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DESA History

One of the first acts undertaken by the Advisory Board of the University of Kansas School of Engineering was the establishment of annual Distinguished Engineering Service Awards (DESA).

The awards honor KU engineering alumni or engineers who have maintained a close association with the university for outstanding contributions to the profession of engineering and to society. The Distinguished Engineering Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by the School of Engineering. Awards are made on the basis of an individual's contribution to the theories and practices of engineering, research and development in new fields of engineering, or direction of an organization that has made exceptional contributions in design, production and development.

The recognition of engineers who have made such important contributions to their profession inspires young engineering students to excel and provides sterling examples of the achievements they can aspire to in their careers.

Nominations for the Distinguished Engineering Service Award are solicited each year from alumni and friends of the School of Engineering and are considered by a subcommittee of the Advisory Board. Recipients receive a unique statuette and have their likeness and achievements added to the DESA Hall of Honor in Eaton Hall.

The University of Kansas and the School of Engineering are proud of the remarkable contributions made by each of the DESA recipients. The school and the university are pleased to recognize their commitments to excellence and are honored to be associated with them.

Past Recipients

2009

J. Robert Benz
Retired, Vice President of International Business Development for Chemicals, Phillips Petroleum Co.
B.S., Civil Engineering, 1964

B.S., Business Administration, 1964



After life at KU, Benz built a legacy in plastics at Phillips Petroleum Co. Until he retired in 1998, Benz continued to expand his reach throughout Phillips, overseeing everything from propane fuel programs to convenience store marketing to his final position, as vice president of International Business Development for Chemicals.

Among his many stellar achievements, in 1982, he became vice president of the Worldwide Rubber Chemicals Division. He realized companies were growing beyond traditional borders and worked to treat such clients as global entities instead of a different entity in each country. By thinking and acting with a world view, he was able to help Phillips’ bottom line at a time when it was in dire need.

Benz calls his final career stop his most rewarding and most interesting, including oversight of a joint venture with Qatar National Petroleum Co. on a $1 billion-plus petrochemical complex.

At KU, he has served on the School of Engineering Advisory Board for more than 20 years and is a member of the School of Business Board of Advisors. 
Benz and his wife, Jan, reside in Wilson, Wyo.

Harry Gibson
Retired, USA Refining Technical Manager, ExxonMobil 
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 1964

MBA, 1966



Gibson played forward for KU men’s basketball team in the early 1960s and was named to the Big Eight All-Academic First Team in 1964. He graduated from KU with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in business administration. And in 34 years at Exxon, he kept the company ahead of the curve and had an effect on lives the world over.

He played a leadership role in launching the Global Energy Management System, which drives energy efficiency improvements in ExxonMobil’s refineries and chemical plants. Through this system, the company identified opportunities to improve energy efficiency by 15 percent to 20 percent at refineries and chemical plants, and has implemented about 60 percent of these. Gibson’s steady, thoughtful management was instrumental in making this initiative effective, and ExxonMobil now is ahead of industry in efficiency efforts.

For many years, Gibson was responsible for the career development of technical and management personnel. His contribution in this role was especially remarkable because of his focus not only on the health of the company but on the needs of the more than 500 people he led. His legacy at ExxonMobil is seen in a generation of capable engineers who are now leading the refining business.

Gibson lives in Lawrence with his wife, Becky.

Kwang-Sun Kim
Professor of Mechatronics Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, 1983

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, 1986

After earning his doctorate at the University of Kansas, Kim returned to academia as an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the Korea University of Technology and Education. In 1996, he became dean of Planning Affairs and developed a “Unique Education College System for Creative Practical Engineers,” through which he helped build exchange programs with universities around the world, including KU.

Kim has been a professor of mechatronics at KUT since 2001, and he has twice served as dean of the graduate school at KUT. While dean, he supervised the graduate school, the graduate school for industry and the graduate school for human resource management. He is co-director of the joint graduate degree program with KU, and he is developing a joint degree program in biomechatronics engineering between KU and KUT.

In 2004, he received the Medal of Honor of Recognition for Public Service from the president of the Republic of Korea. He also has received more than $10 million in grants.

Through the years, he has been a mentor for students in South Korea and the United States and a major force of support for KU. He has taken a leadership role for the Korean chapter of the KU Alumni Association. He was instrumental in raising funds for the Korean War Memorial on the KU campus and is raising money so more Korean faculty can visit KU.

Kim lives in South Korea with his wife, Kyung-Jin Kim.

2008

Englund, Stanley
Retired, Senior Process Consultant Dow Chemical Company
Retired, Midland Engineering Ltd.
B.S., Chemical Engineering, 1950

Englund is an international authority in process safety and risk management and, as a consultant for Dow, traveled the world. Englund graduated from Salina High School before serving in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. He graduated in 1950 from the University of Kansas with a degree in chemical engineering. In 1951 he earned a master’s in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He then began a 42-year career in engineering, research, and plant management with Dow Chemical Company. His leadership in the areas of process engineering and improvement helped make Dow an industry leader in chemical process safety and in several technologies including Saran resins.

He has served on numerous national safety-related committees with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ Center for Chemical Process Safety.

Englund has addressed significant safety challenges facing the chemical industry in China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Israel, Jordan, Peru and Cuba. He has been involved in numerous community activities and organizations as well as service projects in Russia, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Zambia and the United States.

