Fall 2007 - Case Alumni Association

fall 2007 • vol. 19 • no. 3
Reunion 2007
in this issue:
Reunion 2007
Special Section
New Leadership Welcome
My Favorite Faculty
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear fellow alumni/ae:
I want to thank our members for electing me for the second time. I promise I won’t let you
down. Much has happened since my first term as President in 1990-91, but we are again on
course and moving forward thanks to the efforts of Al Gordon ’42 and Interim President of
CWRU, Greg Eastwood.
As we begin the new fiscal year, we are continuing to build positive relationships with the
University. On August 7th, the Executive Committee of the Case Alumni Association met with
new Case Western Reserve University President, Barbara Snyder, for an informal breakfast where
I presented our goals and objectives for the year. Her comments were most encouraging, and we
believe the relationships will continue to grow.
Our objectives this year will concentrate on Case Clubs, strategic planning, annual Case Fund®
giving, major gifts and student programs. Our new Dean, Norman Tien, has asked us to establish
programs that will enhance and expand alumni activities and enlarge our annual Case Fund to
support the priorities of the school. Also he has asked us to cooperate with Case School of
Engineering in a joint effort to increase the number of qualified students attending CSE. To
assist in accomplishing these goals, CSE will organize a group of faculty that can serve as CSE
ambassadors, offering presentations at various events including Case Clubs. We believe our
goals are well aligned with those of the Dean.
I believe the Case Fund needs to reach an annual rate of giving of $2 million over the next five
years to effectively impact the Case School of Engineering. This can only be achieved by your
increased participation in both numbers and dollars. Please be positive in your response. We
are presently at $1.16 million, therefore we have much to accomplish. Like all similar organizations, we also incur operations expenses for office, staff, Case Alumnus magazine, reunions and
student programs, etc. If we can increase our giving participation rate to 35% (up from 18%),
we would meet our goals (and help us move up in national rankings)!
Case is a school with great heritage. From the beginning, Case alumni gave back to their college.
Many of you have participated in the great tradition of support by your generous commitment
to the Case Fund. What we take from the past – our shared past as a college community and our
individual past experience with Case – is not just a love for what we remember, but pride and
care for what is to come.
Sincerely,
Phil Gutmann ’54
President 2007-08
Case Alumnus
The Case Alumni Association serves the
interests of more than 20,000 alumni of
the Case School of Applied Science, Case
Institute of Technology, and the Case School
of Engineering. Its mission is to serve and
advance the interests of the Case School of
Engineering, the math and applied sciences
of Case Western Reserve University, its
alumni, and its students through a strategic
focus on fund raising, institutional leadership, responsive services, public relations,
and student programs.
Established in 1885, by the first five graduates of the Case School of Applied Science,
the Case Alumni Association is the oldest
independent alumni association of engineering and applied science graduates in the
nation.
FA L L 2 0 0 7 v o l . 1 9 | n o . 3
TO SERVE AND ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF THE CASE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, THE MATH AND
APPLIED SCIENCES OF CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY AND ITS ALUMNI AND STUDENTS.
The Case Alumnus is a publication of the
Case Alumni Association, Inc. a 501(c)3
public charity under the IRS code.
FEATURES:
Case Alumni Association, Inc.
10605 Chester Avenue, Suite 309
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-2240
R1
Reunion 2007 Special Section
Departments:
Phone: 216.231.4567
Fax: 216.231.5715
President’s Message
2
Correspondence Corner
4
CWRU President’s Message
5
Notes From Nord 500
Bruce W. Eckstein ’60, 1st Vice President
6
Your Dollars at Work
Thomas C. Litzler ’53, 2nd Vice President
18
Class Notes
24
In Memoriam
David C. Marsh ’49, Treasurer
26
CaseSpace
Richard B. Smith ’51, Assistant Treasurer
27
My Favorite Faculty
Web: www.casealum.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Officers
Phillip W. Gutmann ’54, President
Jeffrey A. Tanchon ’74, 3rd Vice President
William A. Buerkel ’52, Secretary
Staff
Tom Conlon, Executive Director
Angela V. Poltis, Executive Assistant
Delia Mannen, Director of Student and
Alumni Affairs
VISIT US ONLINE FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS!
www.casealum.org
Casey J. Matuszewski ’73,
Director of Development
Paul Stephan ’64, Director of Development
Diane M. Zaffuto, Database Manager,
Class Notes Editor
Pam Burtonshaw, Database Assistant
Case Alumnus
Terri Mrosko, Editor
McKinney Advertising & Public Relations
Design and layout; Leslie King, Art Director
On the Cover: Scenes from the Case Alumni Association 122nd Annual All-Classes
Banquet and other events at the 2007 Reunion.
St Ives, Printing and Mailing
Mort Tucker Photography; Howard Color,
Photographer
Fall 2007 | 1
CORRESPONDENCE CORNER
MY FAVORITE FACULTY
COLUMN
Dear Editor:
Certainly, Don Schneider ’58
accurately depicted the reputation of John Culver during our
time at Case. However, I feel
that someone must defend that
of Sophocles M. Sophocles.
Perhaps Don and his fellow
E.E.’s felt “the tension in his class
could be cut with a knife,” but I
recall that we Mechanicals really
enjoyed “Doc Soph” and his
classes. In fact, many an afternoon was spent drinking coffee
with him in Thwing Hall after
class. When my fraternity, Sigma
Chi, was unable to find a fellow
Sig faculty member to act as the
faculty adviser to our fraternity,
the Mechanicals approached
Dr. Sophocles [about] filling
that position for us. He accepted
and served our chapter well.
He dined with us, and he and
his wife acted as chaperons at
several house social events.
They were a most cordial and
interesting couple.
Let’s Hear from You!
Please Write! We welcome your letters
and comments about the contents of the
magazine, as well as all aspects of the Case
alumni experience. Give us your feedback
– send your comments to the editor at
[email protected]. We appreciate your
interest and look forward to hearing
from you.
2 | Case Alumnus
As in all matters, there are two
sides to every story. Just felt that
Dr. Sophocles earned the right
to have the other side of his
story told.
– Jim Fox ’59
Dear Editor:
Thanks to Don Schneider ’58
for his remarks on “Black John”
Culver. I also enjoyed seeing
Professor Culver’s face grinning
down at me (again)! Don’s story
of the Sikh’s beard reminded me
of the beard I usually wore as an
undergraduate. In spite of the
German name, I am a Swede.
Once as I sat in Professor Culver’s
class with blonde hair that was
probably too long and a full
red-blonde beard, he looked at
me and then announced to the
class that, “We should hypnotize
Helrich and maybe we can find
out why the Vikings went down
the rivers into Europe and
Russia. Was it plunder, or were
they just out to get the Pope?”
I am not sure if he meant that
as a compliment or not. But I
admit that I took it that way.
The “My Favorite Faculty”
column is a great addition. I’ll
try to write up one. “Favorite” is
a relative term, though. We had
many greats.
– Carl Helrich
CIT (Engineering Science) ’63
REUNION KUDOS
Dear CAA:
It was a busy and fun two days –
you folks do reunions very well.
I renewed friendships with Emily Cole and so many folks. My
son Jim, LSU ’70 & LSU Law
School ’74, was impressed with
our campus. The Shoreby Club
was fabulous!
– Clifton W. Woltz ’42
Dear CAA:
You have just made my day –
make that my month – as well
as that of my classmates. When
I mail and e-mail the pictures to
them, I shall certainly give you
full credit.
– Bill Issa ‘82
Dear CAA:
Thank you so much for the Case
Institute of Technology t-shirt. I
will definitely wear it with much
pride. Again, thank you for such
a nice Reunion weekend. All
the functions we attended were
very interesting and a lot of fun.
Everyone I spoke with at the
event was most complimentary
of what a nice occasion it was.
All your efforts and hard work
definitely made it great for all
attendees.
– Chloe Singleton ’67
(Class Agent)
Dear CAA:
I wanted to thank you for the
opportunity to present one of
the “Courses without Quizzes”
at the alumni Reunion earlier
this month. It was a pleasure
to meet and talk with some of
our [alumni] and their spouses.
I enjoyed their enthusiasm! I
look forward to working with
the Case Alumni Association in
the future, as I assume my new
role as Chair of Mechanical and
Aerospace Engineering
– Clare M. Rimnac, Ph.D.
Wilbert J. Austin Professor of
Engineering and Directory,
Musculoskeletal Mechanics and
Materials Laboratories
LARRY MATTSON
BIKE RIDE
Dear CAA:
My sincere thanks to all of you
for organizing a wonderful
50th class reunion – June 2 was
memorable with the bike ride
honoring Larry and June 8-9
were great from the starting
breakfast to the Westwood
Country Club dinner. Best
wishes and thanks again to ALL
of you!
– Andy Gross ’57
Dear CAA:
I just wanted to let you know
that I really enjoyed participating
in the Metric Century Bike Ride.
It was great to ride with fellow
alumni and professors. The
event was very well organized,
and I thought the pace was
great. I’m all for making it an
annual event.
