AVL Names Dan and Robin Nicholson as Winners of 11th Annual Gordon Millar Award

PLYMOUTH, Mich., May 24, 2023 – Dan and Robin Nicholson have been named winners of the 11^th annual SAE Foundation Gordon Millar Award. The award, funded by AVL, is given in special recognition of an individual or organization that best demonstrates continuous philanthropic support of the SAE Foundation Mission to encourage and increase student participation and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“By supporting students today, we further the intersection of technology and art, which drives innovation for the world of tomorrow,” said Don Manvel, Chairman, AVL Americas. “Dan and Robin Nicholson have demonstrated their unwavering support for the SAE Foundation and upheld its mission to provide students across the country with equitable and engaging STEM experiences.”

Further, Dan Nicholson has dedicated his time over the past ten years as an SAE Foundation Committee and Trustee, serving as the Chairperson for six years. During that time, he has provided guidance and leadership, serving on several committees, leading by example, providing consistent philanthropic support, and constantly advocating for the SAE Foundation’s mission.

“Robin and I are incredibly honored to receive this award.  We believe that inspiring STEM careers is important to making the world a better place,” said Dan Nicholson, Vice President of Strategic Technology Initiatives at General Motors. “We want those opportunities available to everyone and think that the SAE Foundation and A World in Motion (AWIM) are great mechanisms for achieving that future.  We want to thank AVL and we hope to honor the memory of Gordan Millar with our ongoing service.”

Gordon Millar joined SAE International in 1949. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1975 and, in 1984 served as SAE President, the same year that he concluded a noteworthy career at John Deere. He was a noted author and a consultant to the Southwest Research Institute, as well as a recognized expert in the history and restoration of classic marine engines. Millar was a lifetime advocate for improving STEM education and encouraging women to seek engineering careers.”