Salanski, Charles W.
Executive Director, The CENTER, a Samaritan Counseling Center
Retired President and COO, Wire Rope Corporation of America Inc.
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 1957

Salanski joined Wire Rope Corporation of America while still a mechanical engineering student at the University of Kansas, and joined the firm full time after graduating in 1957. By 1995 he was named chief operating officer.

As COO of the St. Joseph, Mo.-firm, Salanski led a growth strategy that increased sales four-fold and generated $200 million in revenue. Salanski has been a leader in wire rope industry groups, been active in international trade issues and served on a U.S. Department of Commerce advisory committee.

He retired from Wire Rope in 2002. He is now executive director of The CENTER, a Samaritan Counseling Center. He also chairs a project to design and implement a new system of care for emotionally disturbed children.

For many years he has chaired the KU Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board. Salanski is a registered Professional Engineer and a member of several engineering organizations.

He has held numerous leadership roles throughout St. Joseph, including with the Allied Arts Council, the Symphony, the City Council, the School District Foundation, the Wyatt Park Christian Church, Heartland Health, United Way and more.

Shinn, Mike
Certified Financial Planner
Retired Executive, General Electric Company
B.S., Aeronautical Engineering, 1966

Before graduating in 1966 with an aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas, Mike Shinn led the KU football team as co-captain and earned academic All-America and dean’s honor roll recognition. The Topeka native was hired as a process control engineer for General Electric in Cleveland. He earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and was made quality control supervisor at GE’s Memphis plant in 1972. Under his direction, the unit averaged $150 million annually in cost reductions.

From 1976 to 1979 Shinn worked as a production manager at Ford Motor Co. He returned to GE to manage corporate recruiting and university development. He spurred the creation of GE’s African-American Forum, a personal and professional development program for black employees. Shinn is a passionate supporter of the National Society of Black Engineers, having established scholarships for students and helped form NSBE’s Board of Corporate Affiliates.

Shinn retired from GE in 1999 and is a certified financial planner with Financial Network Investment Corporation and syndicated columnist.

Shinn is very involved within his community. At KU, he has provided scholarship support for minority engineering students, is a member of the School of Engineering Advisory Board and a trustee of KU Endowment. He is active in the KU Alumni Association, and served on its National Board of Advisers. In 2004, he received the Alumni Association’s Fred Ellsworth Medallion.

2007

Cook, Linda Zarda
Executive director, Royal Dutch Shell plc
B.S., petroleum engineering, 1980

Linda Zarda Cook rose through the ranks in an industry dominated by men to become one of the top executives in one of the top energy companies in the world.

As an executive director and member of the board of Royal Dutch Shell plc, she is responsible for Shell's global Gas & Power business, for the Renewable Energy and Hydrogen businesses as well as Shell Global Solutions. Cook also serves as regional managing director for Shell's activities in the Asia Pacific region.

Cook joined Shell's Exploration & Production business in Houston as a petroleum engineer in 1980 after graduating from KU. In 1998, after a variety of technical and managerial appointments, she became a member of Royal Dutch Shell's global E&P leadership team based in The Hague, Netherlands. In 2001, Cook was named CEO of Shell's London-based Gas & Power business.

In 2003, Cook was appointed director, president and CEO of Shell Canada Ltd. and moved to Calgary, Canada. In mid 2004, Cook was named executive director for Royal Dutch Petroleum and returned to the Netherlands in her current capacity.

Cook is routinely recognized as one of the most powerful women executives in the world. She has developed a reputation as a leader who generates respect and wins strong performance, while also presenting Shell's softer side: a commitment to sustainable development and responsible interaction with a variety of stakeholders.

Cook is a member of the China Development Forum, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the board of directors for the Boeing Company. She and her husband, Steven, reside in the Netherlands. They have three children.

Kendall, Gene R.
Rear Admiral, retired, U.S. Navy
Director of Training GSO Corporation
B.S., engineering physics, 1971
Master of engineering, special studies, 1972

Rear Admiral Gene R. Kendall, retired, exemplified innovation, professionalism and leadership throughout his lengthy naval career. Kendall completed Nuclear Power Training in 1968 and was commissioned from the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program at the University of Kansas. He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering physics in 1971 and the master of engineering degree in 1972. While at KU, Kendall was integral in establishing the Student Council for Recruiting, Motivating and Educating Black Engineers: the inception of minority and diversity programs at the School of Engineering.

Kendall commanded three ships and his tours of duty included Surface Warfare Officer School as the founding director of the Engineering Officer of the Watch course and director of Engineering Specialty Training. He also served as special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and Fellow with the Chief of Naval Operations' Strategic Studies Group XV at the Naval War College. As director of the U.S. Naval Academy's Division of Mathematics and Science in 1992 he was the first African American and first non-Naval Academy graduate to lead a major academic division.

In 1996, he became the 12th African American in U.S. Navy history to achieve that rank of rear admiral.

Throughout his career Kendall was recognized for the leadership and professionalism he brought to his position, as well as for the technological contributions he made. He has received two Legion of Merit awards and three Meritorious Service Medals. He has been involved in the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, NSBE, the American Society of Naval Engineers and the Surface Navy Association. He serves on the School of Engineering Advisory Board.

Kendall currently is director of training for GSO Corporation. He and his wife Sandra, reside in Fernandina Beach, Fla. They have two sons.