– Marty Marsic
CIT ’85
2007 CASE BAJA SAE
TEAM SAYS THANKS
Dear CAA:
On behalf of the 2007 Case Baja
SAE Team, I would like to thank
you for your support. We feel
that we had our best year to date
in the program. The 2007 Case
Baja car (number 14) was the
only mid-engine car at competition and received a substantial
amount of recognition from
other groups at competition,
the judges, as well as a local
television crew, who conducted
an interview with me about the
car. Case was also recognized
with the “Most Interesting Car”
award. (Visit http://picasaweb.
google.com/case.baja to view
more photos.)
– Dan Trivett, 2007 Case Baja
SAE Team Captain
Mechanical Engineering
Graduate ’07
SAE Baja Team
Fall 2007 | 3
July, 2007
Dear Case Alumni Association members and friends:
I am happy to return “home” to the campus where I began my academic career in 1983 as an assistant professor at the
School of Law and I am honored to greet you as the new president of Case Western Reserve University.
I am grateful for the spirit in which my predecessor, Dr. Greg Eastwood, and Trustees Frank Linsalata and David Hunt have
worked this past year with the Case Alumni Association. I pledge to continue to nurture this important relationship with
the same level of dedication and commitment.
Dr. Eastwood provided outstanding leadership and service to this institution in his interim capacity. I am pleased he will
remain on campus as the director of the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence and as my trusted advisor.
Over the past few weeks in office, I have met with senior university administrators; our deans; the faculty; staff; and the
region’s business, educational, and civic leaders. My colleagues on the senior leadership team and I will work together with
these groups to ensure that our university continues to deliver dynamic teaching and world-changing research. We will
engage all members of the university community, including our alumni, in the process of developing and executing a plan
with measurable results to enhance the academic stature of Case Western Reserve University.
I plan to meet as many of our alumni as I can, perhaps during a special program here in Cleveland or at an alumni event in
a city near you. I look forward to working with you and others to support the university and its mission. We need the input
and involvement of all of our alumni to ensure we continue to celebrate our traditions and realize our full potential.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Snyder
President
Case Western Reserve University
4 | Case Alumnus
NOTES FROM NORD 500
Dear Alumnus/a:
A new era at Case Western Reserve University began July 1 when Barbara Snyder became
president. On behalf of the entire Case School of Engineering, I welcome President Snyder back
to campus and thank Dr. Gregory Eastwood for his exemplary service as interim president.
I also congratulate Phillip W. Gutmann on his selection as president of the Case Alumni
Association. I have had many wonderful conversations with Phil since arriving at Case, and I
look forward to working with him in his new role.
While the university and CAA both begin the school year with new presidents, we in the Case
School of Engineering also have some notable changes in leadership:
• Patrick E. Crago, Allen H. and Constance T. Ford Professor and former chair of the Department
of Biomedical Engineering, is now associate dean of the Case School of Engineering
• James D. McGuffin-Cawley, Arthur S. Holden Professor of Engineering and former associate
dean for undergraduate programs, is now chair of the Department of Materials Science and
Engineering
• Z. Meral Özsoyoglu, Andrew R. Jennings Chair of the Computing Sciences and longtime
computer science faculty member, replaces me as chair of the Department of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science
• Joseph M. Prahl, longtime chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering, now serves as the school’s first-ever faculty director for undergraduate recruiting
and student life
• Clare M. Rimnac, Wilbert J. Austin Professor of Engineering and former director of Case’s
Musculoskeletal Mechanics and Materials Laboratories, is now chair of the Department of
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
With Pat Crago’s appointment as associate dean we have begun an extensive search to fill the vital
leadership position of chair in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
With new leadership comes new opportunity. President Snyder, Phil Gutmann and the members
of CSE’s new leadership team all have proven track records of excellence and innovation and
have demonstrated over many years their commitment to Case’s success. I have the utmost
confidence that we – with the support of proud alumni like you – will achieve great things.
Sincerely,
Norman C. Tien
Nord Professor of Engineering and Dean
Ohio Eminent Scholar in Physics
Fall 2007 | 5
YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK
The Annual Fund for the Case School of Engineering
2006-07 CASE FUND FOR CSE
SURPASSES GOAL!
CASE FUND SUPPORTS THE MATH AND
SCIENCES WITH $88,814!
The 2006-07 Case Fund®, the annual fund for the Case
School of Engineering, totaled $1,166,721 - surpassing
the initial goal of $1,100,000 - thanks to 3,004 gifts
from alumni, friends and corporate matching gifts!
The new Case Fund provided an opportunity for
alumni to designate their gifts for areas of greatest need,
scholarships/fellowships, lab support, departmental
support, and student programs.
The graduates of the Case School of Applied Science
and Case Institute of Technology who received degrees
in mathematics and the sciences were solicited by the
Case Alumni Association for Case Fund gifts to support
their departments. A total of 416 gifts totaling $88,814
was received for the 2006-07 Case Fund. A total of
$54,454 was given for department discretionary funds
and another $32,230 was allocated among the departments as well. Dean Cyrus Taylor thanked the Case
Fund Board for these much needed discretionary
funds and is most appreciative to the Case alumni who
contributed through the Case Fund. Former Dean and
Case Fund Board Chairman, Donald E. Schuele G’63
headed the effort.
Here is how the funds were allocated per the donors:
Areas of greatest need
$ 720,611
Scholarships & Fellowships
288,838
Lab Support
20,659
Departments
95,036
Student Programs
41,477
TOTAL
$ 1,166,721
The Case Fund Board working with the dean of the
Case School of Engineering allocated $380,611 toward
the Office of Student Programs to help fund the Co-op
Program, Engineers Week, and other important student
programs in the Case School of Engineering. The
balance of $340,000 was allocated for the Case Alumni
Association programming including the Case Alumnus
magazine, Case Clubs, All-classes Reunion, Senior
Banquet, and other expenses. A portion of the scholarship total will be used to help fund incoming freshmen
who need that “little extra” to decide on Case as their
choice. The monies given for the individual departments were transferred to each chairman for their
discretionary use within the department and were
very appreciated by all. Many student organizations
benefited from monies available through Case Fund
contributions.
While the dollar and donor goals were met, there still
is a long way to go to meet the long-term objectives.
The participation rate was 18% and most schools
comparable to Case are at 25-35% or more, so it is
imperative that every one makes a Case Fund gift to the
best of their ability. Thank you to all who gave last year
and we look forward to your continued great support!
2007-2008 CASE FUND FOR CSE SETS
$1.27 MILLION GOAL!
The Case Fund Board has set a goal of $1.27 million
for the Case School of Engineering annual fund for
fiscal 2007-08, up 10% over last year’s attainment.
Once again, Case alumni and friends will have the
opportunity to designate their gifts for areas of greatest
need, scholarships and fellowships, lab equipment,
student programs or the departments or program of
their choice.
To help increase participation rates, a new Graduates
of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) division has been established to recognize those young Case alumni who make
a Case Fund gift (regardless of the amount!). “The CaSE
G.O.L.D. group of alumni is one of our most important
assets and represents our future leaders and supporters
who will keep the great Case traditions moving forward,” states Phil Gutmann ’54, President of the Case
Alumni Association.
To that end, a number of Case alumni who graduated
during the last ten years have been added to the Case
Alumni Council. In addition the “Futures” Committee
has been re-designated the Student-Alumni Programs
Committee, chaired by 3rd Vice-president Jeff Tanchon ’74,
to address visibility and programs to today’s undergraduates and recent graduates.
Please send your 2007-2008 Case Fund gift today
and see the results!
THE PROUDEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE!
6 | Case Alumnus
REUNION
2007
INSIDE:
Welcome .................................................................................. R2
Silver Bowl Award ................................................................... R2
John L. Fuller ’36 Award ......................................................... R3
Samuel Givelber ’23 Fellowship Award .................................. R3
Meritorious Service Awards.................................................... R4
Gold Medal Award ...............................................................R5-7
DARPA Urban Grand Challenge “Course” ............................ R8
Larry Matson 50th Reunion Bike Challenge ......................... R9
Class Events ......................................................................R10-11
This year’s reunion represented the following classes:
1932 – 75th Reunion
1937 – 70th Reunion
1942 – 65th Reunion
1947 – 60th Reunion
1952 – 55th Reunion
1957 – 50th Reunion
1962 – 45th Reunion
1967 – 40th Reunion
1972 – 35th Reunion
1977 – 30th Reunion
1982 – 25th Reunion
1987 – 20th Reunion
1992 – 15th Reunion
1997 – 10th Reunion
2002 – 5th Reunion
ALMA MATER, CASE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Hail to the college whose colors we wear,
Hail to thee, dear Alma Mater;
Thy grads in song loud thy praises declare,
With hearts sincere Alma Mater;
We love thy stern walls with ivy o’er grown,
We love thy long halls where time’s mark is shown;
Thy memories dearer than all else we own,
Hail, to thee Case, Alma Mater.
Words & music by Fred G. Volk, 1913
Hoo Rah!
Kai-Rah! S-C-I-E-N-C-E! Hoy-Rah! Case!
Fall 2007 | R1
REUNION
2007
Case Alumni Association 122nd Annual All-Classes Banquet
Friday, June 8 – Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Center
Silver Bowl Award
Tom Conlon, Executive Director
of the Case Alumni Association
welcomed alumni, spouses,
students and guests to the event.
