Coatings World - March 2016

our faculty has helped to fuel a
number of innovations in ma-
terials research across the Case
Western Reserve campus, and
we are delighted that this commitment
will build on our productive partner-
ship,” said Stuart Rowan, director of the
institute and Kent Hale Smith Professor
of Engineering at Case Western Reserve.
“We are excited for the potential of our
continued collaboration and the vision,
not only to advance coatings technolo-
gies, but also make a positive impact on
our region’s economy.”
Founded in 2010, IAM aims to en-
hance and energize Ohio’s industrial
base and manufacturing capability by
leveraging a broad range of materials as
a foundation for innovations in multiple
technology sectors.

The institute provides an interdisciplinary research approach at Case Western Reserve, serving as an engine to advance new materials research and enhance the region’s economic viability.

“We deeply appreciate Sherwin-
Williams’ long engagement with our
university and more recent involve-
ment with our Institute for Advanced
Materials,” said W.A. “Bud” Baeslack III,
Case Western Reserve’s provost and ex-
ecutive vice president. “The institute has
catalyzed impressive partnerships within
Case Western Reserve, and this new com-
mitment will foster even more collabora-
tion between our organizations. We are
very grateful.”
The two institutions, whose roots
each date to the 1800s, have partnered
on various endeavors since Sherwin-
Williams opened its first chemistry re-
search lab 75 years ago on what is now
the Case Western Reserve campus. The
global coatings company previously has
invested in research through IAM, has
routinely sponsored university events and
has participated in executive education
programs at CWRU.

The company and university share a
history in other areas as well. The son of
one of the firm’s co-founders served as a
trustee at Adelbert College and Cleveland
College, both of which became part of
what is now Case Western Reserve. And
several Case Western Reserve gradu-
ates have served in executive positions
at Sherwin-Williams, including former
Chief Executive Officers Walter Spencer
and Jack Breen and several vice presi-
dents. More than 70 CWRU alumni cur-
rently work for Sherwin-Williams.

“Our industry-leading R&D team and Innovation Excellence culture are the fuels that drive Sherwin-Williams to create the best products for our customers,” said Diana Strongosky, senior vice president of R&D Global Supply Chain and director of the Breen Technology Center. “Our continued success and growth depends on a robust innovation pipeline. Long-term productive partnerships, like the one we have with CWRU, are critical to developing best-in-class technology and the next generation of research scientists who will pioneer continuous innovations, which