Vaughn, Kenneth J.
Retired principal and president, Larkin and Associates
B.S., civil engineering, 1957
M.S., civil engineering, 1963

Kenneth J. Vaughn's career has been a noteworthy combination of public service and private practice.

After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in civil engineering in 1957, he was hired as a structural design engineer with Wilson and Company in Salina, Kan.

In 1960, Vaughn began to pursue a master's degree in civil engineering at KU. During this time, he worked as a special projects engineer for the Kansas State Water Resources Board evaluating sites for the future Clinton Lake dam.

In 1963, Vaughn joined Larkin and Associates, now known as the Larkin Group, and was hired as engineering consultant to the city of Prairie Village. By 1965 he was elevated to partner status at Larkin. He is recognized by employees, colleagues and competitors as a talented mentor with a high level of professionalism who always treated others with respect. In 1980, his work on the Brush Creek stabilization project -- which controls floodwaters and is thought by many in the Kansas City area to be of vital importance to the safety of thousands -- won a first place award for public improvements from Kansas Consulting Engineers. In 1984, Vaughn was elected the first president of the firm when it was incorporated. Vaughn retired as principal and president of Larkin Associates in 1994.

He is a professional engineer in five states and has been actively involved in numerous professional organizations. He is a loyal supporter of KU and in 1976 was selected as one of the first members of the Department of Civil Engineering Advisory Board, on which he continues to serve. Vaughn generously contributes his time and talents to his community, youth organizations and his church.

Vaughn and his wife, Marilyn, reside in Prairie Village, Kan. They have three children and three grandchildren.

2006

Ladd, J.B. "Bert"
Retired founder and CEO of Ladd Petroleum Corporation
B.S. Petroleum Engineering, 1949

Ladd enrolled at the University of Kansas in 1942, however placed his college aspirations on hold during World War II. After being honorably discharged as a 1st lieutenant from the U.S. Army Air Corps he returned to KU to finish his degree. Upon graduation, Ladd found employment with a firm that would later become better known as Texaco. He worked several positions in the firm's mountain west division. In 1957, Ladd joined Consolidate Oil and Gas as its vice president of operations, but left to spend a year working in Citibank's new loan group that served the international and domestic petroleum industry. Upon his return to Consolidated Oil, Ladd was able to help the firm grow to dominance among modest sized independent oil and gas entities. In 1968, he formed Ladd Petroleum Corporation, which by 1973 had achieved significant industry stature and about 5,000 shareholders. Ladd Petroleum merged with Utah International, which subsequently was acquired by industry giant General Electric in 1976. Ladd continued to work as president and chairman of Ladd Petroleum until he resigned in 1979. He has remained active in the petroleum industry and corporate world and serves as a director of Whiting Petroleum Corporation, which he helped found 25 years ago.

Loose, Michael K.
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Chief of Civil Engineers, U.S. Navy
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1975

Loose, a native of Albuquerque, attended the University of Kansas on a Navy ROTC scholarship and was commissioned as an ensign upon graduation. He has spent more than 30 years in significant positions in the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps. In 2003, Loose assumed command of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and became chief of civil engineers. As such, Loose leads NAVFAC's 15,000 personnel in providing a diverse array of engineering, planning, public works, construction management, environmental, real estate and contracting services for the Navy installations around the world. The effort represents more than $10 billion annually. He also is responsible for logistics and engineering support to the Naval Construction Force — also known as the Navy Seabees — 22 battalions and four regiments actively engaged in the war on terrorism. As chief of civil engineers, Loose leads more than 2,000 Civil Engineer Corps officers and is responsible for all aspects of the community's training and development and employment in support of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Department of Defense objectives.

Mitchell, Paul H.
Retired Vice President of Advanced Research and Development, Nike Inc.
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1962

After completing the ROTC program and graduating from the University of Kansas Mitchell worked at Eastman Kodak for a few months before serving two years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He received the U.S. Army Commendation Medal for Outstanding Military Service and achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Mitchell then held leadership positions at major corporations in the Fort Smith, Ark., region. In 1970, he was offered a position as engineering manager at Tetra Plastics near St. Louis. By 1972 he had been promoted to vice president. In 1980, Tetra began working with the sporting equipment giant Nike to develop uniquely engineered cushioning systems for the Nike Air line of shoes. In 1988, Mitchell was promoted to president and COO of Tetra and assumed general management responsibilities. In 1991, Mitchell negotiated the sale of Tetra Plastics to Nike and was named the president and CEO of the new Nike IHM subsidiary. In 1993, the plant was flooded with 7-feet of water when the Missouri River breached its levees. The plant employed about 250 people and was Nike's only Air technology materials and components manufacturing plant. Mitchell quickly moved the operation to a nearby dry location. Twenty-seven days after the flooding, damaged equipment had been rebuilt, workers were back on the line and Nike IHM averted an international shortage of soles. In January 2000, Mitchell was named vice president for advanced research and development for Nike Global Footwear.

Mitchell holds 11 patents. He has been very active in the Society of Plastic Industry Sheet Products — serving as its president for two years— as well as serving on the National Board of Directors of the Society of Plastic Industry.

2005

L. Joseph Bauman
L. Joseph Bauman of Lawrence is chairman and CEO Cardinal Brands Inc. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1961 with a degree in mechanical engineering, Bauman joined Bendix Corp. In 1965 he was hired as a manufacturing engineer at IBM, where he contributed to the firm's success through a variety of positions.

