DAYTON DAILY NEWS                   Copyright (c) 1994, Dayton Newspapers Inc.DATE: Friday, September 30, 1994             TAG: 9409300109EDITION: CITY           SECTION: METRO/STATE PAGE: 2B SOURCE: By Carol Hernandez DAYTON DAILY NEWS             VIRGINIA KETTERING GETS MICHIGAN SCHOOL DOCTORATE    Local philanthropist Virginia Kettering was awarded an honorary doctorate from GMI Engineering & Management Institute - a Michigan college that her father-in-law, Charles Kettering, was affiliated with.   The ceremony Thursday at the Engineers Club of Dayton was an intimate affair as Mrs. Kettering was surrounded by about 100 guests, including alumni of GMI, an independent five-year college of engineering and management in Flint, Mich., and several of Kettering's family members and admirers.    "I'm numb," the newly named doctor said. "I don't know yet how I feel."    College officials said they picked Mrs. Kettering to receive a doctorate ofhumane letters because of her business leadership and community activism. Charles Kettering, who is known for inventing the automobile self-starter, attended GMI, said John Colling, a spokesman for the college.   After her degree was presented, she received a standing ovation.    Mrs. Kettering said she was overwhelmed by all the attention.   She has made a life's career out of donating time and money to further educational causes. Earlier this month, the Kettering family donated $4 million to expand the Dayton Art Institute.   Mrs. Kettering said serving her community provides a sense of accomplishment.    "There is always something or someone in need. That's what makes things grow. And if you stop growing, you might as well dig your grave."