Richard Winfrey '14
My name is Richard Winfrey, a graduating senior in Mechanical Engineering from the City of Detroit. I decided to attend Wayne State back in 2007 and made this decision based on my desire to give back to the city which raised me the majority of my life. I started here in January of 2008 and never looked back once. As a student who was always hands on, I never realized that getting a college degree would be so much work. It was even harder going into such a technical field as a minority in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). With many things the university is doing to remain one of THE best schools in Michigan, I have come to appreciate and respect the quality of people that Wayne State produces. I have completed internships, co-ops, research experience, and gained a wealth of knowledge both in and out the classrooms of our “Midtown Gem”. Wanting to give back to the campus community, I became involved in several student organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated which in return helped me as well in regards to humility, character and perseverance. In that, I believe any and everyone who steps foot on this campus can gain much from being involved here. The HIGH Program supported me at a time where I had several situations occur with my family that has been unbearable at times. These issues have come over time and resulted in the reduction of the amount of help, especially financially I would receive for the rest of my years of school. I didn’t know how I would pay off my student balances and fees. With the needed assistance, I am on the brink of graduating from Wayne State University in December 2014 because of the contributions of the HIGH Program.
This program is important for the community of Wayne State University. Even though the challenges are difficult at times, it shows the people of this institution that sometimes you may struggle and need a little help. As students put their best efforts in to be great, it shouldn’t go unrecognized. With my goals currently in development, I am looking to develop a similar program for young people in the inner city as well as become an engineer. After the assistance from the HIGH Program, I am made more aware of why such tools are needed: To HELP INDIVIDUALS GO HIGHER!
You are a generous and inspiring speaker. Thanks again for sharing your talents and knowledge with us.
Sincerely,
Richard L. Winfrey
Class of 2014
B.S. of Mechanical Engineering