Fourth of July

Students presented the analysis phase of their projects before we went to Berlin and the improve phase earlier this week.  They have a much better handle on the problems they are solving and how to follow the DMAIC process to find solutions.  Team JOPP developed both a visual breakdown of an actuator that can be included in a reference binder and the framework of a digital representation of an actuator using an Access database.  Team ZF used a multiple attribute decision analysis tool to help the company come to a decision on whether or not to embrace new air damping technology for making shock absorbers.  I am pleased with their work.

Last evening in front of the Schweinfurt City Hall the mayor of the city and the study abroad program held a Fourth of July party for everyone involved in the program–the AU students, their friends from the local university, professors and administrators from the local university, company representatives, the mayor, and the Auburn faculty.  It was a resounding success!  We had a German folk music band, local beer and wine and hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken on a stick and other sandwiches.

First, the Schweinfurt City Hall is beautiful.  Our event was in the huge cobblestoned plaza underneath some trees.  The weather could not have been better–sunny, breezy and in the high seventies.  While the mayor and friends were setting up with American flags all around, several of the older citizens commented on how much they miss the American presence in the area and how glad they are to see the celebration.  We had an amazing band (friends of the mayor’s son) that played all genres of music with a German folk twist.  Everyone loved them.We were treated to Roth bier–they have a microbrewery in town; wine from Wurzburg, the wine capital of Germany; soft drinks and mineral water.

The mayor gave a short speech about the beautiful words in the Declaration of Independence and how much that document means to the world and, for obvious reasons, Germany.

It was one of the best Fourth of July celebrations I can remember and it was planned by Germans.  I may have to work on hot dogs the Schweinfurt way!