After more than 35 years in manufacturing, including nearly 20 years at Hemlock Semiconductor, Andy Ault has announced his retirement. For the Hemlock Public School District, Andy’s retirement is more than the close of a remarkable professional chapter. It is a moment to recognize a leader, a believer, a community champion, and one of the people who helped turn a dream into something real for students.
Andy has been described as a steady and trusted leader at Hemlock Semiconductor, helping guide safe, high-quality, and efficient manufacturing operations through years of growth, change, and expansion. He joined HSC in 2006 after his time with Dow Corning and has served as a key leader in one of the most important manufacturing organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
But in Hemlock, Andy’s legacy reaches beyond manufacturing.
In the early days of what would become the Lockwood STEM Center, the idea was still fragile. Tom and Dana Lockwood believed in it. Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck believed in it. A small group of dreamers believed that a small-town school district could build something that would give students access to world-class STEM learning, robotics, engineering, problem-solving, and hands-on opportunities.
At the time, some people saw a junkyard. Others saw a pipe dream.
Andy Ault saw a possibility.
When Hemlock Semiconductor committed $100,000 to the STEM Center project, it changed everything. That gift matched what had already been raised and moved the district to nearly half of what was needed to begin construction. More than the money, it gave the project credibility, momentum, and oxygen. It told others that this was not just a nice idea. This was something worth believing in.
“Andy believed before it was obvious,” said Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck. “He did not wait until the dream was polished, safe, and easy to support. He stepped in when it still looked risky. He trusted the people, he trusted the vision, and he helped tip the scales. That kind of leadership changes lives.”
That first investment, followed later by additional support, helped launch a facility and a movement now valued at more than $3 million in impact. In just a few short years, the Lockwood STEM Center has served hundreds, if not thousands, of students through robotics, engineering, coding, design, manufacturing connections, camps, partnerships, and real-world learning opportunities.
What started as a spark has become a fire.
“Andy was one of the key people who helped provide the air for that fire to burn bigger and brighter,” Killingbeck said. “Dreams become realities when people are willing to believe, write the check, and watch what happens. Changed lives change schools. Changed schools, changed communities. Changed communities change regions.”
Andy’s community involvement has also included service with the Saginaw Community Foundation, active involvement in his church, and volunteer work throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. His professional career has been marked by leadership and results, but his community impact has been marked by generosity, trust, and action.
Hemlock Public School District extends its deepest gratitude to Andy Ault for his leadership, belief, partnership, and investment in students.
He may be headed for greener pastures, but this workhorse leaves behind a trail worth following.
Be more like Andy. Believe early. Trust deeply. Invest boldly. Then watch what happens.
All the best to Andy Ault in retirement.