The Henes Chair was established in January 2002, through the generosity of Richard and Elizabeth Henes of Phoenix, Arizona. Richard, a native of Menominee, received his BSME degree from MTU in 1948. He went on to found Henes Stamping, Inc. He also served as President of Henes Products Company and Henes Manufacturing Company. Elizabeth hails from Peshtigo, Wisconsin. The professorship provides support for various academic initiatives.