Empowering the next generation of tribologists
By Rebecca Lintow, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report May 2025
STLE’s NextGen Fund is reaching new heights to nurture future talent in the tribology and lubrication engineering field.
STLE continues to champion its commitment to advancing the future of the tribology and lubrication engineering field through the impact of its NextGen Fund. This initiative supports students and early career professionals by providing critical resources such as scholarships, research grants and other career development opportunities. As we celebrate our recent fundraising achievements, we are also excited to share new steps in ensuring the NextGen Fund’s sustained growth and success.
In 2024, the STLE Board of Directors embarked on an initiative to raise awareness for the NextGen Fund. To kick off our fundraising efforts, they challenged the entire STLE community to participate in a successful GivingTuesday campaign in December. This campaign not only generated substantial awareness but also raised nearly $6,000 for the fund. Consequently, that awareness has grown steadily throughout the first quarter of 2025, with contributions now exceeding $16,000. This collective achievement is a testament to the generosity and dedication of the STLE community in supporting the next generation of lubrication industry professionals. However, with a goal of raising $50,000 annually, we recognize that sustained growth necessitates strategic planning and collaboration.
To build on this momentum, STLE has established a new Development Committee specifically focused on enhancing the society’s fundraising initiatives. This committee will play a crucial role in driving awareness, strategizing campaigns and connecting with current and prospective donors to achieve our annual fundraising target. By focusing on long-term sustainability, the Development Committee will be committed to ensuring that the STLE NextGen Fund’s impact will continue to grow. Karl Phipps, STLE community engagement manager, is spearheading the efforts.
In addition to the formation of this committee, STLE has organized two exciting events during the 2025 STLE Annual Meeting, May 18-22 in Atlanta, Ga., designed to further bolster the NextGen Fund:
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Donor Appreciation Reception. To express our sincere gratitude to our generous supporters, STLE is hosting a special evening reception during the STLE Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 20. This invitation-only event will serve as an opportunity to celebrate our donors who have contributed $300 or more and for them to engage with this year’s STLE scholarship and Early Career Award recipients, who have financially benefited from STLE’s philanthropic endeavors.
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STLE Fun Run/Walk. Join us on Wednesday morning, May 21 (6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.) and connect with fellow attendees while getting some exercise to start the day. The inaugural STLE Fun Run/Walk event will kick off at the front entrance of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The registration fee is $25, and participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. All proceeds from the event will go to the NextGen Fund. Spots are still available, so sign up today at
www.stle.org/annualmeeting, or you can sign up during the meeting at onsite registration. Additionally, there will be an information area at the STLE membership booth in Atlanta where you can learn more about the NextGen Fund and available donation opportunities.
The STLE NextGen Fund continues to pave the way for a vibrant and engaged future, where young professionals are equipped with the tools, knowledge and opportunities to succeed. By supporting the NextGen Fund, you can play an essential role in creating a thriving community of innovators and leaders in the tribology and lubrication engineering field.
Your contributions, whether through donations, participation in events or advocacy for the NextGen Fund, directly shape the industry’s future. For more information and to donate, visit www.stle.org/donate or contact Karl Phipps at
kphipps@stle.org.
Let’s make 2025 a year to remember—one filled with continued milestones, opportunities and progress for the STLE NextGen Fund.
You can reach Certified Association Executive Rebecca Lintow at rlintow@stle.org.