr. Walker’s generous gift of $5 million will significantly strengthen our growing engineering program.”

Bowling specifically acknowledged the large group of engineering students present for the ceremony and challenged them to prepare to be “missioneers” — engineers with a Christian purpose.

The ceremony recognized Walker's generosity and career. Both he and his wife, Mary, were present for the day’s festivities.

“God is really the giver of this gift. He just used me as the conduit,” Skip said. “I’m proud to be associated with Olivet students. I’m convinced you are going to leave here and honor ONU and God in what you do. I hope and pray you will enjoy this profession as much as I did.”

In a career spanning six decades, Skip epitomized Christian business leadership in guiding and growing a number of leading manufacturing and business enterprises. He and his family have supported countless industry, corporate, and nonprofit organizations through volunteer service.

Skip’s career began in the Chevrolet Division of General Motors. He went on to work for American Motors and Rockwell International and served as chairman and CEO of M.A. Hanna Corp. Later, he joined MORWAL Investments.

He has served on the board of directors for ArvinMeritor, Comerica, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Lexmark International, Textron, Timken, and a number of groups serving engineering, manufacturing, management, and education. He has been a business advisory board member for Carnegie Mellon University and Northwestern University.

Skip is a former trustee of Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, where he earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. He also completed the Stanford Executive Program and an advanced management program at Michigan State University. He resides in Carmel, Indiana.

“Our goal as the Walker School of Engineering is to be a premier engineering program nationally while staying true to our faith and values,” said Shane Ritter, chair of the Department of Engineering. “Today, we celebrate all the good works Mr. Walker’s gift has helped and will help us to accomplish.”

Significant accomplishments for the school include 20 percent growth in enrollment and a doubling of faculty size within the past year alone. Additionally, the newly established co-op program and “4+1” bachelor’s/master’s degree program join a robust arsenal of student experiences that bolster the career preparation process.

The Walker School of Engineering was officially named in May 2015 by Olivet’s Board of Trustees and is located in the engineering wing of Reed Hall of Science on the University’s main campus in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The School offers a bachelor’s degree in engineering with electrical, computer, geological, mechanical, architectural, chemical, and civil engineering concentrations. Olivet’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies offers the Master of Engineering Management degree.

--Olivet Nazarene University