a Golden career
larry hornbeck, who graduated from case institute of Technology with his undergraduate degree in 1 and ph.d. in solid state physics from case Western reserve University in 1 , has accomplished some remarkable achievements over the course of his career at Texas instruments. he is best known as the inventor of the digital micromirror device (dmd), the chip that would become the basis for the company’s trademarked dlp technology. it revolutionized projection imaging technology for home, office, entertainment and education and is featured in a wide selection of dlp front-projectors and rear-projection hdTvs and in some of the world’s largest cinema projectors. Q: Tell us what about your Case experience.
Larry J. hornbeck ’65 PhD’73 will be honored with the Gold Medal Award this year at the 125th Annual All Classes Reunion Banquet, hosted by the Case Alumni Association, for his extraordinary contributions to the field of science. Watch for more on Larry in the fall issue of Case Alumnus.
Dr. Hornbeck: I chose to attend Case because it was close to my parents’ home in Parma (Ohio). I finished number one in science in my high school class, and I arrived at Case planning to work just as hard while still keeping up with my diverse interests and hobbies. After my first “D” on a physics exam, I realized I suddenly had to work three times as hard as other students to work up to a “B” level. That continued even after I started my career at Texas Instruments. Q: What was the most important thing you learned later in life you wished you had known in school? Dr. Hornbeck: It wasn’t until about eight years ago that I discovered I had a learning disability, which accounts for my difficulty learning all those years in school. Among other things, I found out that I have difficulty learning by hearing, such as a lecture. I learn best by working with things, which is something I’ve done all my life. Looking back, it was my dogged determination and perseverance to challenge these obstacles that has led directly to my success throughout my career. Q: Who most influenced your life? Dr. Hornbeck: My father for one. It is amazing to think of all the things he encouraged me to do. If I just mentioned anything I was interested in, he would go off and learn something about the topic and then hand it off to me. Also, it was my mother who taught me self-reliance. Both my parents were extremely independent and curious. Q: What is the secret to success as an inventor? Dr. Hornbeck: A lot of serendipity, luck and timing. But those can also involve the arrival of people in your life at just the right time. The other thing I was born with was an insatiable desire to know “why.” That has been key to my success. Q: What was the most rewarding moment of your career? Dr. Hornbeck: The first digital exhibition of a major motion picture, Star Wars Episode I, on June 24, 1999, when [director] George Lucas decided my little mirrors were good enough to show his movie. I stood outside a Burbank theater, tearing up, thinking we were about to change the way cinema is viewed forever. It's my proudest moment.
1 | case alumnus