GameAbove and Eastern Michigan University today announced the five-year anniversary of the philanthropic investment that established the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology (GACET), highlighting growth in academic programs, national rankings, infrastructure and workforce impact.

In 2021, GameAbove made a $5 million-plus naming gift — the first named college on EMU’s campus — that has since helped transform it into a nationally recognized, industry-aligned institution preparing students for high-demand careers. Today, GameAbove’s total contributions to EMU’s College of Engineering and Technology exceed $8 million, supporting initiatives including scholarships.

“The impact of this partnership with Eastern Michigan University has exceeded even our highest expectations,” said Chao Sun, vice president of investments and giving at GameAbove. “From expanding academic programs to strengthening industry connections and increasing access to opportunity, the College of Engineering and Technology is a model for how strategic investment in education can drive real, measurable outcomes.”

Since 2021, the college has grown to 13 accredited offerings, including mechanical and electrical and computer engineering, as well as cybersecurity and IT, earning new and renewed accreditations across engineering, aviation and technology.

GACET’s engineering programs are ranked No. 60 nationally in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings, marking the highest placement in program history among institutions that do not offer doctoral degrees in the field. Among 291 eligible programs nationwide, Eastern is the top-ranked public university in Michigan in this category.

Enrollment has grown to represent 18% of EMU’s student population, up from 9% in 2016, making GACET the university’s third-largest college.

“GameAbove’s partnership has been instrumental in accelerating our growth and elevating our national profile,” said Mohamad Qatu, dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. “Their support has enabled us to expand high-demand programs, invest in state-of-the-art facilities and align our academic offerings with industry needs. Together, we have built a college that is not only competitive nationally, but deeply connected to the workforce and communities we serve.”

Eastern Michigan University President-elect Dr. Brendan Kelly said, “As I step into this role, I am inspired by the extraordinary momentum created through the partnership between Eastern Michigan University and GameAbove. The impact of their generosity is visible across the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology — from cutting-edge labs to nationally ranked programs to the life-changing opportunities our students experience every day. Their commitment has elevated EMU’s standing and accelerates our ability to serve the region and the industries that rely on a highly skilled workforce.”

GACET has also committed to complete two renovation phases totaling $84 million to modernize the Sill and Roosevelt buildings, and develop advanced labs in robotics, cybersecurity, VR, vehicle dynamics and drone technology, many built with industry and government partners.

The college has helped raise more than $100 million for growth and infrastructure, and secured key grants, including a $1.62 million cybersecurity grant supported by GameAbove and a $1 million award from both the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Roush.

Industry partnerships with Ford, Toyota, General Motors, Roush and Gulfstream have expanded internship and job placement opportunities, with more than 180 industry leaders now serving on college advisory boards.

In access and inclusion, GACET leads Michigan peer institutions in the percentage of African American students enrolled in and graduating from engineering and technology programs. Programs such as Digital Divas and the Girls in Engineering Academy reach hundreds of K-12 students annually through STEM-focused programming.

Strategic enrollment planning and international partnerships have generated more than $5 million in revenue.

Both organizations reflected on the impact of the past five years, highlighting a shared commitment to growth, innovation and workforce development.

“This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, partnership and purpose align,” Sun said.