This year’s Reunion drew 340
alumni, representing the classes
ending in “2” and “7.”
Susan Nagorney ’76, outgoing
CAA president shared her
comments and introduced many
of the award winners.
Dr. Gregory Eastwood, Interim
President of Case Western Reserve University, gave his State
of the University Address at the
banquet and thanked the Case
Alumni Association for its longstanding service and dedication
to the University. In turn, the
CAA presented Dr. Eastwood
MED ’66 and his wife, Lynn
Eastwood CIT ’66, with a special
presentation – its Silver Bowl
Award
Greg and Lynn Eastwood (center) receive the
Silver Bowl Award, presented by Al Gordon ’42
(left) and Susan Nagorney ’76 (right)
R2 | Case Alumnus
Case Institute of Technology once presented a Case Achievement Award
to outstanding alumni and a Silver Bowl Award at graduation to those
who provided exemplary service to Case. Wishing to resurrect those
awards in some fashion, the Case Alumni Association Awards Committee
created a new CAA Silver Bowl Award for distinguished service and
achievement.
“Over a year ago, the Eastwoods made a decision that deeply impacted
the future of the University. They agreed together to answer the
Trustee’s request that Greg Eastwood assume the position of Interim
President of Case Western Reserve University. Putting aside their
personal plans, the Eastwoods re-directed their energies to the
welfare of the University.
We are all aware of the actions taken to re-establish a relationship
between the University and the Case Alumni Association, and we all
are aware of the many actions taken by Greg Eastwood to restore the
financial situation at the University as well as tackle tough problems
rather than be a ‘caretaker’ until the next president was in office. And
we are aware of the support given by Lynn to Greg and the University.
It is for those reasons that we, the members of the Case Alumni
Association, present Greg and Lynn Eastwood the Silver Bowl Award
in recognition of their outstanding commitment to this University
and to the Case Alumni Association.” - Al Gordon ’42
REUNION
2007
John L. Fuller ’36 Award
Stuart Cohen ’07 graduated this year with a
degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his
academic career, he received both the outstanding
sophomore and junior awards, held many offices
including president of his fraternity, Delta Kappa
Epsilon, the Peer Helper Network, Tau Beta Pi,
Gamma Sigma Greek Academic Honor Society
and Golden Key International Honor Society. He
was also a co-op student in his spare time. Stuart
plans on pursuing graduate degrees in Mechanical
Engineering.
Bradley Gill ’07 graduated with a degree in
Biomedical Engineering with a focus in
bioelectrical engineering. A member of Tau Beta
Pi, the Biomedical Engineering Society and the
Undergraduate Chapter of the American Medical
Student Association, he also found time to
volunteer at the Great Lakes Science Center, Red
Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Bradley plans to
attend medical school.
Susan Nagorney ’76 (left)
and Tom Conlon (right)
present the John L. Fuller ’36
Award to Bradley Gill ’07
(center)
The John L. Fuller ’36 Award was established by his wife, Kay Fuller,
in memory of the outstanding career of John Fuller and his love and
devotion for Case Institute of Technology and his service to the Case
Alumni Association.
The Fuller prize goes to the most outstanding graduating senior of
the Case School of Engineering based on leadership in the Case
Engineers Council, service in support of Case Alumni Association
programs and campus citizenship.
Samuel H. Givelber ’23 Award
Al Gordon, Class of 1942, is an entrepreneur as
was Sam. And also like Sam, Al has devoted his life
to Case and the Case Alumni Association. After
serving as president of the Association in 1997-98,
he was called on again, and again, in 2004-05 and
2005-06 to serve the Association during a critical
time in its history. His leadership was outstanding,
culminating in the Joint Statement issued at last
year’s Reunion with Interim President Gregory
Eastwood MD, re-establishing a new and successful
relationship between the University and the Case
Alumni Association.
Not wanting any personal accolades, it is only
fitting that Al Gordon received the Samuel H.
Givelber ’23 Award this year as a tribute to his
spirit of fellowship and resolve.
The Samuel Givelber ’23 Award was established in 1988 to honor the
former president of the Case Alumni Association, which Givelber called
“the world’s greatest fellowship.” A hard-working immigrant with a Case
degree, Sam founded a successful business and devoted his energies
to the welfare of his family, his Alma Mater and humankind. Upon
his death, family and friends established an award to go to a Case
alumnus who exemplifies the spirit of fellowship and human kindness
that marked Sam’s life.
Dr. Gregory Eastwood presents
the Samuel H. Givelber ’23
Award to Al Gordon ’42
Fall 2007 | R3
REUNION
2007
Meritorious Service Awards
Lawrence Sears ’69 received the award for his
professional career as founder and leader of
Hexagram, an electronics design and manufacturing
company and for his devotion to teaching undergraduates as a teaching associate in electrical
engineering. He is also being honored for his
service this year as a director of the Case Alumni
Council.
This past year, Larry and his wife Sally made an
outstanding gift of $6.5 million to the Case School
of Engineering to build and operate the Sears Undergraduate Laboratory in the Glennan Building.
The lab provides “hand-on” experience to Case
students.
Awards for Meritorious Service are bestowed for unusual service to the
Case Alumni Association and/or the University. They include faithful and
continuing efforts to maintain class or other alumni organizations, active
participation in alumni or college affairs, leadership in professional fields,
making or obtaining contributions to the Case Fund of the Case Alumni
Association and assisting in expanding the usefulness, influence and
prestige of Case.
Maurice Gordon ’70 was honored for his outstanding career in marine engineering with Seariver
Maritime, an affiliate of Exxon Mobil and for
establishing his own company, Maritime Systems
Engineering, which provides expertise to the maritime and power plant industries. Maurice’s lifelong
devotion to the Case Institute of Technology and
his outstanding annual support of the Case Fund
provides a leadership example of philanthropic
support to his Alma Mater.
David Bakke ’71 was given the award for his
continuing leadership of the Midland Case Club
and for this never-ending passion to help recruit
students to the University. David continues to
support the Midland Case Club Scholarship Fund,
which helped him come to Case 35 years ago.
Dwight Davy, Professor of Mechanical Engineering,
received recognition for his outstanding devotion
to teaching young students in his discipline and
for his fundamental research in orthopedic engineering and the forces that affect human joints.
We thank him for his willingness to address Case
Clubs throughout the country and assist in Case
Alumni Association programs and events.
Receiving awards for Meritorious Service from Susan Nagorney ’76 (left) and Tom Conlon (right) are
Lawrence Sears ’60 (center, left photo) and Dwight Davy (center, right photo)
R4 | Case Alumnus
REUNION
2007
Gold Medal Award Winner: David P. Hunt ’63
The Awards Committee of the Case Alumni Association chose to honor David Hunt’63
with its highest honor, the Gold Medal Award for his 32-year career with Consolidated
Natural Gas Company and his leadership both at the University and the Association
culminating in a renewed relationship.
David Hunt’s Excerpted Remarks – 122nd All-Classes Banquet at the
InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center – Friday, June 8, 2007
Attending Case is one of the best things that ever
happened to me. It changed my life, and that’s
why I am so willing to give back with my time and
money.
I realized as a freshman that competition was
tough at Case. In the first semester I was placed on
academic probation. That was a real wake-up call.
Somewhere between that fateful freshman year and
making the dean’s list in my junior year, I finally
learned how to learn. And that was the most
important thing I learned in college. It was a skill I
would use over and over again throughout life.
By my senior year I was fully engaged. I took a
course in operations research, which was the
application of mathematical solutions to complex
interdisciplinary problems. It required six
semesters of math as a prerequisite. Professor
Cushion involved us in some interesting research
being done for the FAA on improving airline
safety. Previous research had identified changes
that could improve passenger safety.
The FAA wanted to know if it would be cost
effective to impose these changes on the airlines
and aircraft manufacturers. It didn’t focus on
preventing crashes. It focused instead on reducing death and injury whenever there was a crash,
or even a sudden stop on the runway that tossed
passengers around.
The previous research proved that deaths and
injuries could be reduced three ways: First, by
requiring the airlines to install the passenger seats
David Hunt (center) accepts the Gold Medal Award
from Tom Conlon (right) and Susan Nagorney ’76 (left)
facing toward the rear, rather than facing forward,
because on sudden impact, passengers facing
forward tended to hit their heads on the hard seatback in front of them, while rear facing passengers
would simply be pushed deep into their seats.
Second, by adding more bulkheads in the
passenger compartment, because the seats in front
of bulkheads were found to be the safest on the
plane, protecting the passengers from being hit
from behind by loose flying objects.
(continued)
Fall 2007 | R5
REUNION
2007
Third, by simply asking passengers to remove
pens and pencils from breast pockets, because
an unusual number of serious injuries occurred
during minor accidents, even on the ground,
when passengers, constrained by seat belts, are
thrown forward, bending over violently from the
waist and impaling themselves with a sharp pen
or pencil.
Our project involved calculating the economic
cost to the airlines of the loss of a human life
or a disabling injury. It involved quantifying air
traveler’s perception of safety and how additional
safety measures might reduce airline revenues if
more people feared to fly or simply disliked flying
backward facing bulkheads. It involved contingent
probabilities of events and their severity, and
yielded complex equations.
