If there’s one word that resonates in the more than six-decade career of College of Engineering Distinguished Professor Emeritus Albert King, it would be impact. He received his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Wayne State in the 1960s and became one of the automotive industry’s leading researchers on auto impact injury. He is currently spending his retirement exploring blast impact on soldiers returning from conflicts in the Middle East.

Among Albert's many awards and honors is membership in the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. He has impacted the lives of many undergraduate and graduate students as an educator and mentor, including 29 Ph.D. students who have gone on to successful careers in the automotive industry, government and education. As its first chair, Albert helped shape the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

The university has previously created a scholarship in biomedical engineering in his name. Currently, it is raising funds for the Dr. Albert King Endowed Professorship to enable Wayne State to remain the home of the very best research and education in this field.

“Well, if you get your degree here or were employed here, you should support your alma mater,” Albert says. “No question.”

To ensure his namesake professorship has resources and attracts the best candidates, Albert has established three charitable gift annuities that will partially fund this professorship.

“I thought this would be a great opportunity for the college,” Albert says. “Many faculty members are getting ready to retire, and the endowed professorship should help attract outstanding faculty.”

A planned gift to Wayne State can help you achieve your charitable goals. Contact the Office of Planned Giving at PlannedGifts@wayne.edu or (313) 577-6481 to learn more about gifts that benefit you and the university.