Alex (L) joins General Motor's Gary Cowger, president North America, to introduce the 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx at a press conference at the New York International Auto Show.

Alex, 16, of Brooklyn, N.Y., has an all-consuming passion for automobiles, especially those from General Motors (GM). He spends countless hours reading about them and even creates his own designs. So when the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® asked him to choose a wish, Alex's choice was no surprise. He wanted to be "CEO for a Day" of GM and to share his designs with the company's executives and designers.

Thanks to the corporation and the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources, which are ongoing sponsors of the Foundation, Alex assumed his "executive duties" earlier this year.

As smartly dressed as any Fortune 500 CEO, Alex began his day in New York. There, he joined Gary Cowger, president, General Motors North America, for a VIP tour of GM exhibits at the New York International Auto Show and participated in GM's special events surrounding the show.

GM Chairman & CEO Rick Wagoner (C) introduces Alex (R) to Richard Shoemaker, UAW Vice President, GM Division at the GM World vehicle exhibit at GM World Headquarters.

Introducing Alex at the Chevy Malibu Maxx press conference/reception as his "new boss," Cowger announced, "I like people who think big. So I've got to tell you … I really like this guy! I am an avid supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Along with the UAW-GM and our dealers, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of kids like Alex. Our sponsorship of the Foundation is something of which we can all be proud."

Alex's wish also included a trip to Detroit, where he visited GM World Headquarters and received an official employee badge and business cards proclaiming him GM's "CEO of the Day." Additionally, Alex's big day in the Motor City was enhanced with some quality, one-on-one time with Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO of GM.

"The opportunity to spend time with Alex was personally very meaningful to me," said Wagoner, who provided the teen with industry insight and career advice. "The Make-A-Wish experience is very powerful to everyone it touches."

While visiting GM's Warren Tech Center, Alex sees his original car design come to life, compliments of the GM Design team. With Alex are Thamer Hannona, creative designer; Chris Knack, creative sculptor; and Dave Hoover, creative sculptor.

Alex then took a tour of the GM World vehicle exhibit, accompanied by Richard Shoemaker, vice president and director, UAW General Motors Department. Said Shoemaker, "It is extremely rewarding to take part in helping to make dreams come true for children like Alex who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. UAW members are proud to be a part of the Make-A-Wish family, either as part of the UAW-GM team or through individual efforts in their own communities."

Later that day at the Warren Tech Center, Wayne Cherry, vice president, GM Design, hosted Alex and the GM design team for lunch. They discussed, interpreted and re-created vehicle designs in full-color, 3-D renderings and a clay model, which Alex was able to take home. The fact that he was in the company of the country's most talented car designers only heightened Alex's passion for the auto industry.

"Of all the wishes I thought about, I never believed this one could actually happen," said Alex. "But it really came true! Not only was it the thrill of my life, but it's going to help me in planning my future."

Alex admires a Cadillac prototype.

The forward-thinking teen also took full advantage of his time in Detroit to continue reviewing his college options. He finished the day with a special tour of nearby Kettering University, a school renowned for producing talented designers and engineers.

"This is an experience that I'm going to tell my children about," grinned Alex. "Who knows, I may even work for GM someday."

Added Alex's father, Bernard, "I don't know how we can ever thank the UAW and General Motors. Their generosity has meant so much to Alex and our family."