From mid July to mid August of 1980, Bauman became a member of the task force that developed the IBM PC and later a member of the team that built it and put it into production.

The team's effort and IBM's unquestionable reputation for excellence set a worldwide revolution in motion. The PC was catapulted into the realms of commercial necessity and popular culture icon.

Bauman subsequently held several leadership posts at IBM, serving as vice president of manufacturing, PC Division; and director of materials. As director of quality for Manufacturing and Development, IBM's Rochester, Minn., plant won the revered Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

From 1990 to 1995, Bauman was the eighth dean of the KU School of Business and a professor of management. During his tenure, the KU MBA program was recognized by Business Week as one of the 10 best values in the United States. In 1997, he became president and CEO of Adams Business Forms. At Adams, Bauman crafted the merger of Adams and Eagle OPG Inc. in 2000 to form Cardinal Brands Inc., a leading manufacturer of office and related products. The company has about 1,200 employees and locations in North America and the United Kingdom.

Robert A. Kipp
Robert A. Kipp is chairman of Crown Center and retired Vice president of Hallmark. After graduating with his bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1952, Kipp entered the U.S. Air Force serving as a communications and electronics staff officer. He returned to KU in 1954 to work on a Master's of Public Administration degree. He subsequently held significant positions for three different communities in Kansas and Ohio.

In 1970, Kipp was made director of city development for Kansas City, Mo. By 1974, Kipp was named city manager. He held the post for nine years and oversaw the routine as he facilitated monumental changes for the region, including the completion of Kansas City International Airport and Kemper Arena and initiation of Bartle Hall construction.

In 1983, Kipp was hired as president of the Crown Center, a strong cultural and commercial center that gives Kansas City some of its unique flavor. Kipp oversaw efforts to add new buildings and infrastructure to the center. He determined the long-term direction and planning for the development and creatively connected the center's real estate assets in a way that made them more valuable.

Kipp's wisdom, vision and pragmatic approach, combined with his knowledge and experience, have made him a valued contributor on dozens of task forces, commissions and committees that have helped guide Kansas City and KU over the past three decades.

David C. Kraft
David C. Kraft is professor of Engineering Management and former dean of the KU School of Engineering After earning his doctorate from Ohio State University in 1964, Kraft was hired as an assistant professor at the University of Dayton, and, demonstrating vision and leadership skills, soon became its dean of engineering.

In 1978, Kraft was hired as dean of the KU School of Engineering and vice president and director of KU's Center for Research Inc., positions he held until 1984.

Kraft's highlights at KU include achieving record undergraduate enrollments in engineering, initiating fund-raising efforts to build Spahr Engineering Library and the Aerospace Engineering Hangar, forming the School of Engineering Advisory Board, and establishing the Distinguished Engineering Service Award. Through the KU Center for Research Inc., Kraft created incentive programs for faculty that increased engineering research 200 percent.

Kraft launched two new degree programs as dean, the bachelor's degree in computer engineering and the master's degree in engineering management. Unveiled in 1982, the Engineering Management degree addressed the needs of engineers in the workforce and was popular from the outset. The program stands as the School's largest master's degree program. Kraft served as director of engineering management from 1990 to 1998. Enrollment more than tripled, and Kraft began the School's first distance-learning courses.

As a professional engineer, Kraft played a key role in creating two consulting firms, and he designed and fabricated the first automated cone penetrometer. The U.S. Air Force and NASA used the device to evaluate soil runways for military aircraft and the Space Shuttle.

2004

Warren Corman
Warren Corman of Lawrence is university architect and special assistant to the chancellor at KU. He is a 1950 KU architectural engineering graduate.

Corman has had a major impact on the learning environment encountered by the state's college students. In 1966 he was recruited by the Kansas Board of Regents to be director of facilities, a position he held for 31 years. During his tenure he worked with all the regents institutions, overseeing planning and construction on more than 300 construction projects, valued at more than $500 million. Corman also was instrumental in two public policy actions that continue to serve Kansans: the State Building Advisory Committee, which greatly reduced the opportunity for corruption, and Crumbling Classrooms, widely recognized as the single most important facilities repair-and-rehabilitation funding project in regents history. Upon retiring from the regents post in 1997 Corman was hired as university architect and special assistant to the chancellor at KU. Corman has been integral to the completion of numerous construction projects, including the Memorial Stadium renovation, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the School of Engineering's own Eaton Hall.

Thomas M. Murray
Thomas M. Murray of Blacksburg, Va., is the Montague-Betts professor of structural steel design at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. An expert in structural steel design, Murray has focused on the areas of floor vibration problems, metal building roof design and moment end-plate connections.

Engineering News-Record dubbed him the "floor vibration guru" for his research into floor serviceability. Along with his other areas of expertise, Murray has significantly affected the economics and safety of steel-framed buildings. Virtually every structural engineer is aware of and uses his design criteria.

He has written six books and monograms and more than 125 papers for refereed journals, conference proceedings and technical magazines. He also has given more than 250 presentations at local, state, national and international professional meetings. He has received numerous teaching awards, and in 2002, he was one of 74 engineers in the United States to be elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

2003

Marjorie A. Franklin
Marjorie Franklin, Prairie Village, Kan., is co-owner and principal engineering of Franklin Associates. Franklin is the first woman to enroll in and graduate with a degree in aerospace engineering from KU. The Russell, Kan., native earned her degree in 1956 at a time when women were discouraged from entering traditionally male fields such as engineering.