David P. Hunt
David Hunt, current chairman of the Board of Newpark Resources, is
a two-time Case grad. He studied engineering and management at
Case Institute of Technology, graduating with a BS in Management
Science in 1963 and earning an MBA from what is now the Weatherhead School of Management in 1968.
Mr. Hunt began a 32-year career with Consolidated Natural Gas
Company at its Cleveland subsidiary, The East Ohio Gas Company,
where he held positions in engineering, planning and finance,
becoming its senior vice president. He later moved to become
president of Consolidated’s exploration and production businesses in
Pittsburgh and New Orleans.
Following retirement from Consolidated, Mr. Hunt joined the board
of Newpark Resources, a Houston-based oilfield services company
providing drilling fluids, construction site preparation and environmental services. He also served as a senior financial consultant for
McDermott International for several years.
David is a past president of the Case Club of Cleveland and a past
officer of the Case Club of Pittsburgh. He is currently vice chairman of
the Case Western Reserve University Board of Trustees.
R6 | Case Alumnus
On the last day of class, Professor Cushion arrived
dressed in his colorful Oxford university academic
regalia. He explained that his academic colors
indicated that his degree was in philosophy, not
math. All of the advanced math that he learned,
he learned on his own after he left college when
he was asked to work in an operations research
team where math was an essential tool and means
of communication. His point was that the most
important thing you can take from college is to
learn how to learn on your own. You are faced
with many new challenges throughout life, and
you have to learn to understand and master them.
So the important thing is to learn to learn.
But, being Case engineers and scientists, you’re
probably wondering: what was the outcome of the
research? Well, as you might have guessed, flying
backward staring at bulkheads may be safe, but
defied human nature. But the conclusions did
lead to raising the seat backs to prevent head
injuries from flying objects, enclosing the open
overhead bins and requiring strong latches on
all compartments, asking passengers to “stow all
personal items on takeoff and landing,” cushioning
the seatbacks, and designing tray table latches to
protect from head injuries. And finally, those pens
and pencils: I still remove mine from my shirt
pocket on takeoff and landing. I’ve left three in the
seatback pocket over the years.
REUNION
2007
Now learning to learn became pretty important to
me again when I left a career at the East Ohio Gas
Company for an opportunity to lead an Oil & Gas
Exploration company. I don’t recall Case having
programs in petroleum engineering or geophysics, but Case provided me with the basics and I
learned the rest.
I have had some success over the years and a lot
of satisfaction. That’s why I’ve tried to give back
to Case along the way, through the Case Clubs, the
Case Advisory Board and finally as a university
trustee. Being both a Case Tech alum and a
university trustee, I was concerned about the
growing rift between the Case Alumni Association
and the university administration. Yet I could
relate to and see the issues from both perspectives.
Finally, there was a window of opportunity:
we had new university leadership open to
resolution. It all started with a phone call from
Don Schuele, whom I had known from our Case
Advisory Board days. That led to discussions with
Al Gordon, Roger Cerne, Dean Savinell, Interim
President Greg Eastwood and Board Chairman
Frank Linsalata. I sort of unofficially appointed
myself as mediator and everyone seemed to feel it
was worth a try.
We put together a working group with Al Gordon
and Roger Cerne for the CAA, Bob Savinell for
the school and me for the university. We laid out
all the issues, listened to each other’s sides, argued
about them, and finally began to find some common ground. In that candid give and take, we also
began to rebuild some trust.
Ultimately, we agreed on some principles:
• Regardless of our feelings about the past, we
need to work together for the future of the
schools and the university.
• We should begin to cooperate even if we don’t
agree on everything.
• We need to focus on what unites us rather than
what divides us.
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of
the CAA Gold Medal Award than David Hunt. At
a challenging time in our history, David took it upon
himself to initiate a renewed sense of cooperation
and goodwill with the University. Despite a
frayed relationship, he never faltered in his
commitment to strive for reconciliation.”
– Al Gordon ’42, Past President of the CAA
We proved that working together is truly better.
So far, we are off to a good start. The combined
annual fund has begun to attract back alumni
contributors; participation is up and contributions are up. But we still have a way to go. We
need your help bringing back more supporters
and encouraging your classmates to increase their
support for engineering and the sciences.
So what can you do? First and foremost: participate! Alumni participation at events, and in the
annual fund, is important to the university and
the ranking of our school.
Individual gifts matter! Every gift counts!
Giving at a higher rate impacts the quality of the
student experience, impacts ranking, and impacts
reputation.
Be engaged! Volunteer and get involved.
Be our ambassador! Take advantage of social
settings and opportunities in which you can speak
to the benefit of Case and tell others about our
achievements and our excellence. There is no
better PR than from an alum.
Finally, what have we learned? We learned that real
progress is being made at your university and your
alumni association. It’s time to get on the bandwagon and support future progress and enhance
the reputation of your university.
Fall 2007 | R7
REUNION
2007
DARPA Urban Challenge Team
As part of our “Courses Without Quizzes” presentations during Reunion weekend, Team Case
showcased “Dexter,” its robotic vehicle competing in the DARPA Urban Challenge contest.
We first introduced our vehicles, DEXTER, the robot, and Didi, the road legal data logger. After explaining the
uses of Didi, we manually moved DEXTER around using a remote control – which is a blast as you get to “feel”
five – in order to demonstrate our safety procedures with remote kill and remote pause.
We then set DEXTER up to run a small course to demonstrate passing, U-turns, and precedence at a stop sign,
all of which DEXTER completed without fail to the applause and amazement of the crowd. We then shut
DEXTER down and opened him up to show that it was truly all done with AI (artificial intelligence) and to
questions, which we had to answer for him.
The alumni and members of Team Case conversed for more than an hour and a half discussing everything from
future uses of autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence to how Case has changed. The demonstration was
both a lot of fun and hard work as it helped the team prepare for the DARPA site visit.
– Arkady Polinkovsky,
Senior – Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Case
School of Engineering and Mechanical Lead, Team Case
DEXTER ADVANCES!
DARPA announced in August that Team Case, in its first-ever entry in the
popular robotic vehicle competition, is among a group of 36 national and
international teams selected to participate in the next stage of the 2007
DARPA Urban Challenge National qualifying Event. The semifinals of the
$3.5 million challenge will be held October 26-31 in Victorville, California.
Picture on the left, Team Case: in front of DEXTER are, from
the left, Christian Miller, David Buckmaster, Scott McMichael,
Lizzie Coquillette, Bradley Farnsworth - and behind DEXTER
are, from the left: Nathan Wedge, Arkady Polikovsky, Daniel
Bennett, Andrew Allen, Andrew Horchler, Matthew LeVan,
Philip Thomas, Bradley Hughes, Prof. Roger Quinn, Prof.
Wyatt Newman, Prof. Vincenzo Liberatore, Stephen Skentzos,
Amaury Rolin.
Picture on the right, Dexter Crew: from left to right, Andrew
Allen, Amaury Rolin, Matthew LeVan.
Team Case is sponsored by several individuals and businesses. To find
out more information on how you can help support the team’s efforts at the
DARPA Urban Challenge, contact the Case Alumni Association at
216-231-4567 or [email protected].
Photos courtesy of Andrew Horchler, Team Case
R8 | Case Alumnus
REUNION
2007
Larry Mattson 2,800-Mile Bike Ride to 50th Reunion
More than 70 riders signed up to join Larry Mattson’s ride “home” on Saturday, June 2. Mattson is a
1957 graduate of Case Institute of Technology and member of the Case Alumni Association. He began
his cross-country trek on April 1 from his home in California and rode 2,800 miles on his bicycle along
Route 66 to attend the Reunion.
Congratulations, Larry! We had a blast . . .
Fall 2007 | R9
REUNION
2007
Class Events
’42-’47 Dinner at the Shoreby Club
Al Gordon, Class Agent for 1942:
I have attended over a dozen reunions since
graduation in 1942, including some that were not
even my class five-year anniversaries. It is our Case
background that we engineers have in common
that makes for a special occasion when meeting
our classmates of yesteryear at these reunions. I
had the greatest time recalling some of the good
times and also some of the tough times, but I can
look back with pride at having made it at Case.
’52-’57 Dinner at Beachwood
Del Drier, Class Agent for 1952:
Our 55th class reunion was very enjoyable with
many nice class events that provided opportunities to see old friends and renew relationships.
Being on campus rekindled memories of how we
tied up traffic on Euclid Ave. after the “Bag Rush”
or before football rallies. Articles and pictures of
the traffic tie-up made the newspapers. The Rockefeller building brought back memories and comments about the fence that attempted to separate
Case from Western Reserve and the girls’ dorm.
Conversations centered mainly on new campus
additions, changes in the student population such
as the high ratio of female to male students and
the low ratio of students from the local area. All
major changes, a more integrated campus, from
both a gender and cosmopolitan standpoint. I was
impressed by the new technological teaching aids
used in the class rooms implemented with high
speed fiber optic networks - the fastest network in
the Cleveland area.
