Industry partner spotlight: GORE
GORE: A Longstanding Partner in Student Success and Innovation
The Steve Sanghi College of Engineering proudly recognizes W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. as a dedicated industry partner whose longstanding support has directly empowered students and elevated hands‑on learning across our college.
For many years, GORE has invested in key student‑focused initiatives, most recently contributing over $50,000 to enhance experiential learning, student research, and engineering excellence. Their investments this past year funded high‑impact areas such as the Mechanical Engineering Machine Shop, student‑led capstone projects, the Baja and SAE Formula One teams, and career development efforts through the Elevate Leadership program.
Beyond financial contributions, GORE’s commitment to student success extends into the classroom and beyond. The company regularly sends professionals to serve as guest speakers, offering students real‑world insights and invaluable industry perspective. They also participate in every NAU Engineering career fair, provide internships, and create competitive experiences like the annual Junkyard Generator competition, where students design functional generators from discarded parts to win cash prizes.
One of GORE’s transformative contributions includes funding the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), a cutting‑edge research tool now used by engineering and science students alike.
About GORE
Founded in 1958 and guided by the brand promise “Together, improving life,” GORE is a global materials‑science enterprise driven by curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to collaboration. With over 13,000 associates worldwide, the company innovates across fabrics, medical devices, and performance solutions, solving complex technical challenges—from aerospace and lifesaving medical implants to waterproof breathable fabrics—while maintaining a flat, lattice‑based culture that empowers every employee to lead and contribute. Integrity, teamwork, and purposeful innovation are central to GORE’s values, guiding how they engage with partners and communities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Their continued generosity and active engagement underscore GORE’s role as more than a donor; they are an invested partner helping us cultivate the next generation of engineering leaders.
The Sanghi College of Engineering is grateful for GORE’s exemplary partnership and hopes their commitment will inspire other industry leaders to join us in creating powerful, real‑world learning opportunities for students.
- Mechanical Engineering (BS)