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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 (retired)
Industrial Electronic Resources Inc.
Corona, Calif.
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
General Manager,
DI Technology and Imaging Subsystems, GE Healthcare
Milwaukee, Wis.
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
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."
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1943 Electrical Engineering
President, retired
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 Chairman
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 mange 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 A Division
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
Vice President Industry Initiatives
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
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
Chairman Emeritus
Empi Inc.
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
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
President, retired
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
Former 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
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."