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SAE Foundation Announces Winners of Inaugural Gordon Millar Award


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WARRENDALE, PA--May 9, 2011: Arnold (Arne) and Stephanie (Steffi) Siegel have been named winners of the first-ever SAE Foundation Gordon Millar Award.

The award, which is funded by AVL, is given in special recognition of an individual or organization that best demonstrates continuous philanthropic support of the SAE Foundation Mission to encourage and increase student participation and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

"The SAE Foundation and SAE International are pleased to present this new award that not only honors the outstanding work and support provided by Gordon Millar over the years, but also represents the vision offered by SAE International's past leaders to help shape the future of this organization," Matthew Miller, Director, SAE Foundation, said.  "And we couldn't have more deserving first-time winners than Arne and Steffi Siegel. They're generosity in giving serves as an example and inspiration for all of us to follow."

Arne and Steffi share a passion for education and believe that it is a key to an individual's success. Arne's association with SAE International spans his 50-year career in transportation safety, accident and injury analysis and the biomechanics of injury. Since 1994, Arne has served as a Trustee of the SAE Foundation and has dedicated himself to the expansion of the A World In Motion® program. Steffi, an accomplished psychotherapist and distinguished author, shares Arne's commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and the SAE Foundation.

As donors to the SAE Foundation and other foundations, Arne and Steffi are living their philosophy of "Take a little, leave a little and we'll all have some."

An SAE Fellow and a member of SAE International since 1949, Gordon Millar was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1975 and, in 1984 served as SAE President, the same year that he concluded a noteworthy career at John Deere. Throughout his career with SAE International, he has made several contributions to strengthen the organization, including championing the recognition of SAE International as a participating body with curriculum responsibility for several automotive engineering programs. Additionally, Dr. Millar served as a consultant to the Southwest Research Institute in the mid-90s and was an Advisory Trustee from 1993 through 2005. He has also written numerous technical articles as well as over 80 articles on the history, design and restoration of antique and classic marine engines, an area in which he has become a recognized expert. A passionate man of uncompromising integrity and vision, Dr. Millar holds seven patents in automotive technology. Over the years, he has been a driving force behind the education of young people in engineering and technology, with a special emphasis on encouraging women in engineering, and he continues to be a strong supporter of the Aero Design competition in SAE International's Collegiate Design Series.

About SAE Foundation

The SAE Foundation is the charitable arm of SAE International that strives to encourage and increase student participation and achievement in science, technology, engineering and math through many programs, including A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series. SAE International is a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries. SAE International's core competencies are life-long learning and voluntary consensus standards development.

About AVL

Founded in 1948, AVL is the world's largest independent company for development, simulation and testing technology of powertrains (hybrid, combustion engines, transmission, electric drive, batteries and software) for passenger cars, trucks and large engines. AVL's Technology Leadership Center has become a mainstay at the SAE World Congress, and annually hosts some of the industry's best and brightest in discussions critical to our industry's future. AVL's North American Headquarters are located in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth, Michigan. For more information, contact Chris Barecki, AVL North America Marketing Manager, at chris.barecki@avl.com or 734.738.8778.