The 2022 class of Michiana Forty under 40 includes two Notre Dame staff members: Michael Shoemaker, with iNDustry Labs, and Colleen Wilcox, with Notre Dame International.
The program, organized by the South Bend Regional Chamber, recognizes professionals, executives and leaders, under the age of 40, achieving outstanding professional success while also engaging in his/her community through charitable and civic involvement.
A 10-person committee of business professionals from the Michiana region scored and selected this year’s class based on a nomination process. The 40 honorees were chosen out of 172 nominations.
Michael Shoemaker is an associate engineer-in-residence (ENIR) at iNDustry Labs — the University’s front door to regional manufacturers seeking to become more productive and resilient in an age when smart technologies are revolutionizing how industry operates. iNDustry Labs forges connections between two of the region’s most significant economic drivers — a powerful manufacturing base and Notre Dame, a global tier-one research university — to transform the region’s economy.
Shoemaker came to iNDustry Labs with nearly a decade of experience in advanced industrial engineering that began in Ford Motor Co.’s engineering division. In his ENIR role, Shoemaker is part of a team of talented professionals who, in collaboration with faculty partners and core research facility staff, provide technical and strategic advisory services to local companies. He currently serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County.
“Michael’s commitment to the South Bend-Elkhart region is palpable in all he does,” said Scott Ford, managing director of iNDustry Labs and associate vice president for economic development at Notre Dame. “He has made an indelible imprint upon the culture and operations of iNDustry Labs through his leadership and ingenuity. Drawing upon his experiences, Michael’s insights have unlocked significant potential for local businesses and strengthened relationships between the community, University faculty, staff and students. Our team is thrilled he has been recognized for these efforts.
Shoemaker said he is honored to be among those recognized in the 2022 class of Michiana Forty under 40.
“I am humbled by this recognition, especially because I am so energized by iNDustry Labs’ mission and its growing impact on our region’s manufacturers as they prepare for a digital future,” said Shoemaker. “I am incredibly fortunate to work with a diverse set of forward-thinking industry partners and a fantastic team at iNDustry Labs that is deeply committed to these efforts.”
Shoemaker holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering with a concentration in manufacturing systems, and Master of Science in engineering management, both from the University of Michigan.
Colleen Wilcox, Notre Dame International’s content strategist, creates impactful stories that demonstrate the University’s commitment to global education, research and engagement. She develops the social media strategy across Notre Dame’s global network, managing and monitoring 30 accounts. Wilcox is passionate about raising up female voices, which led to the web series “Women Who Empower,” featuring women in Notre Dame’s global network. Recently, Wilcox collaborated with The History Museum in South Bend to bring that story to the South Bend community. “The Fabric of a Global University” is now open (through May 2023) to the public and includes a curriculum for local schools to bring the world to their classroom.
Wilcox serves the community as a board member with KidsPeace in South Bend, supporting local foster children. Her service also includes her recent participation in the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser event for the South Bend Center for the Homeless, as well as emceeing the “Chair”ish the Children fundraiser for The Casie Center.
“It’s no surprise to me that Colleen was chosen for this recognition by the Chamber of Commerce,” said Michael Pippenger, vice president and associate provost for internationalization.
“In her four years with Notre Dame International, Colleen has told the stories of the University’s work around the world with tireless enthusiasm, passion and excellence. As a longtime resident of the South Bend area and as a former news anchor, Colleen is well known in our community and gives it her all when asked — most recently as a contestant in the Center for the Homeless’ Dancing with Our Stars event. Congratulations to Colleen,” Pippenger said.
Wilcox said of receiving the award, “This recognition has encouraged me to reflect on the work that I’ve done, the work that I’m currently doing and the work that I still have to do.”
Wilcox earned her Master of Science degree in public relations and Bachelor of Art degree in telecommunications from Ball State University
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on June 07, 2022.