The MSOE Wall of Fame is a testament to the achievements of MSOE alumni. Browsing this august list reveals leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs with one thing in common: an MSOE education at the base of their success.
Jon R. Appel 
1962 Electrical Engineering
President
Icon, Inc.
Yorba Linda, CA
My most significant professional accomplishment
"I rose to the top of every department in which I worked and
I successfully started and managed a profitable small business for 20 years."
The role MSOE played in my success
"I received a hands-on approach to engineering. MSOE
graduates easily out distanced the theoretical graduates and rose quickly to
the upper management and technical positions."
Michael Barber
1982 Electrical Engineering
Vice President
Healthymagination, GE Healthcare
Milwaukee, WI
My most significant professional accomplishment
"I've had the pleasure of working with very talented teams
and I'm humbled every time we introduce a product that improves clinicians'
ability to treat patients I'm also pleased whenever members of one of my teams
are recognized for their contributions."
The role MSOE played in my success
"The pace and depth of learning required by MSOE positioned
me to handle working on multiple projects as an entry level engineer. This gave
me the opportunity to contribute with technical innovations very early in my
career."
Jacqueline Herd-Barber 
1984 Electrical Engineering
Community Volunteer
Retired Senior District Sales Manager
Freescale Semiconductor Inc.
Brookfield,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"As a sales leader, I have had the opportunity to help
customers develop leadership products in the automotive, networking, industrial
and healthcare sectors. I've also been able to coach and mentor young
professional helping them maximize their contributions and reach their
potential."
The role MSOE played in my success
"Attending college at MSOE was valuable in several
ways. The small class size ensured interaction with professors versus
teaching assistants, the rigorous curriculum provided the breadth of learning
that's needed to contribute as an entry level employee and the opportunities
for leadership roles helped position me to succeed in the workplace and as a
community volunteer."
F.A. (Jim) Blankenbaker BlankenbakerH&Swebtone.jpg)
1943 Electrical Engineering
Retired President
FAB Inc. (consulting)
Scottsdale,
Ariz.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"I have held a series of administrative and management
assignments starting with a U.S. Naval Reserve commission upon graduation
('43), hence sales manager, general sales manager, division general manager,
and vice president all at 3M Co. and owner and president of Prehler Inc. and
FAB Inc."
The role MSOE played in my success
"Equally important to my success has been my technical
training at MSOE plus the disciplines of life I learned while a student, i.e.,
a solid work ethic, honesty, engineering oriented thought/evaluation process,
interpersonal relations and leadership ... all of which are by products of a
degree at MSOE."
James J. Burns 
1956 Electrical Engineering
Retired President
Anagram Associates INC.
Tucson, Ariz.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Growing a company, Burr-Brown Corp, from $7 million to $180
million in annual revenues by upgrading technology, establishing a worldwide
strategy and employing enlightened resources policies."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE provided me that engineering background that enabled
my start in engineering which led to the opportunity to lead a high technology
business."
Allen J. Carlson 
1979 Mechanical Engineering Technology
President and CEO
Sun Hydraulics Corp.
Sarasota,
Fla.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"I learned early in my career that to be truly successful,
individual accomplishment is irrelevant. Business is a team sport, I can
however say that I have been fortunate in playing key roles with some very
successful teams.
The role MSOE played in my success
"The answer lies in three distinct areas
- Problem solving skills (and not just math and science)
- Communication Skills
- Self Confidence
Gene P. Carter 
1960 Electronic Communication Technology
Retired Vice President, Sales
Apple Computer Inc.
Cupertino,
Calif.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"I developed the retail distribution channel for apple
computers, which is now the standard for all PC computer retailing and I was
part of the team that created the software application package sold today as
Microsoft Works."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE provided the academic and technological environment to
learn the engineering profession, technically and practically. The provided
work experience professors and hands on laboratory training that helped jump
start my career."
Bernard Allan Cohen Ph.D., 
PE
1971 Electrical Engineering, Neurophysiologist
Neurological Monitoring Associates
Milwaukee,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"I founded and manage one of the largest professional
neurophysiological monitoring practices in the country, consulting at more than
35 hospitals. As an internationally recognized leader in my field, I have
had the privilege of participating in the care of patients from all over the world
and have been a Presidential Council advisor.
