DISTINGUISHED GRADS
Academy of
DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES Photos by Alex Snyder
“These individuals, in addition to contributing very significantly to their chosen professions and to their business endeavors, have devoted large amounts of their time and talents to the Russ College. In each and every case, the Russ College would be diminished without their thoughtful dedication throughout many decades.” — Russ College Dean Dennis Irwin
Four alumni of the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology were inducted into the college’s Academy of Distinguished Graduates in May.
James Edwards
Randall Sadowski
Wai-Kai Chen
Jack Myslenski
Wai-Kai Chen, B.S.E.E. ’60, M.S. ’61, taught electrical engineering and computer science at several institutions — including Ohio University, where he was recognized as Distinguished Professor. “The 18 years at OHIO were the happiest period of my life,” said Chen, who holds an Ohio University Alumni Medal of Merit for Distinguished Achievement in Engineering Education. “Over the years, I saw Ohio University grow in size and stature to become a truly national university, a great achievement that we are all very proud of.” James Edwards, B.S.Ch.E. ’70, spent 38 years at Columbus Burgess and Niple, including 22 years as owner and two terms as managing partner. Edwards led the firm’s design for Ohio University’s Academic & Research Center, which is the Russ College’s primary learning facility. “In the spring of 1967, I stood on the Richland Avenue bridge and watched with great joy as my calculus book arced gracefully into the Hocking River,” recalled Edwards, a member of the Russ College’s Board of Visitors. “I never could have imagined that 42 years later, I would be standing in that same riverbed bringing a building to life.” Jack Myslenski, B.S.I.T. ’73, joined Parker Hannifin Corporation after graduating from Ohio University and rose to become executive vice president of marketing, sales and operations support after 35 years with the company. In November 2011, Parker Hannifin and Ohio University dedicated a new Stocker Center motion and controls student training lab in his honor. “My career is filled with many wonderful memories, including being named a general manager only 10 years out of school and responsibilities that took me to almost everywhere in the world,” said Myslenski, also a member of the Russ College’s Board of Visitors. Randall Sadowski, B.S.M.E. ’65, M.S. ’67, is a product manager for scheduling and data-tracking applications at Rockwell Automation.
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