After raising a family, Franklin applied her extensive engineering skills to the field of municipal solid waste, for which she is internationally known. For more than 20 years she has had management responsibility for development of the material flows methodology for characterizing waste for reports published annually by the Environmental Protection Agency. Her clients have included the EPA, local and state agencies and private clients.

In 1983, Franklin became president of Franklin Associates. As the nation dipped in recession, she was able to guide Franklin Associates through some difficult financial times. Her leadership kept the young company in business and expanded the business base of the organization. While she was president of Franklin Associates, she became active in the Solid Waste Processing Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and became the first woman to chair that division. She is active in a number of other professional and regional organizations, as well.

Her influence within Franklin Associates, where she is now co-owner and principal engineer, increased opportunities for female engineers. For years there have been more female than male engineers at the firm.

Franklin continues to have a positive influence at KU, where she is a strong contributor of her time, wisdom and financial support. Franklin has been an active member of the School of Engineering Advisory Board for more than 17 years. She was the first female member of the board and the first, and, to date, only woman to chair the board. Franklin’s numerous KU activities also include the school’s Diversity Programs Advisory Board.

William E. Franklin
William “Bill” Franklin, Prairie Village, Kan., is president of Franklin Associates, Ltd. He received his bachelor’s degree in geological engineering at the University of Kansas in 1957. After graduation Franklin took a position as a petroleum engineer for Cities Service Oil Company in Oklahoma.

In 1965, he earned a master’s degree in industrial administration from Purdue University. Soon afterward he was working at the Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City. At MRI, he and colleague Robert Hunt began developing Resource and Environmental Profile Analysis, which would later become known worldwide as life-cycle assessment. This approach looks at all environmental aspects of a product from creation to final disposal.

Franklin left MRI in 1975 to organize Franklin Associates with his wife, Marge Franklin, and Robert Hunt. Bill Franklin was able to establish nationwide recognition for Franklin Associates in the fields of solid waste management and life-cycle assessment. The team further developed the life-cycle assessment method of evaluating environmental impacts and refined it so this approach is now widely accepted and used in projects sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the United Nations. They have been credited with creating a field “used to guide and inspire improvements in the design of everything from cars to computers to cans.” Franklin has made dozens of presentations on life-cycle and solid-waste management in the United States, Europe and Asia. He has been author or co-author of numerous journal articles and book chapters.

He led Franklin Associates as president until 1983 when he was elected to serve on the Johnson County Commission. While he remained active in the firm, he turned leadership over to Marge for a number of years.

Public service has been an important aspect of Bill Franklin’s life. His activities in elected office began in Prairie Village, Kan., where he first was elected to City Council and later served as mayor from 1973 to 1979. He was instrumental in moving the community from strictly a bedroom community of Kansas City to a municipality with a more professional city government. He was integral to the appointment of the first city administrator. In 1980, in recognition of his accomplishments and service as mayor, the city named a park in his honor.

He was elected to the Johnson County Board of Commissioners in 1983. He served on that board until 1989 and twice was chairman. During his tenure he helped develop funding authority for the Johnson County Library, which brought about seven major library construction projects.

Franklin is involved in several national and regional organizations and he remains a strong supporter of the University of Kansas, the School of Engineering and the Kansas Alumni Association.

Bill and Marge Franklin reside in Prairie Village, Kan., They have a son and a daughter and four grandchildren.

Jim Patton
Jim Patton, Overland Park, Kan., retired in 2002 as president of the Americas Division of Black & Veatch. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1964 from the University of Kansas. He followed that with a master’s in environmental health engineering, also from KU, in 1969.

Over the past 38 years at Black & Veatch, he progressed through the ranks from designer to project engineer, project manager, partner-in-charge and ultimately, president of the Americas Division and member of the Black & Veatch Board of Directors. During the past two decades he has served as the leader of the firm’s worldwide environmental practice.

In part due to Patton’s efforts and leadership, Black & Veatch sits among the top five of most of the environmental categories compiled for the Engineering News Record rankings. Patton was the architect of the global expansion of the Black & Veatch’s environmental practice. He arranged the acquisition of Binnie & Partners of the United Kingdom, greatly adding to Black & Veatch’s worldwide presence and environmental activities. This, coupled with additional acquisitions arranged by Patton, have given the firm’s environmental practice presence on six continents with 50 offices overseas in addition to the 50 domestic offices.

Patton has been credited with helping provide more than 1 billion people around the world -- including many of the citizens of Kansas -- with access to safe drinking water or sanitary water disposal services.

Patton has extensive involvement with a variety of professional organizations, including the American Water Works Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Consulting Engineers Academy. He has been involved in a variety of regional charitable organizations and willingly shares his time and advice to KU. He serves on the KU School of Engineering Advisory Board and has provided guidance on the KU/KC Engineering Education Advisory Board, the KU Center for Environmental Education and Training Advisory Board. He has been a strong supporter of the School of Engineering and KU Endowment.

Patton and his wife, Marilyn, reside in Overland Park, Kan. The couple has two sons and three grandchildren.

