When Ostrowski first joined Boeing in 1966, he was truly a hands-on engineer, designing structures for a supersonic transport at its developmental center in Seattle. There, he showed an innovative mind and a collaborative nature that produced valuable results. After a few years, Boeing moved Ostrowski to a position where his acumen for product development and managing people could be better used.
“MY ADVICE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE CHALLENGED IS PERSEVERE, STUDY HARD AND PURSUE HELP WHEN NECESSARY, ESPECIALLY FROM YOUR FACULTY.”
“As I progressed into management, I found great satisfaction in leading and encouraging teams that shared information freely and worked well together to achieve quality solutions. On the 777 Program, teamwork between disciplines was a fundamental expectation that led to success,” Ostrowski said.
Once in a leadership role, Ostrowski moved up within Boeing—from one project Ron Ostrowski to another—absorbing knowledge, crafting an effective management style and guiding design teams responsible for evolving Boeing’s portfolio of planes. Ostrowski was appointed chief project engineer for the 777 Program in 1992 and became the program’s vice president and general manager in 1995. He retired from Boeing in 2001. “The success I was able to achieve at Boeing had a lot to do with a fortunate series of assignments that provided me with a broad depth of knowledge and experience, and built upon the engineering education I received from Indiana Tech,” Ostrowski said. “I was also fortunate to work with amazing senior engineers who shared their expertise in designing a vast array of aircraft.” Ostrowski uses the word “fortunate” frequently when describing his career and admits he never expected it to progress as it did, especially during some challenging college years. Ostrowski worked full time, married before his senior year and was blessed with a beautiful daughter before graduating. As a result, his academics suffered. He understood, however, the importance of rising above and putting himself in a ready position when good fortune shined on him. “My advice to students who are challenged is persevere, study hard and pursue help when necessary, especially from your faculty,” Ostrowski said. “When entering the workforce,
Ostrowski and his wife, Bev.
Ron Ostrowski has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to the aviation industry. 1995
Collier Trophy team award for the design and introduction of the Boeing 777
1996
Aviation and Space Technology’s Laureates Hall of Fame for Aeronautics and Propulsion
1998
Daniel Guggenheim Medal for Achievement in the Advancement of Aeronautics
absorb knowledge, observe and acquire good management traits and put yourself in a position to not be overlooked for those impactful career moves when opportunities present themselves.” Now into his 80s, Ostrowski continues to share wonderful life experiences with his wife of 60 years, Bev. He’s traveled to all continents, still plays golf, remains a lifelong learner and enjoys his time with his family (he has three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren). “There is so much to look forward to in the future. Technology is advancing at hyper-speed, opening opportunities everywhere,” he said. “Now, more than ever, is a time to explore the possibilities: Strive toward working together with peers and superiors. Don’t fear new challenges. Be openminded. And practice continuous learning.”
SPRING 2024
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