Oakland University - News Archive - Courech engineering scholarship established to honor lifetime accomplishments

By the time Raymond Courech graduated in 1979 with a degree from the School of Engineering and Computer Science, he had completed a tour of duty in Vietnam, contributed to construction plans at Upland Hills School in Oxford, Mich., and become the first member of his family to graduate from college. To honor his lifetime accomplishments in engineering, dedication to U.S. soldiers, and deep respect for his Oakland education, Raymond’s family and friends have created the Raymond G. Courech Endowed Scholarship for undergraduate engineering students.

Raymond Courech was a mechanical engineer and a lifelong student of his craft. After attending an OU job fair, Ray, as he was called by family and friends, was employed by Boeing, where he designed ailerons (part of an airplane wing) for commercial aircraft before transferring to the defense, space and security division. Ray’s career next took him to Lockheed Martin, and finally to the U.S. Army Program Executive Office of Simulation, where he provided the latest technological advancements in U.S. Army training to soldiers all over the world.

Ray’s passion for engineering infused all aspects of his life, and he attributed a lot of his success both personally and professionally to the education he received at OU. “His education at Oakland University not only assisted him in gaining meaningful employment, but also granted him the ability to appreciate and explore other areas of life he was interested in on a deeper level,” says Raymond’s son, Ryan Courech. “His mindset had a trickle-down effect, and ultimately affected my decision to go to college and continue my education in a variety of ways.” The Raymond Courech Scholarship helps OU engineering students pursue their education with the help of an endowed scholarship.

“This scholarship is a gracious way to leave a living memory of a wonderful OU alumnus, while supporting our engineering students in their pursuit of academic achievement,” says Louay Chamra, dean, School of Engineering and Computer Science.

“I think my dad would be happy to know that he is helping students at OU by giving them additional flexibility and freedom to create a better life for themselves, their family and hopefully society as a whole,” says Ryan Courech. “He was a devoted alumnus and was happy to give back to his alma mater. You would often see him wearing an Oakland University hat, T-shirt or sweatshirt around town in central Florida.”