The Role MSOE played in my Success
"From the very first course, MSOE taught me critical
thinking. Small classes, with immediate faculty access, provided the background
and focus for a long and successful career. MSOE faculty, and especially
Dr. Vincent Canino, stand out in my memory, even above all of my graduate
work. They remain close advisors and confidants 35 years after my
graduation. My career clearly has been a reflection of MSOE's institutional principles."
Clyde J. Denton 
1955 Radio and Television Technician
Retired Owner, President and CEO
Zetec Inc.
Issaquah,
Wash.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Established the largest nondestructive testing company in
the world devoted exclusively to eddy current test techniques. Sold the
corporation to a company management team in 1997 with terms that assure the
continuation of the corporate entity."
The role MSOE played in my success
"At MSOE, I acquired the technical and business knowledge
required to operate a small business."
Dwight D. Diercks 
1990 Computer Engineering
Vice President of Software Engineering
NVIDIA
Santa Clara,
Calif.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Being a significant driving force in building a $2.5
billion, respected public company from the ground up."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE taught me that focused effort on core principles
combined with a ton of effort ("hard work combined with working hard") can help
you accomplish things that seem beyond your reach."
John E. Duncan 
1979 Industrial Management
President
Off-Road Driveline Technology & Axle Systems
ZF Group North American Operations
Vernon Hills, Ill.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Given the opportunity to lead people as the president of a
few companies has been the culmination of meeting countless challenges over
many years by putting together strong teams of people willing to work hard to
get the job done right. This may sound too simple, but more than the
professional titles, more than any recognitions or awards, I am most proud of
the people and the hard work and the results that we have earned together."
The role MSOE played in my success
"I am very proud to say ‘I'm from MSOE' because right from
the start, this university has given me a stronger sense of personal pride and
confidence that I carry to this day. MSOE stands for a tough, no nonsense,
disciplined technical education with close ties to industry. MSOE honed my
skill sets for the working world through strong instructors and academics and
working at the Fluid Power Institute."
Randall L. Freeman 
1974 Electrical Engineering Technology
Retired Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Rockwell Automation
Milwaukee,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"My career was spent in technical sales and marketing.
The opportunity and ability to assess the business needs of a variety of
manufacturing customers and provide automation and information solutions were
very fulfilling. Cultivating future leaders through mentoring and coaching
has been one of my most satisfying accomplishments."
The role MSOE played in my success
"The hands-on practical approach to technical subjects and
the personal discipline required to succeed at MSOE prepared me for ‘more of
the same' in my career."
Matthew W. Fuchs 
1963 Mechanical Engineering
Retired Professor and Chairman
Architectural Engineering and Building Construction
Department, MSOE
Milwaukee,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"My contribution to the development of an excellent team of
faculty and staff in the AE and BC Department."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE has provided me an opportunity to have met mentors
that shared with me and lead by example the art and science of teaching and
management. Thank you Mary Heifetz and Keith Kummer. I've also been given
the opportunity to impart some advice, wisdom and guidance to the many
graduates from initially the ME Department and then the AE and BC Department."
Susan L. Jaske 
1986, 1997 Mechanical Engineering, M.S. in Engineering
Management
Vice President and COO
Fairway Transit Inc.
Pewaukee,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Achieving executive leadership responsibilities within
value driven firms enables me to lead professional teams in addressing
opportunities for profitable business."
The role MSOE played in my success
"Through developing my technical skills and business
practices, MSOE prepared me to step with intensity and confidence into the
competitive business arena. I learned to harness the diverse talents of
team members, including myself, for success exceeding imagined goals. MSOE
has proven to be the founding resource for my lifelong learning."
Donald D. Maurer 
1960 Electronic Communication Technology
President & Owner
Maurer & Associates
Marine on St. Croix,
Minn.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Forming a medical device manufacturing company to sell
electrotherapy devices for rehabilitation - devices that I designed and
patented. The company is Empi Inc. which has sales of $78 million and is
NASDAQ listed."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE gave me the self confidence in my own ability and the
technical tools to succeed. With these tools, I designed and patented over 40
devices for helping overcome pain and disability."