2002

Robert A. Kleist
President and CEO of Printronix
B.S. electrical engineering, 1951

Robert A. Kleist is co-founder and leader of one of the world's leading printer manufacturers. The shuttle-based line matrix printer that he and his partner designed has grown into a product line that now includes industrial-quality laser, thermal and line-matrix printers. Printronix, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., was able to form partnerships with many major systems companies to provide Printronix printers under their logo. The company employs about 1,000 people worldwide. Printronix's annual revenue exceeds $150 million.
He received the DESA as the president and CEO of Printronix.

Carl E. Locke Jr.
11th dean of the KU School of Engineering

Carl E. Locke Jr. has guided the KU School of Engineering past significant milestones. Students have been encouraged and supported to take part in capstone design courses and national design competitions with impressive results. Some other highlights include adding a per-credit-hour fee to acquire and maintain computers and equipment for engineering students and incorporating the Computer Science Department into the school. In addition, great strides were made in the recruitment and hiring of female faculty. His fund-raising efforts have had great effect on the school including the new engineering building, funded entirely through private gifts.
Locke received the DESA as the outgoing dean of the KU School of Engineering.

Gregs Thomopulos
President and CEO of The Stanley Group
B.S. civil engineering 1965

Gregs Thomopulos has ushered the Stanley Group Inc., a major international engineering, environmental and construction firm, to new heights of success and made it a formidable contender in the global arena. Thomopulos has been with Stanley since he held a summer intern position in 1965. His talents and skills were quickly recognized, and by 1972 he began a series of promotions that would eventually lead him to the pinnacle of the firm. Thomopulos was elected CEO of the Stanley Group in 2000. He is the first non-Stanley family member to serve in the chairman/ CEO position. The Stanley Group has seen dramatic growth during his tenure. The firm has 14 domestic offices and five international offices and is in the Engineering News-Record Top 100 engineering organizations.

 

2001

Theodore J. Cambern Jr.
B.S. Civil Engineering 1958, M.S. 1965, Ph.D. 1974
After a lifetime in engineering design, Theodore J. Cambern Jr. was pivotal in the 1995 creation of TranSystems Corp. Through his inspired direction, TranSystems Corp., a major international transportation company, provides expert service in anything that deals with the movement of people, products or information.
He received the DESA as Vice President and Principal of TranSystems Corporation.

Duane E. Dunwoodie
Retired, President and CEO of Wiltron Company
B.S. Electrical Engineering 1952
A co-founder of Wiltron Company, Duane E. Dunwoodie served the firm in a variety of leadership capacities. Through his innovative efforts, the California-based instrumentation firm grew to an $82 million-a-year enterprise with more than 700 employees before it was sold to Anritsu in 1990.
He received the DESA as the retired President and CEO of Wiltron Company.

 

2000

Madison "Al" Self
Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Bee Chemical Company
Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Tioga International, Inc.
Founder and President, Allen Financial, Inc.
B.S. Chemical Engineering 1943

Al Self used his technical and business skills to guide Bee Chemical Company from a three-person operation to become an international leader in polymer coatings designed for use on plastics. His success as an entrepreneur has allowed him and his wife, Lila Self, to endow scholarship and fellowship programs at three institutions in the United States, including the Madison and Lila Self Graduate Fellowship at KU, which in 2000 supported 32 fellows with each receiving a stipend of $20,000 per year plus tuition for four years of study.

Murli Tolaney
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Montgomery Watson, Inc.
B.S. Civil Engineering 1969, M.S. Environmental Engineering 1971

Murli Tolaney brought commitment, enthusiasm, and vision to a small, California-based consulting firm named James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers. Tolaney rose through the ranks at JMM until in 1989, as executive vice president and chief operating officer, he took over primary operating responsibility for the firm. He orchestrated a merger with the United Kingdom's Watson Hawksley to form the first truly global environmental engineering firm, Montgomery Watson. MW was ranked in 1999 by Engineering News-Record as the pre-eminent firm in the world in both water and wastewater services. In the years since the merger, MW has experienced steady revenue growth of more than 130 percent with 1999 revenues in excess of $500 million.

1999

George W. "Bill" Swift
Emeritus Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, The University of Kansas
B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Chemical Engineering 1953, 1955, 1957

For more than three decades, George W. “Bill” Swift greatly influenced KU chemical and petroleum engineering students. He was an effective administrator whose leadership skills advanced the CPE department and the university. In engineering practice, theories and models that he developed as a distinguished researcher continue to solve significant problems facing industry and society.

1998

Mou-Hui King
Retired, President and Chairman of the Board, China Steel Corporation
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1947

Mou-Hui King helped rebuild Taiwan’s post-war economy and later was a founder and top manager of the China Steel Corporation, the country’s only world-class steel mill.

Jack Boyd
Retired, Chairman, Boyd, Brown, Stude and Cambern, Chartered
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1952, M.S. 1961

Jack Boyd is respected for his contributions as the founder of a highly successful engineering consulting firm and for his insight, dependability and willingness to contribute as a neighbor and fellow citizen.

1997

Paul D. Barber
Retired, Chief of Engineering, Directorate of Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1957

Paul D. Barber culminated his distinguished 35-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as chief of engineering at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Leo G. LeSage
Research Program Director, Argonne National Laboratory
B.S. Engineering Physics, 1957

Leo G. LeSage’s more than 30 years as a researcher and program director in nuclear reactor technology is leading to long-term solutions to problems created by the 1986 Chernobyl reactor accident in the former Soviet Union.

