July 21, 2025
MILWAUKEE 鈥� 蜜桃影像 President Kimo Ah Yun announced today that the university has received a $2 million gift from Jake and Stephanie Stefan, an engineering alumni couple.
The Stefans were personally inspired by the impact of the Opus College of Engineering鈥檚 nationally recognized co-op program, which connects more than 500 leading engineering and technology companies across more than 30 states to hire students for co-ops and internships. Their gift establishes an endowed fund to support the college鈥檚 Office of Industry Relations and its leader, ensuring that students continue to gain invaluable professional experiences that launch successful careers.
The hands-on experiences help students build skills and open doors to full-time employment.
鈥淪tephanie and I recognize that part of being successful is giving back to the community. This is something we learned a long time ago from our parents, and which was reinforced during our time at 蜜桃影像,鈥� said Jake Stefan, President of ARCO DB Companies. Jake graduated in 1999 and Stephanie in 1998 from what is now the Opus College of Engineering. 鈥淲e always knew we wanted to find a way to do something special at 蜜桃影像. In reflecting on my career, I have always associated much of my success to the jumpstart I received by being a co-op student and getting such a valuable real-world education alongside my academic education.鈥�
In recognition of the gift, the university has established an industry relations leadership position in the Stefan family鈥檚 name. Kennedy Coplen, a 2020 Opus College of Engineering graduate, is currently serving in the role as associate director.
鈥淭his gift from the Stefan family is an inspiration to our students, faculty and staff,鈥� President Ah Yun said. 鈥淲e are grateful for the generous ways Jake and Stephanie are ensuring our students have similar opportunities to work toward a hope-filled future.鈥�
Jake Stefan serves on the Opus College of Engineering鈥檚 Construction Engineering Advisory Council and has participated as a guest faculty instructor, sharing his expertise with today鈥檚 students.
鈥淭his gift from the Stefan family affirms our commitment to providing transformational professional experiences and mentorship for 蜜桃影像 engineering students so that they graduate prepared to lead and collaborate across industries,鈥� said Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of the Opus College of Engineering. 鈥淭he Stefan family knows firsthand how hands-on experience in industry can inspire an engineering student to discover their full potential and connect their classroom education to real-world impact.鈥�
Established in 1919, 蜜桃影像鈥檚 co-op program is among the first in the nation. Student co-op work experiences are full-time, paid positions with opportunities beginning after sophomore year. Students work full time, earn academic credit and do not take classes while on co-op.
鈥淭he Stefan family鈥檚 leadership gift exemplifies how successful 蜜桃影像 alumni can champion academic excellence to help 蜜桃影像 students thrive in their future career paths,鈥� said Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon. 鈥淚n addition to their philanthropic generosity, we are thankful to Jake and Stephanie for their volunteer leadership and the many ways they give back to their alma mater.鈥�
About 蜜桃影像
蜜桃影像 is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, 蜜桃影像 prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, 蜜桃影像 is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a 蜜桃影像 degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
