Guided by Servant Leadership
“I believe some of the most important qualities of a good leader are being able to communicate effectively, show empathy and have self-awareness. Emotional intelligence is something we can all develop; good leaders should learn these skills.”
This servant leadership philosophy has guided Gary J. Vroman ’91 throughout his career and life. Whether leading a global manufacturing firm or teaching the next generation of engineers, Gary has always believed that leadership begins with the well-being of others. This guiding principle deepened his connection to MSOE and ultimately earned him a place among the university’s most distinguished alumni as a 2026 Alumni Wall of Distinction inductee.
For Gary, the importance of helping others learn was instilled early. Growing up in East Peoria, IL, he was surrounded by educators. His parents and three siblings chose careers in teaching. Gary’s passion for math and science led him toward a slightly different path. He earned his engineering degree with a business administration minor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Shortly after becoming a sales engineer in 1982 at Ladish Co. in Cudahy, Wisconsin, he quickly realized his technical skill was only part of the equation. Becoming a good leader requires continuous learning.
Furthering the Future
A few years into his Ladish career, Gary began exploring graduate programs to broaden his business acumen and discovered MSOE’s master’s in engineering management program.
“When I explored the pros and cons of a traditional MBA versus the MSEM degree I decided the more focused and more practical choice was MSOE. The list of classes looked more interesting, many instructors had ‘real world’ experience, and the thought of going to graduate school classes alongside other young engineers really appealed to me.”
At MSOE, Gary experienced servant leadership in action through professors including alumnus Gene Wright ‘77, ’79, ’87 who brought active industry challenges and experiences into the classroom.
“Sharing war stories with my classmates and comparing battle scars for three hours a week in a classroom was a real eye-opener. Once you appreciate how much the people around you have to offer, all you need to do is listen and take advantage of everyone’s skills and expertise.”
Those lessons in collaboration, humility and lifelong learning would become defining characteristics of Gary's leadership style.
Over the next three decades, Gary rose through the executive ranks at Ladish Co., becoming vice president of Sales & Marketing in 1994, company president in 2007 and CEO in 2009. When Allegheny Technologies, Inc. (ATI) and Ladish merged in 2011, Gary continued to lead ATI Ladish as president of Ladish and ATI’s executive vice president of High-Performance Forgings and Castings until his retirement in 2013.
Yet some of Gary's most meaningful contributions occurred beyond the boardroom, creating opportunities for others to succeed.
As a Trustee of the Ladish Co. Foundation, Gary helped establish the Ladish Co. Foundation Scholarship in 2004 to support students pursuing mechanical engineering at MSOE. The scholarship reflected a connection that was both personal and purposeful.
For more than two decades, the scholarship has helped MSOE students overcome financial barriers and pursue an education that prepares them to make their own mark. Gary and the Ladish Co. Foundation see this as an investment in people and the future.
“We employed a lot of engineers and interns from MSOE because they always worked out so well for us. It made sense for the Ladish Co. Foundation to encourage and support more MSOE students,” Gary said.
Commitment to Education
His commitment to MSOE extended well beyond financial support. Gary served on the university's Board of Regents, helping guide important conversations about MSOE's future and lending his expertise to the institution that had played such an important role in his own professional journey.
His commitment to education came full circle when he returned to MSOE as an adjunct professor. Teaching on subjects such as management principles and sharing leadership courses with faculty like Dr. Kelly Ottman, Gary approached the classroom not as an expert lecturing down, but as a CEO eager to keep learning.
“That exposure to young people’s perspectives on work and life while still being a CEO provided a great reminder to me on the importance of staying tuned in to generational differences in thinking. It’s easy to forget what twenty- and thirty-year-olds are going through when you’re in your fifties! Spending time with younger MSOE students perhaps benefited me even more than it did them.”
Humility and genuine curiosity in others have remained hallmarks of Gary's leadership.
Although he retired from teaching in 2022, his impact as a servant leader continues to be felt across the MSOE community. His story serves as a reminder that leadership is not defined by titles but by the lasting impact we have on others.
Reflecting on his induction into MSOE’s Alumni Wall of Distinction, Gary remains characteristically humble.
“I will be forever grateful to MSOE for years of great memories and experiences. Thank you for this kind recognition, it’s truly an honor.”
For MSOE, the honor is mutual.