Thomas L. Misiak 
1977 M.S. in Engineering Management
Pewaukee,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"As a professional, I have had the opportunity to be part of
a number of leadership teams at various businesses. Participating in the
development and success of effective leaders, individuals and groups, has been
my most rewarding experience."
The role MSOE played in my success
"My experience at MSOE was grounded in the hands-on, real
world approach of the business professionals/instructors that are the core of
the MSOE program. I am convinced that this exposure helped accelerate my
own development as a business professional and leader."
Donald R. Potter 
1956 Electrical Engineering
Retired Vice President of Engineering
C3-ilex
Milpitas,
Calif.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Being founder and executive vice president of ILEX
Systems, a provider of real time hardware and software systems for the electric
utility industry."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE helped me develop the applications-oriented
engineering and decision making abilities which served as the foundation of my
career."
Edward W. Raether 
1968 Industrial Management
Retired Vice President and Managing Principal
American Appraisal Associates Inc.
Milwaukee,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Having a key management and professional role in
establishing valuation consulting practices for American Appraisal in Hungary, the Czech
Republic, Poland
and Germany,
which began in early 1990. Living and working in Budapest,
Hamburg and Berlin until 2001 was an opportunity and
experience few people had."
The role MSOE played in my success
"During my freshman year at MSOE, I realized that
engineering and industrial management were my strong interest, with interest
piqued by the dedicated professors who made the course content and the learning
process stimulating. The applications-oriented approach in the MSOE
curriculum laid the foundation for my business success."
Kenneth R. Rosenberg (deceased) 
1950 Electrical Engineering
Retired President
Northwestern Elevator Co. Inc.
Glendale,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"I was privileged to be a major player in the elevator
industry, which was founded by our grandfather in 1906. Our present
company has managed to succeed in a competitive environment and become the
largest company in the elevator industry that is doing business in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan."
The role MSOE played in my success
"My education at MSOE gave me the credentials to pursue a
career in manufacturing, sales and engineering, as well as the management of
persons to continue in the vertical transportation industry."
Larry Schotz 
1973 Electrical Engineering Technology
Former CEO
L.S. Research Inc. and L.S. Compliance Inc.
Milwaukee,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Successfully starting and growing L.S. Research Inc. into a
world class, high technology consulting and R&D company, which is at the
forefront of RF engineering and embedded software designs. Most recently,
I started L.S. Compliance Inc., which is developing into the Midwest's
premier EMC testing facility."
The role MSOE played in my success
"As a student, I developed close relationships with many of my
MSOE professors, with whom I still maintain contact and use as a sounding
board."
Brian J. Stark 
1971 Electrical Engineering
Retired President Controls Group
Johnson Controls
Milwaukee,
Wis.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Having spent my entire career with Johnson Controls, I was
given the opportunity to be the president of a Controls Group. We built a
diverse, high powered global management team that created and implemented
effective strategies that guided the organization to the leadership position in
the marketplace."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE taught me how to solve problems, how to stay focused,
value smart people, and how to persevere! I believe this foundation was a great
help both professionally and personally."
Gary Stimac 
1973 Electrical Engineering
Retired Senior Vice President and General Manger, Systems
Division
Compaq Computer Corp.
Houston,
Texas
My most significant professional accomplishment
"I was employee number 5 in the start up of Compaq Computer
Corp. in 1992; was part of the core management team that developed the
company's strategy and products; am considered the founder of Compaq's server
business in 1991; and was senior vice president and general manager of the $4
billion Systems division for five years before retiring in 1996."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE was instrumental in providing the engineering
disciplines and communication skills necessary to participate and lead in the
PC industry, and work closely with Microsoft's Bill Gates on PC industry
strategy and partnerships. MSOE gave me the business background an confidence
to form and grow an industry leading,
$4 billion business for Compaq Computer Corp."
Larry D. Yost 
1977 Industrial Management
Retired Chairman and CEO
Meritor Automotive Inc.
Troy, Mich.
My most significant professional accomplishment
"Becoming chairman and CEO of a Fortune 500 business.
Earning the respect of, and the opportunity to lead, a new organization of
16,000+ people as we, together, strive to become the BEST in the world."
The role MSOE played in my success
"MSOE gave me the solid foundation that I needed on which to
build my career and future."