R10 | Case Alumnus
All-Classes Dinner
REUNION
2007
’62-’67 Dinner at That Place
Chloe Singleton, Class Agent for 1967:
My husband and I so enjoyed my Reunion weekend at Case. Some of the most interesting things
that happened are (definitely not in order of
importance):
Case Dean’s Society Reception
(1) Seeing how much the campus has changed
- for the better. I was so impressed with all the nice
landscaping that is either in existence or in the
process of being developed. The campus is truly
more beautiful than when I was a student there.
(2) Meeting 12 to 14 of my former classmates and
seeing where they are today and what occupations
they are involved in. Case taught us all how to
think and reason our way though anything that we
might encounter in life. All told, that is the universal
theme of our educations.
(3) Seeing several faculty members both at the
Case Club luncheon and All-Class Banquet was
great. I loved seeing them all again.
(4) Touring the Sears Building. The process/computer laboratory was fascinating. The donated
display of Larry Sears’ “antiquated” items just
made it all the more fascinating. It really puts
things into perspective.
’82-’87 Dinner at Sergio’s
More photos and complete reunion coverage can be found at
our website at www.casealum.org.
Fall 2007 | R11
CLASS NOTES
1936
Howard M. Weiss, San Diego, CA,
[email protected], now lives in an assistedliving facility. When called by a CAA staff member, he
was very interested to hear about the renewed relationship between the CAA and the University.
1938
Walter J. Amsbary, Cincinnati, OH, is still
in good health and continues to work part-time at his
firm.
Ernest R. Haberland, Manhattan Beach, CA, is no
longer able to live alone. He is doing well for 90 and
now lives with his daughter in California.
1940
Wilbur T. Gloor, Charlottesville, VA, has
been incapacitated by several strokes and is being
cared for by his wife, Dorothy. They now live in a
healthcare facility at the Colonnades Retirement Center
in Charlottesville. He still enjoys visits and trips out on
the terrace for the change of scenery. He enjoyed their
daughter’s visit over the 4th of July weekend. There has
been some interest in the Hand Weaver (Tri-weaver) for
possible use in India. His wife says, “The patent has run
out but maybe the Tri-weaver will help the impoverished
people of India.”
Harvey E. Neville, Cleveland, OH, is now confined to
a wheel chair and lives in an assisted living facility.
1942
Charles W. Atwood, Marshall, MI, is in a
nursing home, Tendercare of Marshall. His daughter
Perla is an ordained minister. Charles sends greetings to
Dick McKeon and his wife. Charles’ wife, Louise, and
Dick’s wife are first cousins.
August D. Gildemeister, Toledo, OH, attended the
Class of 1942 dinner on Saturday, June 9 at the
Shoreby Club with his daughter, Melissa. They both
enjoyed the event.
Frank E. Gerace ’48
Willard C. Hays, Upper Arlington, OH, whays1@
columbus.rr.com, is feeling better following treatment (in
FL) for congestive heart failure.
18 | Case Alumnus
1943
John N. Carter, Willoughby, OH, and his
wife are unfortunately both declining in health; they live
in Breckenridge. Both worked in the business started by
Jack’s grandfather, Industrial Diamond Tools Company,
on Hamann Parkway in Willoughby. John and his wife
retired several years ago and their oldest son is running
the business now. Their son, Jim, graduated from Case
in ’68. The business is not doing as well as before because of international competition, but Jim reports they
are hanging in there. Jack is still weak from his strokes
and sleeps a lot but is otherwise mentally alert. Jack
would enjoy seeing and talking with his classmates.
1946
Elmer L. Hunyor, Cleveland, OH, has
had a few hospital stays including one for emergency
quadruple bypass surgery and was looking forward to
seeing a few fellow classmates this year at Reunion.
Jack Rebman, Sapphire, NC, [email protected],
had multiple bypass surgery last year. He is doing well
now.
1947
Richard V. Prucha, Louisville, KY, is glad
to hear that the renewed CAA relationship with the
University is going well.
Edwin P. Usiak, Rocky River, OH, attended the Class of
1947 dinner on Saturday, June 9 at the Shoreby Club
with his wife. This event was Ed’s first social activity
outside their home since his heart attack. Both were
very pleased with the event and Ed’s stamina.
1948
Frank E. Gerace, Midland, MI,
[email protected], received a birthday card
(from the CAA staff, Case Alumni Council and the
entire CAA). The card was mailed prior to the event for
Frank’s 85th (surprise) celebration on Saturday, June 14
in Midland, MI.
1949
Eugene L. Naegele, Tucson, AZ,
[email protected], and his wife, June (FSM ’49),
are both doing fine and enjoying their 80+ years!
They maintain contact with Marion F. Rudy ’50, who
was also Gene’s high school classmate and close
friend, and his wife Margie.
1950
Sanford Brown, Jerusalem,
[email protected], retired in December and
would like to hear from fellow alumni. He lives in
Jerusalem with his wife, Shirley (Schwartzberg) FSM
’48. Sandy has six jobs now. He is working pro bono
as a medical regulatory affairs consultant for three
medical start-up companies; he serves on the proposal evaluation board of a technical incubator; he is
involved in a SIDS product development program at a
local hospital; he also works at Yad Sarah, an Israeli
national organization that lends out medical equipment
at no charge; and he inspects, repairs and repackages
feeding pumps, blood pressure measuring devices, and
other medical devices. This keeps him busier than ever
and has required additional studying to supplement his
knowledge of the cardiovascular system, which was his
specialty.
J. Blair Dennison, Hillsboro, OH, purchased his
neighbor’s property and may purchase another adjoining
property from his sister-in-law.
chemistry mentor) and Professor Umlat (their German
teacher) were recalled. The reunion of old classmates
was a joy. Paul has “engineered” a lifestyle to cope
with London’s extravagant costs. Frank maintains the
family home in Barberton amidst his ever increasing
family. The latest addition is the arrival of their first
great-granddaughter in June.
1952
Vincent R. Lalli, Northfield, OH, is an
instructor for the NSTC. He is also chair for the
Cleveland chapter of the IEEE.
1954
Richard H. Lyndes, Columbus, OH, says
his knees are OK following his surgeries and rehab last
year.
Joseph P.S. Pampel, Hilton Head Island, SC,
[email protected], and his wife, Kris, went on a
month-long cruise around the tip of South America in
January 2007. They enjoyed it much better than their
European trips and fell in love with Patagonia.
Arthur W. Schroeder, Jr., Orangeburg, SC, reports
that his wife, Sue, recently had a bad fall and is now
paralyzed. They have been forced to relocate because
of her disability.
1955
Robert L. Schroeder, Longboat Key, FL,
[email protected], and Pauline are fine and
were planning on coming to Cleveland in August to
celebrate his 80th birthday (March 2007) at the Trout
Club.
John P. Hollis, Wickliffe, OH, sold his
home in Gates Mills and moved across the street from
his son, John. Son John shot a hole-in-one at Acacia
in early June 2007. Son Dave tore his Achilles tendon
(playing basketball) on the 4th of July and is recovering
from surgery July 10, 2007.
1951
1962
Robert E. Vidal, Cincinnati, OH,
[email protected], and wife Carol, are both healthy
and active.
Frank J. Yarsa, Barberton, OH, says Paul Shelton ’51
and his wife, Beth, entertained Frank and his friend,
Gertrude Sams, in their newly renovated London home
in April. Memories of old CIT, Dr. Von Fischer (their
Eugene L. Naegele ’49 and
his wife, June FSM ’49
Robert L. Bauman, Cleveland Hts., OH,
[email protected], lost his father (age 91)
recently and his wife fell down the basement stairs,
breaking several ribs. Bob’s son lives on Foster Rd. in
Bratenahl. Bob is very interested in Dexter and DARPA’s
Urban Challenge.
Fall 2007 | 19
Sanford Brown CIT ’50
CLASS NOTES
Bernard W. Rachel, Cleveland, OH,
[email protected], retired March 1. Last year
he moved from his big house “in the burbs” to a condo
in Cleveland Heights.
Milo C. Rice, Fullerton, CA, [email protected],
is teaching engineering and mathematics at several
colleges and universities in southern California. Milo is
semi-retired.
from left to right,
Raymond A. Morris,
Executive Vice President
and C.O.O. of
SAE International;
Richard O. Schaum, 2007
President of
SAE International;
Karl Goering ’62
1965
Richard L. Campbell, Pollock Pines, CA, is healthy and
active but could not attend Reunion 2007. Richard
wrestled for Coach Sharer but remembers football
Coach Del Rosa.
Karl Goering, Northville, MI, [email protected],
was presented SAE International’s Medal of Honor
at the SAE Awards ceremony on April 17. He is the
retired Vice President of Application and System
Engineering at Bosch’s Automotive Chassis Division.
During his 45-year career in the automotive industry,
Karl held several leadership positions in the field of
automotive braking systems and continues to consult
in that field. “Case, of course, provided the technical
foundation on which my lifetime career in the automotive
industry was built.”
Bruce M. Bacik, Chagrin Falls, OH,
[email protected], his wife Johanna says everyone
in the family is healthy and happy.
