CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Jerry Thiel, director of the University of Northern Iowa’s Foundry 4.0 Center, is the 2023 recipient of the Thomas E. Barlow Award of Honor from the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA). 

Thiel was recognized with this honor during the 2023 National Technical & Operating Conference in Chicago. The Barlow Award is one of SFSA’s three top honors and aims to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond the call to support the steel casting industry but are not eligible (an employee of a member company) for SFSA’s other awards.

“This industry is very special because of the cooperation and collaboration of its members,” said Thiel. “There is no greater honor than to be recognized by a group of your peers. I hope the future members of the industry recognize the value of quality people within the industry. ”

The University of Northern Iowa Metal Casting and Foundry 4.0 Centers are nationally-recognized leaders in foundry research, applied technology and technical business assistance. For more than 30 years, the centers have pushed the boundaries on education and research to enhance the metal casting industry. 

“Jerry has dedicated his entire career to supporting the casting industry,” said Randy Pilkington, executive director of UNI’s Business & Community Services. “This recognition is a testament to his contributions and innovations in the foundry industry.”

For more information about the UNI Metal Casting and Foundry 4.0 Centers, visit https://mcc.uni.edu.