“We are very proud and excited to be here,” said Carlos Calleros, industrial engineering student of the Institute Technologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). “I will bring this education back to our country to help with its development.” Calleros is studying at the Ira A. Fulton School of Enginneering this semester to become a technical leader knowledgeable about global culture and communication issues. “The aerospace industry has just taken off in Monterrey,” he said. “It is very important that people like us come here to learn new ideas in order to prepare ourselves better.”

Through the support of an US AID grant, the Fulton School of Engineering and Tec de Monterrey have launched a pioneering Master of Science program focusing on the logistics of developing the technical human resources needed to consolidate the emerging aerospace supplies base in Mexico and improving the global competitiveness of the North American aerospace industry.

The program involves cultural exchange and global experience for both students and faculty as well as student interaction with industry sponsors. Calleros, along with 20 of his class mates from ITESM and 21 ASU students, won scholarships to participate as members of bi-national teams, addressing bi- national supply chain issues.

The program will be beneficial for both economies as the United States and Mexico continue to build their industrial relationships in an increasingly interdependent world. “We depend on Mexico and Mexico depends on us,” said Mark Henderson, ASU industrial engineering professor. “We can establish both of our strengths and solve problems from an international perspective.”

ASU Industrial Engineering Professor, Rene Villalobos was highly instrumental in setting up the new program and sang ITESM's praises for having an ordered educational system. “The Mexican education system is more structured than the US …more technical,” he said.

Such global engagement falls in line with President Crow's objectives for ASU as the new American university. This program is positioned to grow over the coming years with increased collaboration from Mexican universities.

With the first semester just getting under way, Professor Gary Hogg, chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering said, “We are delighted to have the students and we welcome them like family." He added “What a great opportunity for both sides of the border."