Lamar University and TMAC host Manufacturing Day celebration

Lamar University partnered with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) to host Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), giving high school students an inside look at the world of modern manufacturing. Held annually across the country, MFG Day showcases the advanced technologies driving today’s manufacturing industry and the diverse career opportunities it offers. 

The event took place at Lamar University’s Science and Technology building, allowing students to explore cutting-edge manufacturing technologies through hands-on activities, workshops, and demonstrations. Activities included cybersecurity, semiconductor manufacturing, CNC machining, and instrumentation, motivating volunteers to engage with the students. Students also had dedicated time to visit with representatives from various industries, further enhancing their understanding of the field.

“Lamar University offers great hands-on activities for the students,” TMAC Director of Business Operations Monica Cortez said. “They also have a wonderful engineering program and fantastic faculty. The university is strategically located in the southeast Texas, where workforce demand is very high. You can see the growth at companies in areas like Port Arthur, where the workforce is extremely needed. Lamar prepares students and gets them excited about manufacturing, and today’s event is a perfect example of that.”

TMAC, known for providing hands-on business management and technology solutions, played a key role in the event, offering students insights into the operations and strategies driving modern manufacturing businesses. From robotics to welding, bioengineering to data analysis, the event emphasized that everyone can find a place in the manufacturing sector.

"New technologies have reshaped manufacturing, creating jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago,” Cortez noted. “This event allows us to show students how these technologies connect with industries like healthcare, logistics, and government. It's crucial to introduce them to these opportunities now."

Carlos Viloria, a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering at Lamar University, shared his enthusiasm for connecting with high school students during the event. "It’s really cool to talk to students about the opportunities at Lamar. It’s affordable, and it’s right in their backyard, making it a great option for them to consider as they think about their future."

Courtland Carmouche, a junior Mechanical Engineering student and president of Lamar University’s Robotic Cardinals, expressed how rewarding it was to share what Lamar offers. "It was fun to show high school students all the opportunities available to them at Lamar," he said. "Getting involved academically and beyond has taught me professional skills and teamwork—key elements in engineering and manufacturing."

The event didn’t stop at high school outreach. In addition to the main demonstrations, Lamar University invited local Girl Scout troops to participate in STEM activities. "We’ve found that interest in STEM needs to start early—by high school, it can be too late to spark that curiosity," Cortez said. "That’s why we’re excited to welcome younger students and show them how fun and engaging engineering and manufacturing can be."

By showcasing the career paths and technical skills needed for success in the manufacturing industry, Lamar University and TMAC encouraged students to view the industry as a viable future. 

With growing demand for talent in areas like robotics, welding, bioengineering, cybersecurity, and data analysis, Lamar University stands ready to equip students with the skills they need to succeed.

See for yourself by checking out Lamar University's engineering, technology, and manufacturing programs at https://www.lamar.edu/academics/index.php.