1996

Rear Admiral J.T. Hood
Vice President, Strategic Planning, Lockheed Martin Government Electronic Systems
Retired U.S.N., Program Executive Officer, Theater Air Defense
B.S. Chemical Engineering, 1962

Rear Admiral J.T. Hood serves with distinction as a naval officer, a leader, an innovator and an engineer. He exhibits the highest degree of personal and professional integrity and loyalty.

Dave G. Ruf Jr.
Chairman, President and C.E.O., Burns & McDonnell
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1960

Dave G. Ruf Jr. is the leader of a major engineering consulting firm and is an active civic leader in Kansas City, Mo. His drive and enthusiasm has been a vital part of the success of Burns & McDonnell.

1995

P.J. “Jim” Adam
Chairman and C.E.O., Black & Veatch
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1956

P.J. “Jim” Adam has made noteworthy contributions to the electric power industry and leads one of the country’s largest engineering firms. His support of KU and his community has been outstanding.

Jack F. Daily
Partner, Lutz, Daily & Brain Consulting Engineers
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1948

Jack F. Daily is a leader in the design of electric power units and waste treatment systems that protect the environment. He has made exceptional contributions to his community and to the engineering profession.

Robert J. Eaton
Chairman and C.E.O., Chrysler Corporation
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1963

Robert J. Eaton’s leadership, knowledge of industry and passion for automobiles helped him become the chairman and C.E.O. of one of the nation’s fastest-growing car manufacturers.

1994

Clarence L. Coates
Retired, Professor of Electrical Engineering, Purdue University
B.S., M.S. Electrical Engineering, 1944 & 1948

In his exemplary career in higher education, Clarence L. Coates constantly sought the best for electrical engineering students, his faculty, his university, and the engineering profession.

Alan R. Mulally
President, Boeing Co. Information, Space & Defense Systems
B.S., M.S. Aeronautical Engineering, 1968 & 1969

In his years at the Boeing Company, Alan R. Mulally has shown a concern for safety, an interest in new technology, and a never-ending enthusiasm for airplanes.

1993

James E. Russell
President, James E. Russell Petroleum, Inc.
B.S. Petroleum Engineering, 1941
Deceased

James E. Russell was a cornerstone of the oil industry throughout his long and distinguished career. His contributions to petroleum engineering in Texas have advanced the state’s oil and gas industry immeasurably.

Robert L. Smith
Retired, Professor Civil Engineering, University of Kansas
Deceased

Robert L. Smith was a pioneer in the field of water resource development, an educator, a practicing engineer, and a man concerned about how his proposals affect the people of the world.

1992

Clarence J. Beck
Retired, Project Manager, Combustion Engineering, Inc.
B.S. Metallurgical Engineering, 1943

Clarence J. Beck was a pioneer in the nuclear power industry. He served more than forty years as a designer, inventor, researcher, manager, consultant, and writer.

Forrest E. Hoglund
Chairman, President, C.E.O., Enron Oil and Gas Company
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1956

Forrest E. Hoglund has established a firm reputation as a leader of the petroleum industry and as a friend of engineering education at the University of Kansas.

Milton D. Sills
Vice President, Engineering, Cessna Aircraft Company
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1955

Milton D. Sills was a pioneer of business jet aircraft. He made invaluable contributions to the development of Cessna’s Citation aircraft fleet, one of the most successful business aircraft fleets in the world.

1991

Frank J. Becker
Retired, Chairman of the Board, C.E.O., Becker Corporation
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1958

Frank J. Becker has made many contributions to business in Kansas. In addition to serving on the boards of a number of companies, he participates in a wide-number of business-related activities in the state.

Paul Endacott
Retired, President, Phillips Petroleum Company
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1923
Deceased

Paul Endacott’s accomplishments on KU’s basketball courts are surpassed only by his outstanding work in the petroleum industry and his many contributions to the university.

Dale R. Laurence
President, Occidental Petroleum
B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, 1967, 1971, 1973

Dr. Dale R. Laurence has contributed a great deal to the chemical and petroleum engineering field. His organizational skills and innovations have contributed substantially to the industry.

1990

John C. Brizendine
Retired, Group President, Lockheed Corporation
B.S., M.S. Aeronautical Engineering, 1949 & 1950

John C. Brizendine is known for his leadership in the aerospace industry. His management of the DC-9 and DC-10 programs proved his expertise in aircraft design and team supervision, and earned him an appointment to the NASA Aerospace Advisory Panel.

Thomas F. Edgar
Associate Dean, College of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
B.S. Chemical Engineering, 1967

Thomas F. Edgar’s research in process control and optimization, as well as his dedication to students and engineering education, have earned him the respect of chemical engineers throughout the world.

Walter R. Garrison
Chairman, C.E.O., CDI Corporation
B.S., M.S. Aeronautical Engineering, 1948 & 1950

Walter R. Garrison has been responsible for the growth and perfection of the American engineering services industry. His generosity in founding the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology has helped by-passed learners establish successful technical careers.

1989

David R. Boylan
Dean Emeritus and Professor, School of Engineering, Iowa State University
B.S. Chemical Engineering, 1943

During his twenty-year career in education, research, and administration, David R. Boylan has distinguished himself as a leader committed to standards of excellence in engineering education and development.

