​Hannemann Leadership and Service Award

Honoring James W. Hannemann Ph.D. (1937 – 2001)

Working behind the scenes, Dr. Hannemann volunteered his time and talents tirelessly for fifteen years helping the Robotic Competition grow, expand and develop into the competition it is today. From its humble beginnings in 1986, with two work cell and two pick and place competitions, the current competition offers contests for elementary to post-secondary students in a wide range of categories.

Dr. Hannemann obtained his BS degree in Agricultural Education from South Dakota State University, an MS in Agriculture from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Secondary Curriculum from Michigan State University. He worked as a Vocational Education Consultant for Oakland Intermediate School District (Michigan) from 1968 to 2000 when he retired. Dr. Hannemann served many schools, teachers and students and he loved his work. He took joy in experience and discovery – of places, foods, music, ideas and most importantly, people. He was an active member of the FFA, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Automotive Industry Planning Council, VPAC, and ACTE. In 1999 he received the Presidents Award for outstanding service to ACTE.

In recognition of Dr. Hannemann’s years of service to the RI/SME Student Robotic Competition, now the National Robotics Challenge, and to the thousands of students he touched, the National Robotics Challenge has established the Dr. James Hannemann Leadership and Service Award. This award is given annually at the National Robotics Challenge awards ceremony by the directors of the National Robotics Challenge.