Lehigh ISE Spencer C. Schantz Distinguished Lecture
Speaker: Emory W. Zimmers, Director of Enterprise Systems Center
Lecture Title: Evolving Role of the Enterprise Systems Center
Date & Time: Thursday, April 24, 2025, 4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Mohler Laboratory Room 453, 200 West Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA
Abstract:
The presentation will generally follow a timeline based on the history of the Enterprise System Center. Selected events will be presented such as the first establishment of the Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAM) laboratory in Packard Lab, as well as the early years in Mohler Lab with the Computer-integrated Manufacturing (CIM) lab and the University-wide CAD/CAM program. In the current operating model, the ESC mission has evolved to include strong support of student experiential learning as well as providing measurable value to industry while staying at the forefront of the ISE field. Successful program efforts, in which the Enterprise Systems Center participated and including those sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Ben Franklin Technology Program, and PA Infrastructure Technology Program, will also be presented. The presentation will include a future program currently under development to utilize AI-enabled search technologies to facilitate alumni and student access to non-proprietary reports, covering in many cases, the analysis, design, and implementation of system improvements for a wide range of manufacturing and service sector businesses. This will be drawn from our work done on more than 1,300 projects with over 475 partner companies. Finally, some of the alumni and associated personnel who support the growth and success of the Center will be recognized along with their contributions.
Bio:
Dr. Emory W. Zimmers, Jr. is a Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and Director of the Enterprise Systems Center (ESC) at Lehigh University. He holds four degrees from Lehigh University: BSIE, BSME, MSIE, and PhD. He spent several years as a corporate level industry consultant before embarking on his academic career. He has developed and taught courses in industrial systems, leadership, and is responsible for the industry-based senior capstone course emphasizing experiential learning. During his time as Director the Center he has been responsible for more than 1,300 projects with over 475 partner companies across industrial, governmental, and service sectors. Over 4,400 students have worked with the Enterprise Systems Center. Dr. Zimmers previously served as Deputy Director of the Iacocca Institute and co-authored the textbook "CAD/CAM: Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing". His formal recognition includes Lehigh University's Robinson Award for service, the 2011 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, and the 2018 Student Club/Organization Advisor of the Year Award for his work with the National Society of Leadership and Success. He is a Fellow of both the Institute of Industrial Engineers and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. In addition, he supports alumni events in a variety of ways such as Faculty Advisor for Lehigh’s Delta Chi Fraternity, the developing of methods for alumni participation in Center planning and activities, and most recently addressing the Lehigh Class of 1974 at their 50th reunion.
Spencer C. Schantz Distinguished Lecture Series: This lecture series is endowed in the name of the late Spencer C. Schantz, who graduated from Lehigh in 1955 with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. Following progressive responsibilities with several electrical manufacturing companies, in 1969 he founded U.S. Controls Corporation and became its first CEO and President. The Spencer C. Schantz Distinguished Lecture Series was established by his wife Jerelyn as a valuable educational experience for faculty, students, and friends of Lehigh’s Industrial and Systems Engineering department.