David H. Buchanan ’62
David H. Buchanan, Salisbury, MD, [email protected],
is now retired. He was Provost of Salisbury University
from 2001-2006; Arts & Science Dean at West Chester
University from 1994-2001; and Chemistry Faculty at
Eastern Illinois University from 1971-1994.
Norman F. Diederich, North Olmsted, OH,
[email protected], retired May 31 after 20+
years at Hewlett-Packard.
Alan A. Weiss ’76 and
his wife, Judy (CWRU ’76)
on our last day in NJ
20 | Case Alumnus
Warren C. Gibson, San Carlos, CA,
[email protected], reports reasonable temperatures
in California because they live on the ocean. Warren
will try again to visit Cleveland in the fall - perhaps
CWRU Alumni Weekend. Warren has an aunt living
in Willoughby and he wants to visit her.
1971
Thomas F. Van Denberg II, Woodland
Park, CO, fulfilled his desire to live in the Rocky
Mountains West and moved to Colorado at the foot
of Pike’s Peak.
1976
James J. Strand, Cary, IL,
[email protected], is a project manager for
Gilbane Building Company and is now working on a
research facility for the USDA in Ames, IA. Currently he
visits home on weekends and spends as much time as
he can with his wife, Debbie, and his three daughters.
Alan A. Weiss, Brookline, MA, [email protected],
retired from Bell Labs after 25 years in the Math
Research Center and started work at The MathWorks,
publishers of MATLAS, in June.
1977
Mark R. Bloom, Milpitas, CA, is now
Director of Clinical Integration at Siemens Medical
Solutions USA, Inc. in Mountainview, CA.
1979
David D. Beal, Longmont, CO, is a staff
software engineer at Sun Microsystems in Louisville, CO.
Daughter Alisa will be a junior at the University of
Pennsylvania. Son Alex will be a sophomore at UCLA.
H. Michael Cheung, Hudson, OH,
[email protected], is still at the University of
Akron teaching chemical engineering.
David A. Butler ’62 with his
wife, Nancy at the Class of
1982 Dinner at the 2007
Case Reunion in June
1980
Mary B. Cheung, Hudson, OH, is working
at Vedial Water NA as a technical manager providing
support to U.S. industrial operations. She says her three
children, Melissa, Michael and Maureen, are doing
great.
1982
David A. Butler, Clayton, MO,
[email protected], presented to Joe Prahl (at
Reunion 2007) a replica/model of Joe’s sailboat. Dave
Conger generated several image files to assist the
modeling process.
Peter Zivkov, Menlo Park, CA, is now a photography
teacher at Menlo School in Atherton, CA. He regrets he
was not be able to attend Reunion.
1987
Kevin A. Alexeff, Seven Hills, OH,
[email protected], works as a production engineering manager at Ultra Electronics - Audiopack in
Garfield Hts., OH.
1988
Franklin Dexter III ‘G, Fayetteville, NY,
[email protected], continues teaching as a
professor at the University of Iowa. His group’s focus is
the reduction of surgery costs.
1990
Wayne E. Schaeffer., Medina, OH,
has moved back to Northeast Ohio to work at North
American Manufacturing as a burner product manager.
1992
Tammy M. Owings, Cleveland, OH,
[email protected], recently married Noland
Holland ’94 but is keeping her maiden name.
Risto B. Pribisich, Westlake, OH,
[email protected], earned his law degree (Patent
Law) at John Marshall (Cleveland) several years ago.
He recently accepted employment with McDonald
Hopkins. He appreciates Coach McDonnell’s
communications and will mentor undergraduates who
might be interested in patent law. He recently joined
McDonald Hopkins as an associate in the intellectual
property practice group in the litigation department,
which focuses on preparing and prosecuting utility
and design patent applications in the mechanical and
electromechanical arts. He lives in Westlake with his
wife, Jovanka, and two-year-old twin girls.
Michael L. Renier ’G, South Range, MI,
[email protected], is now working for Michigan
Tech University as a research scientist. Mike seeks
employment (selling pharmaceuticals) in another
city – Indianapolis, IN; St. Louis, MO; or Chicago,
IL – with Abbott Lilly or Pfizer.
1993
Neil P. Milani, Greenville, SC,
[email protected], just received his graduate degree
and celebrated his first anniversary with GE. He and his
wife, Sara, have just purchased a new home.
Steven C. Pohnert, Vienna, VA, has left Duke University.
He now works as a Patent Examiner for the U.S. Patent
Office. He examines biotechnology patents and
analyzes them for nucleic acids.
Kevin A. Alexeff ’87 with
his family at his son’s high
school graduation
Fall 2007 | 21
Franklin Dexter III ’G ’88
CLASS NOTES
Dr. Jessica Anne Gibney ’03 with husband,
Robert Wentz on their wedding day, 5-27-07.
Bottom photo is Dr. Gibney with her Dad on
Graduation from Medical School.
Shea M. Ramey, Madison, WI, received the 2007
Early Career Award from UW-Madison in recognition
for her work at the Chemistry Learning Center. She is
now developing a workbook to make o-chem even
more fun!!!
1996
Rahul D. Sethi, Hinckley, OH,
[email protected], will leave Seal Consulting and
planned to relocate to India during August 2007. He
will try to develop new businesses in India.
1998
Stephen M. Pelkowski, Erie, PA,
[email protected], has been married to Alicia Marie
Clement since April 24, 2004. He has worked at
General Electric Transportation since 1998 and is presently an Engineering Program Manager for International
Locomotives. Stephen just completed his MBA at Case
on July 21. He has commuted to Case from Erie on
Saturdays for the past two years to earn his degree. His
wife, Alicia, delivered their second son, Case Xavier on
Mother’s Day, May 13. Stephen was at Case all day
the day before and arrived home in the evening just in
time to take Alicia to the hospital. Their first son, Paul
Stephen is two years old. They selected the name Case
Xavier for their second son because Dad spent much
of his time during the pregnancy earning his Masters
at Case. His middle name is a family name from
Stephen’s grandfather.
Left is Stephen M. Pelkowski ’98, his
wife, Alicia and his two sons, Case
and Paul. Right is Case Xavier and big
brother, Paul.
2000
Charulatha Ramanathan ’G, Solon,
OH, cxr16alumni.case.edu, is one of two Ph.D.s who
helped start CardioInsight Technologies. The Cleveland
company is commercializing a heart-imaging device
based on the work of a former Case researcher. The
device helps patients who have heart arrhythmias or
heart failure.
Julie M. Szmyd, Lakewood, CO, was married on September 8, 2007, to Ernest (Edwin) Morahan.
2002
Katherine A. McLaughlini, Watertown,
MA, is a Ph.D. candidate in the Immunology program
at Harvard Medical School. She is hoping to graduate
next year.
2003
Jessica A. Gibney, Hamilton, MT,
[email protected], and Robert Ulysses Wents ’04 met
at Case and were married on May 27, 2007. After
graduating from Case, she went on to medical school
in Cincinnati. She is pictured here with her dad, John
Gibney, at graduation in 2007. She will intern at
St. Josephs Hospital in Denver, CO.
22 | Case Alumnus
2005
Ping Jia ’G, Solon, OH, is one of two
Ph.D.s who helped start CardioInsight Technologies.
The Cleveland company is commercializing a heartimaging device based on the work of a former Case
researcher. The device helps patients who have heart
arrhythmias or heart failure.
Joseph M. Barone, West Islip, NY,
[email protected], plans to pursue permanent
employment at the Cleveland Clinic since he has already
worked there for the past year at the Innovation Center.
Jennifer E. Green, Avon, OH, [email protected],
will be working for MinRad in Buffalo, NY.
2006
Damon R. Bosetti, Santa Maria, CA,
[email protected], is moving to Great Falls, Montana
to be a Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander.
Stephanie A. Crabtree, Mason, OH,
[email protected], will attend graduate
school at Duke in the fall.
Sean J. Dee, North Olmsted, OH, [email protected],
will be attending graduate school at the University of
California - Berkeley in the fall.
Rachel N. Divizie, Cincinnati OH, [email protected], will
be working at General Electric Aviation in the fall.
Patrick Fiduccia, Walworth, NY, [email protected],
will be entering the job market in the fall.
Daniel T. Jaeger, Twinsburg, OH, [email protected],
will be attending graduate school at the University
of Pennsylvania. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in chemical
engineering.
Jenna D. Mehal, Powder Springs, GA,
[email protected], will be pursuing a MS degree
in finance from Vanderbilt University in the fall.
Heather L. Greenwood, Gaithersburg, MD, heather.
[email protected], will be attending graduate
school at Johns Hopkins University in the fall. She is
pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering.
John M. Heddleston, Uhrichsville, OH,
[email protected], will be entering Duke University in
the fall. He plans to get his Ph.D. in cancer biology.
Megan D. Hottle, Cleveland Hts., OH,
[email protected], is now working as an
Applications Specialist at MimVista in Cleveland.
Sean M. Loughran, West Chester, OH,
[email protected], is working as a research
engineer with Dow Chemical in Midland, MI.
Matthew A. Reyna, Tallmadge, OH,
[email protected], says “My achievement would have
been impossible without assistance from the Case Alumni
Association.” He is going to the Georgia Institute of
Technology next fall to begin his Ph.D. in mathematics.
