Mark Gauthier

Mark Gauthier graduated from Michigan Tech in 1985 with his BS in Mechanical Engineering. When asked why he chose to attend Michigan Tech, he responded, “Where else would you go for a mechanical engineering degree? Seriously!” 

Gauthier began his career at SDRC in Farmington Hills, Michigan. His plan was to eventually work at his father’s company (Donald Engineering), but he wanted to gain real world experience before making the choice official. In 1988, he returned to Grand Rapids to work alongside his father on automation and fluid power projects at Donald Engineering. He became president of the company in 1996 and during his tenure, the company grew into a respected provider of automation solutions across the Midwest. While he officially joined the company in 1988, he had already worked  with his dad all through middle school, high school, and college.

“Michigan Tech taught me how to educate myself and exposed me to so many different aspects of professional life,” he shared. “It taught me how to be more independent and responsible for myself.” 

After Gauthier’s father passed, his mother wanted to start a scholarship for students to attend Michigan Tech through the Grand Haven Community Foundation—which strengthened his relationship with the University. It gave him the opportunity to support and make connections with students as they went through their Michigan Tech journeys and beyond. 

As his relationship with the University grew, Gauthier recognized the critical need to merge the disciplines of electrical and mechanical engineering. His vision and philanthropic commitment led to the establishment of the mechatronics program at Michigan Tech, culminating in the Donald Engineering Mechatronics Playground—a state-of-the-art laboratory that provides essential equipment for students to gain hands-on experience in automation, programming, and robotics. 

Gauthier is instrumental on the Mechatronics Industrial Advisory Board. In addition to funding scholarships for students, Gauthier facilitates partnerships with industry leaders, mentors senior design and capstone teams, and delivers hands-on, real-world insight that brings classroom learning to life. He was inducted into the Michigan Tech College of Computing Honor Academy in 2025. 

“Tech students have a responsibility in the world and that is to lead and to teach,” he shared. “Just about anyone can go to other universities around the state… but only a few can handle the call to Tech.”

In addition to his work with the University, Gauthier works with the Grand Haven Community Foundation, his local Chamber of Commerce, and an organization called Lakeshore Advantage—where he is working to put on a “West Michigan Day” at Tech to recruit students and promote the benefits of living in western Michigan after graduation.

In recognition of his humility, generosity, and philanthropic spirit, Gauthier will receive the Outstanding Service Alumni Award during Alumni Reunion in August 2026.

Updated June 2026