Keith Fong

A Master of Innovation and Continuous Improvement Methodologies in the Powertrain Systems Division at Delphi Corporation, UTEP Engineering alumnus Keith Fong works with engineers and other professional staff to solve problems, prevent problems, and teach the problem solving and problem prevention process.

A UTEP Engineering advocate, Keith credits his success to his UTEP Engineering education and his experiences outside of the classroom.

“I think I was well prepared technically and professionally. Technical preparation is self-explanatory, but the professional preparation has proved to be more important. In professional development, I include maintenance and defense of high professional standards, openness to others, adaptability, resourcefulness and self assurance – things you mostly learn and develop outside of the classroom.”

As a UTEP student, Keith participated in a variety of organizations that gave him the edge he needed.

He started out in Freshman Leadership Development and was in the Student Programs Office where he participated in the Lyceum Committee (speakers committee). He co-founded the Society of Automotive Engineers and served as chapter president in 1987-1988. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and was inducted into Pi Tau Sigma, the Mechanical Engineering Honor Society, as well as Tau Beta Pi.

“I learned a lot from the activities at UTEP. I found that I enjoyed organizing activities and had talent for it.”

His greatest learning outside the classroom, however, came from co-oping with the Saginaw Division of General Motors Corporation, where he continued to co-op for 3 years.

“Co-oping was amazing fulfilling. I loved being in the engineering environment and got to work in many different areas: manufacturing, product design, winter and summer field testing and lab testing. All of my engineering classes had a relevance and joy after my co-op experience that they couldn’t have had before I got to experience engineering directly.”

His experiences at UTEP have led him to become an advocate for the College of Engineering, for the success of students and for the importance of alumni giving back to the college.

“Giving back to the College is critically important. Who knows more about the challenges a student at UTEP faces than the alumni? We can help the students who follow us to achieve success. The success of other alumni is our success. The reputation of a UTEP Engineering degree is built upon the success of all of us, not just one or two.”