Charles L. Schmitt, Coshocton, OH,
[email protected], will be working at Procter &
Gamble after graduation.
Leigh C. Peters, Chardon, OH, [email protected],
plans on entering the job market after graduation.
2007
Elizabeth A. Archer, New Orleans, LA,
[email protected], will be attending the University of New Orleans in the fall. She will be working on
her Masters in naval architecture and ship-building. She
married classmate Gregory C. Archer in June 2007.
Fall 2007 | 23
IN MEMORIAM
EDWIN M. PRENTKE ’26 died at
his home in Lyndhurst, Ohio, on
May 21, 2007. He was a member
of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. At
the age of 103, he was one of our
oldest alumni. Ed graduated from
East Technical High School and
studied electrical engineering at
Case School of Applied Science.
He graduated in 1926 and started
various entrepreneurial activities,
including a machine shop and a
MEMORIES OF GRANT:
Grant Anderson – July 12, 2007
In a small Plain Dealer
obituary, unnoticed by
many, Grant Anderson,
beloved husband of Lucille
and father of Katherine
Friedell, James Anderson
and Margaret Anderson,
passed away on July 12,
2007.
Grant and Lucille in 1986
This was just like Grant,
who shied away from personal accolades and praise for his
work. He was the epitome of the quiet “Alumni Secretary”
style of Alumni Association leadership. But for those of
us who knew and worked with Grant, although small in
stature, he was a “huge” figure. There was the characteristic
bowtie that stood out in a crowd, or the arm around your
shoulder, or the friendly pat on the back when he greeted
you.
camera store. In 1966 he co-founded the Prentke
Romich Company with partner Barry Romich
’67. They worked on communication technology
for the handicapped and helped to unlock the
thoughts and feelings of hundreds of disabled
men and women. In 1982, Ed was awarded the
Distinguished Service Award from Brandies
University. He continued to work at Highland
View Hospital until he was nearly 88. The legacy
of Edwin and Esther Prentke is being preserved
through the AAC Institute programs that benefit
people with disabilities.
who can forget his characteristic “green ink” signatures or
how many letter drafts were returned with “red ink”
correcting grammar or punctuation.
I remember Grant driving to Case Clubs (at or below the
speed limit) wearing his favorite sweater vest and driving
gloves. Or his many speeches carefully prepared on 3” x 5”
cards that he gave many times, and while they had been
heard before, the alumni still greeted him with enthusiasm.
But most of all, I remember Grant’s concern for many
struggling undergraduates that he took under his wing, often into his home and his heart. There are so many instances
of his help to students that we will never know about . . . but
to those he helped, you will remember.
Many scholarship endowment funds were due to his quiet
but persistent inspiration! The real impact of Grant’s devotion to the Case Alumni Association and his adopted Case
Institute of Technology is still being felt by the number of
Case alumni who left a bequest in their will to the Case
Alumni Association due to Grant’s efforts and friendship.
Grant Anderson joined the Case Alumni Association in
1951 as a photographer and assistant to Charles “Chappie”
Chapman, the Alumni Secretary since the late 1930s. Upon
the untimely death of Chappie in 1956, Grant assumed
the position of Executive Manager until 1980 when he was
named Honorary Executive Director until his retirement
in 1987.
At the surprise “Tribute to Grant Anderson” dinner in the
fall of 1986, the Grant Anderson Scholarship Fund was
established in his honor with gifts from his friends totaling
over $100,000. It is only fitting that Grant’s memory will
be perpetuated through his scholarship fund to help future
students receive a Case degree (Contributions to Grant’s
Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated!).
As editor of the Case Alumnus, I remember Grant typing
out stories on his IBM electric typewriter before computers
or sophisticated desktop publishing software, carefully
cutting out copy and pasting them up (with glue!) on
layout paper. He literally put the magazine “to bed.” And
And so we say good-bye to Grant in the magazine he loved
and nurtured and thank him for all of the memories we will
continue to share.
Roger H. Cerne ’63
Executive Director Emeritus
24 | Case Alumnus
EUGENE BAHNIUK ’50 of Gates Mills, OH,
Professor Emeritus of Case Western Reserve
University in the Mechanical Engineering department, died on May 24, 2007. He was a member of
the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and remained active
on the board of trustees until his death. He earned
a bachelor’s degree in 1950, a master’s degree
in 1961, and a Ph.D. in physics from Case in
1970, where he taught mechanical and biomedical engineering courses for more than 25 years.
Professor Bahniuk was an inventor and mechanical engineer, whose tests on ski binding systems led
to industry-wide design improvements that saved
perhaps thousands of skiers from leg injuries. For
his contribution to the ski industry, he was given
the 1988 Merit Award from the American Society
of Testing and Materials. He patented innovations in jet engines, pumps, turbines, flow meters,
engines, valves, and automobile cruise control
mechanisms.
Oops! In the last issue of Case Alumnus, Vince Gatto
’97 was listed here. We are extremely happy to report we
heard from Vince, and he is alive and well in Mentor, OH.
Our sincere apologies for the error.
Edwin M. Prentke ’26, Lyndhurst, OH, May 21, 2007
John F. Eichelberger ’31, Dayton, OH, Date Unknown
Frank J. Long ’34, Yukon, OK, June 30, 2006
Theodore H. Shonfeld ’38, Danville, CA, Date Unknown
E. Clark Vogt ’39, Massillon, OH, May 27, 2007
Francis F. Barber ’40, Rochester Hills, MI, July 18, 2007
Robert A. Edwards ’41, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, May 15, 2007
Richard T. Flowers ’41, Crown Point, IN, June 25, 2007
James O. Hess ’41, Roanoke, TX, January 9, 2007
Edward R. Coan ’42, Fairport Harbor, OH, April 9, 2007
Bernard J. Isabella ’42, Brooklyn, NY, February 16, 2007
Clifford R. Frohmberg ’43, Orange, CA, May 7, 2007
Raymond K. Saar ’45, Apple Valley, CA, June 14, 2007
Robert A. Faucett ’47, Walesenburgh, CO, August 28, 2006
George H. Tulk, Jr., ’47, North Ridgeville, OH,
July 4, 2006
William J. Auth ’48, Citrus Heights, CA, March 3, 2007
Edward H. Debenjak ’49, Chattanooga, TN,
Date Unknown
ANDREW VICTOR NEY ’49 died on April 17,
2007, in Alliance, OH. He was an engineering
graduate of the Case Institute of Technology, and a
member of the prestigious
engineering fraternity SAE.
Andrew was a member of
many professional organizations throughout his life,
including the Fluid Power
Society, National Society
of Professional Engineers,
and the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers. He
founded two successful
companies and was still serving as Chairman of
the Board of the Salem-Republic Rubber Company at the time of his passing. He was a contributor
to many private and public charities and requested
donations to the Case Institute of Technology
Scholarship Fund in his memory.
Norbert J. Proga ’49, Cleveland, OH, July 12, 2006
Andrew V. Ney ’49, Alliance, OH, April 17, 2007
Eugene Bahniuk ’50, Gates Mills, OH, May 24, 2007
Harold M. Hazel ’50, San Diego, CA, December 12, 2006
John W. Hileman ’50, Auburn, AL, May 11, 2007
James N. Bondor ’52, Youngstown, OH, Date Unknown
Arden D. Wright ’52, Wadsworth, OH, Spring 2002
Donald E. Kissel ’53, Boston, MA, January 13, 2007
Wilmer K. Fife ’55, Indianapolis, IN, September 30, 2005
James A. Gilchrist, Jr., ’55, Harrisonburg, VA,
Date Unknown
Thomas R. Lajeunesse ’56, Chardon, OH, July 7, 2007
Joseph D. Mozic ’56, Elkton, OR, Date Unknown
Charles F. Mathy ’57, LaCrosse, WI, November 24, 2006
Arthur N. Curren ’59, North Ridgeville, OH,
April 18, 2007
J. Neil Henderson ’60, Berkeley, CA, April 18, 2007
Walter E. Smith G’64, Hudson, OH, May 12, 2007
Jeffrey B. Musat G’79, Canton, OH, June 10, 2004
Dennis J. Youn ’84, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI,
Date Unknown
Margaret J. Addison ’85, Hamilton, OH, April 17, 2007
Fall 2007 | 25
CASESPACE Alumni in the news
Vitaliy Khizder ’96, a graduate of the computer science
program at Case, was among the top finalists in the
CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio contest this past spring
that drew 375,000 entries. The South Euclid software
engineer earned $10,000 as one of the cable station’s
10 weekly winners. Khizder, who works for Oracle
Corp., only became interested in investing less than a
year before the contest, which he entered to “ramp up
his investing skills.”
John M. Wiencek ’86
Dr. Jennie S. Hwang ’76 receives
an Honorary Doctoral degree
from Ohio University and was
commencement speaker at the
ceremonies.
John M. Wiencek ’86, current chair of the Department
of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Iowa, was named dean of the University of South
Florida College of Engineering in June after a yearlong
search. During his career, Wiencek attracted more than
$7.5 million in research support from funding agencies
such as the National Science Foundation, the National
Institutes of Health and NASA.
