Imundo named CASA Alumnus of the Year

Imundo named CASA Alumnus of the Year

March 26, 2018

Fred Imundo recalls that SIU Carbondale’s nationally recognized automotive technology program quickly became the obvious choice when he and his high school counselor at Proviso East High School discussed his career ambitions within the industry.

Imundo, a senior regulatory compliance analyst with Navistar International Corp., hasn’t forgotten the program that paved his way toward success.

Imundo’s contributions to the college and the automotive technology program are key behind his selection as the college’s 2017-2018 Distinguished Alumni. Imundo will be recognized for his contributions at Honors Day ceremonies on April 14.  The annual award started in 1987.

Honored by the nomination, award

Imundo, who lives in DeKalb, said it is an honor just being nominated. The important factor is, with the help of other SIU alumni at Navistar, he is able to help prepare the next generation of students, he said.

“When I attended SIU I didn’t just receive an education and earn a degree. I was given a gift … of being able to effectively compete in my profession at every level,” he said. “This was made possible by previous graduates who became industry leaders and have given back to the university.”

Strong belief in the program and STEM education

“Because of the success I have enjoyed in my career and because Navistar and I share the same philosophy of supporting STEM education, it’s important to be able to give back to the program in a way that helps to reinforce the student’s passions and career aspirations,” Imundo said.

Imundo earned his associate’s degree in automotive technology in December 1979 and his bachelor’s degree in technical careers in May 1982.

He is father of two grown children. His daughter, Sabrina, earned a bachelor’s degree in Art from SIU Carbondale in spring 2015. His son, Fred, has a degree in diesel technology and emissions from Laramie County Community College in Wyoming and is working in that field.

Started with Navistar in 2005

After graduating from SIU, Imundo worked in car dealerships as a service adviser and later as a service manager. He later became a diesel and truck technician before working for Navistar in 2005.

He began at Navistar on a contract basis as a project manager, developing dealer technician training and has been an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master medium/heavy truck technician since 2006.

Imundo was hired by Navistar in 2008 as a warranty specialist adjudicating warranty claims, and started in his present position in January 2012. Imundo is in a specialized group that works cross functionally and looks at emerging issues.

“If the concern is safety related, our team leads the investigation that may result in a safety recall, coordinates the remedy and campaign development until its release,” he said. “Our group is also responsible for Navistar meeting its regulatory reporting requirements to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.”

Program allows students to be successful

Imundo said automotive technology’s structure is unique and that it allows students the opportunity to develop skill sets that allows them to be successful.

“Because of the technological field in which we work and as the technology of the new engines and systems continue to evolve, these skill sets will put you in a position to continue to progress and stay competitive,” he said.

Helped pave the way for advanced training

Imundo worked “tirelessly” with the automotive department to develop a curriculum with training materials and other resources for advanced diesel fuels and emissions controls and commercial trucks training, Mike Behrmann, chair of the Department of Automotive Technology, wrote in his nomination letter.

“This work resulted in the addition of new courses and curriculum in the program and a better trained graduate for the industry,” Behrmann wrote. Imundo’s efforts have also brought support from other commercial truck-related corporations.

Developed corporate donation program

In 2015, Imundo worked on his own time to develop a donation program for Navistar. Since then, the company has donated more than $1 million in trucks, engines and vehicle components to SIU’s program, Behrmann wrote.

In addition, other corporations are now recruiting students, donating items and providing financial support to the program, Behrmann wrote.

Imundo’s “drive and passion for SIU and our industry is evident,” Behrmann wrote.

Imundo also serves on the program’s National Automotive Technology Advisory Board.

“He is one who always keeps searching for new opportunities and ways to develop further support for SIU and its students,” Behrmann wrote. “He dedicates numerous days per year to travel to SIU and supports the college and university at various events. He is a tireless supporter of SIU.”