John S. McNown
Professor Emeritus and Former Dean, KU School of Engineering
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1936
Deceased

John S. McNown, a member of the KU civil engineering faculty for twenty-nine years, was known for his technical contributions in fluid mechanics and for his leadership in engineering education in Africa.

1987

Finis C. Easter
Retired, Design and Development Engineer, RCA
B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1950

In his thirty-four years with the Radio Corporation of America, Finis C. Easter distinguished himself as an innovator and an expert in the field of electronic circuit design and development. He holds 16 patents and is a member of Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Tau.

Paul M. Pankratz
Retired, Vice President and Director, U.S. Area Operations Dow Chemical U.S.A.
B.S. Chemical Engineering, 1955

For more than thirty years as an engineer and manager of manufacturing, Paul M. Pankratz has helped Dow Chemical remain productive and competitive in the worldwide chemicals and plastics market.

1986

Gerald H. Frieling Jr.
Retired, Chairman, President, Chief Executive, National-Standard Co.
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1951

Through innovation, research and leadership, Gerald H. Frieling has promoted growth and progress in the development of materials, making National-Standard a technical leader in the metals industry.

Donald J. Nigg
Retired, Director of Engineering, Allied Bendix
B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1943

Donald J. Nigg vigorously promoted research and design at Allied Bendix, helping his division win recognition for its outstanding technical achievements.

1985

William J. Hall
Professor, Chairman of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1948

William J. Hall’s dedication to research and education has contributed to his distinguished career as a professor of civil engineering.

George E. Nettels Jr.
Chairman, Midwest Minerals, Inc.
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1950

George E. Nettels has helped develop the services and equipment that help the United States and other countries across the world sustain efficient coal-mining industries.

Charles W. Stephens
Former Vice President Electronics Group, TRW Inc.
B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1952
Deceased

Charles W. Stephens’ dedication to the development of satellite communications and digital signal equipment helped make the United States a leader in electronics and defense systems.

1984

Joseph W. Davison
Retired, Senior Vice President, Phillips Petroleum Company
B.S. Chemical Engineering, 1943

Joseph W. Davison’s accomplishments and leadership during more than forty years with Phillips Petroleum Company were foremost in his company’s becoming a world leader in chemical research.

Linton E. Grinter
Retired, Dean Emeritus of Engineering, University of Florida
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1923
Deceased

During his distinguished career as an engineering educator, Linton E. Grinter was committed to excellence in teaching, research and educational administration.

Dwight F. Metzler
Retired, Chief of Water Supply and Development, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1940
Deceased

For more than forty years, Dwight F. Metzler dedicated his professional career to the maintenance and protection of the world’s environment and the proper use of its resources.

1983

Paul D. Haney
Black & Veatch
B.S. Chemical Engineering, 1933
Deceased

For more than fifty years in engineering education, research, consulting and management, Paul D. Haney devoted his career to the improvement, preservation, and proper use of America’s precious water resources.

Harriet B. Rigas
Former Professor and Chairman, Department of Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University
Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, 1963
Deceased

Through teaching, research and educational administration, Harriet B. Rigas helped develop new and innovative standards for educating future generations of computer engineers.

1982

Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle
Retired, NASA Senior Astronaut, United States Air Force
B.S. Aerospace Engineering, 1955

Through experimental flights on the X-15 research rocket airplane and the space shuttle Columbia, Col. Joe H. Engle made an important contribution to the future of space exploration.

Thomas B. Robinson
Retired, Managing Partner, Black & Veatch
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1939

For more than forty years in engineering management, Thomas B. Robinson served Black & Veatch and the engineering profession with distinction and excellence.

1981

William C. Douce
Retired, President, Chief Executive, Phillips Petroleum Company
B.S. Chemical Engineering, 1943

After leading Phillips Petroleum Company into the chemicals industry, William C. Douce guided research that expanded the international search for oil and developed new domestic energy supplies.

Dean Anderson McGee
Former Chairman, Chief Executive, Kerr-McGee Corporation
B.S. Mining Engineering, 1926
Deceased

Dean Anderson McGee was a leader in his company’s development of technology for off-shore petroleum exploration and production and for research and development of uranium mining.

Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer
Retired, Director of AEGIS Shipbuilding Project, United States Navy
B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1946

Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer helped develop some of the world’s most advanced shipboard radar and most complex computer systems for the United States Navy’s guided missile cruisers.

1980

Malcolm S. Harned
Former Senior Vice President, Cessna Aircraft Company
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1943
Deceased

In an exceptional career in the aerospace industry, Malcolm S. Harned made contributions through innovative designs, research, development, and management in the field of general aviation aircraft.

Stanley Learned
Retired, President, Chief Executive, Phillips Petroleum Company
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1924
Deceased

In his forty-three years with the Phillips Petroleum Company, Stanley Learned was instrumental in helping his company become one of the nation’s leading international oil companies.

Charles E. Spahr
Retired, Chairman, Chief Executive, Standard Oil Company, Ohio
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1934

Charles E. Spahr helped make the Standard Oil Company of Ohio a diversified energy and chemicals company and was instrumental in opening Alaska’s North Slope oil reserves to the United States.

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board to the University of Kansas School of Engineering was organized in 1978 to help the school develop priorities for the future. The board also maintains communication between the school and the public about the need for effective engineering education at KU.

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