Dr. Jennie S. Hwang ’76, Case alumna and Board
trustee, received an Honorary Doctoral degree from
Ohio University. Dr. Hwang was also the commencement speaker. She addressed the audience of approximately 30,000 during the university’s commencement
ceremonies on June 9. Her address to the newly minted
graduates focused on the global thrusts and challenges
and opportunities of the global work force.
Arun Varshneya ’68
in June 2007
Arun K. Varshneya ’68, a professor of glass science
and engineering at the Kazuo Inamori School of
Engineering at Alfred University, was awarded the President’s Award during ceremonies of the XXI International
Congress on July 2 in Glass in Strasbourg, France. The
award is to recognize outstanding lifetime contributions
to the international glass community. Varshneya was cited
for his commitment to education, contributions to glass
science research and glass technology applied research
and entrepreneurship for economic development of the
region.
Dr. Gregory L. Eastwood MED ’66 former Interim
President and distinguished alumnus was honored in
June by the Case Western Reserve University Board of
Trustees with the university’s highest honor -- the University Medal. He was also honored by the Case Alumni
Association at its All-Classes Reunion banquet with the
Silver Medal Award for his contributions in re-establishing the relationship between the university and the
alumni association.
26 | Case Alumnus
MY FAVORITE FACULTY
By Carl S. Bacik ’48
PROFESSOR JOHN SCALZI
specifically set aside for their
work; students were not allowed
to bring cars to the camp.
When John Scalzi, a structural
engineering professor at Case,
passed away last December, the
memories of those Camp Case
days came flooding back for
me. As an incoming junior in
the fall of 1946, I joined three
other students majoring in
civil engineering – Ralph
Dieffenbacher, George Sanow
and Dave Jenkins – at the camp.
Camp Case in Loudonville,
Ohio, was at one time a right
of passage for every Case
engineering student.
For two memorable weeks,
sandwiched between the last
days of summer and the start
of the fall semester, groups of
engineering students came
together to learn how to solve
complicated engineering
problems. Operating as teams
and using transits and levels to
shoot elevation lines and plot
topography, the students worked
together to master the complex
skills that one day would be
required of them in their chosen
professions.
Each morning, after sleeping
in tents, the students would
arise to calisthenics, followed by
breakfast. Then they’d “take to
the streets” to tackle the engineering exercise of the day. Their
exercises would often take them
into the woods and down roads
We were led by Professor Scalzi
and spent the weeks learning
the “tricks of the trade.” At one
point, I designed and carved
a plaque made from a bracket
fungus attached to the base of a
tree. We presented it to Professor
Scalzi at the end of the two-week
course, on September 3, 1946.
The natural marker documented
our experience and the following team mottos: “Wine, Dine,
Shine”; “We hardly loaf at all!”
and “The Sunshine Boys of
Squad 39.”
the elegantly wrapped box, it
brought back those great memories of Camp Case. I was deeply
touched that my professor had
kept the plaque for more than
52 years.
When remembering the leadership and direction provided by
Professor Scalzi at Camp Case, I
can honestly say that he played
an important role in encouraging
and developing many engineering students during the course
of the school year. As a young
professor, he and his wife often
invited a handful of engineering
students and their dates to their
house for home-cooked Italian
Sunday dinners.
Professor Scalzi’s interest,
enthusiasm and devotion to his
students were an inspiration to
many. He will be fondly
remembered, as will the days of
Camp Case.
I doubt if any of us remember
exactly what those lines meant
to the group, but the plaque
must have held fond memories
for Professor Scalzi. In 1998,
he bestowed the marker back
to me at the Class of 1948 50th
class reunion. When I opened
Remember some of these Case Faculty? If you have an interesting
“Favorite Faculty” story to share, contact the editor.
John Angus • Eugene Uyeki • Doug Mooney • William Schneerer • Glenn Frye
Sheldon Gruber • John Hrones • Jack Koenig • Robert Ornstein• Robert Simha
Fred Way • Brooks Earnest • Irv Lefkowitz . . . and the list goes on!
Fall 2007 | 27
The Proudest Investment
you can Make
®
. . . A Gift to the Case Fund
Case School of Engineering
•
•
•
•
•
Areas of Greatest Need
Scholarships and Fellowships
Labs and Equipment
Faculty and Departments
Student Programs
A gift to the Case Fund is an investment
in your school, tomorrow’s leaders,
and the equity in your degree. Be
proud of your Case education. Make
your gift today!
2008 Reunion Giving Awards
for Classes ending in 3 & 8
• The Class with the largest
amount of giving
Classes 1928-1983
• The Class with the highest
percentage of donors
Classes 1988-2003
• CASE G.O.L.D.
Classes 1998-2003 combined
Set the Standard for Total
Giving and Participation
CASE G.O.L.D.
Case School of Engineering Graduates of the Last Decade
Graduates of the CSE Classes of 1998 through 2007 represent future alumni
leaders! All those who make a gift to the 2007-08 Case Fund will become
charter members of the CaSE G.O.L.D. Society and will receive special
recognition and benefits! Look for details shortly!
For more information call: 216.231.4567 or
email: [email protected]
28 | Case Alumnus
Be a part of the Celebration!
Homecoming
2007
October 4–7
Highlights include:
The Grand Opening and
Dedication of The Alumni House
Case
Alumni
Association
Thursday, October 4, 2007
5:00 p.m.
The Alumni House
11310 Juniper Road
Cost: FREE
Taste of Cleveland Celebration
at the House of Blues
Save the Dates
Friday, Saturday
and Sunday
May 16 –18, 2008
Come back to campus
to reminisce with your
classmates at Reunion 2008
and welcome the newest
class of alumni to the
Case Alumni Association.
For more information visit
www.casealum.org
Friday, October 5, 2007
5:00 p.m. – Midnight
House of Blues
308 Euclid Avenue
Cost: $15 for alumni; FREE for students
CSE/CAA Back to Class
Breakfast and Lecture
The Center for Layered Polymeric Systems:
How Research at Case has Inspired a National Center
Dr. Anne Hiltner, The Herbert Henry Dow Professor and Director of CLiPS
Dr. LaRuth C. McAfee, CLiPS Executive Director for Education
Saturday, October 6, 2007
9:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m.
Kent Hale Smith
Third Floor
Cost: FREE
Homecoming Pre-Game Tailgate Party
Saturday, October 6
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
The Village at 115
Cost: $10.00 for alumni; FREE for children ages 6 and under
For a full list of events and to register online, please visit
www.case.edu/alumni/weekend
CASE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
AND FOUNDATION, INC.
10605 Chester Avenue, Suite 309
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-2240
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CLEVELAND, OHIO
PERMIT NO. 2120
Case on your Calendar
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September 27th
Case Club Los Angeles
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel - 8:00 pm
Speaker: Patrick Crago, Associate Dean, Case School of Engineering
OCTOBER EVENTS
October 4th - 7th
Homecoming
CWRU Campus
Contact: www.case.edu/alumni/weekend
October 4th
Grand Opening of the Alumni House
11310 Juniper Road - 5:00 pm
Contact: www.case.edu/alumni/weekend
October 6th
Case Club Cleveland
Kent Hale Smith Bldg., 3rd Floor - 9:00 - 11:00 am
Speaker: LaRuth McAffee, CLiPS Executive Director for Education
October 15th
Washington DC Cleveland Orchestra Concert
Hosted by CWRU Alumni Relations
John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts - 6:00 pm Pre-Concert
Alumni Reception, 8:00 pm Concert
1-800-866-6280 or www.case.edu/alumni
October 16th
New York City Cleveland Orchestra Concert
Hosted by CWRU Alumni Relations
Carnegie Hall - 6:00 pm Pre-Concert Alumni Reception introducing
President Barbara Snyder, 8:00 pm Concert
1-800-866-6280 or www.case.edu/alumni
October 23rd
Case Club San Diego
Location TBD
Speakers: Norman Tien, Dean, Case School of Engineering and
Mehran Mehregany, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
October 26th - 31st
DARPA Urban Grand Challenge Competition
Go Team Case!!!
http://www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge/index.asp
NOVEMBER EVENTS
November 1st
Case Club Boston
Location TBD
Speakers: Joe Prahl, Professor of Mechanical and
Aerospace Engineering and
Robert Savinell, Professor of Chemical Engineering
November 13th
Case Club Tokyo
Location TBD - 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Speakers: Barbara Snyder,
President Case Western Reserve University and
Norman Tien, Dean, Case School of Engineering
November 15th
Case Club Taipei
Location TBD - 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Speaker: Norman Tien, Dean, Case School of Engineering
November 15th
Case Club San Francisco
Location TBD
Speaker: Joe Prahl, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
JANUARY EVENTS
January 8th
Case Club Columbus
Location TBD
Speaker: Marc Buchner, Associate Professor of Electrical and
Computer Engineering
January 10th
Case Club Washington DC
Location TBD
Speaker: Joe Prahl, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
MAY EVENTS
May 16th - 18th
Case Alumni Association 123rd
All-Classes Reunion
CWRU Campus, Intercontinental Hotel
Contact Information is 1-866-385-CASE or www.casealum.org unless otherwise noted.