“All we had was our engineering knowledge, but more importantly engineers have a alumni certain mentality. We are problem solvers, whether it’s in business or in construction.” circuit — Andre B. Ameer

towel. We always get the job done. says, during his second semes- That’s what helped our business.” ter when, on the basis of his Ameer characterizes EIC as academic achievement, NCE a medium-sized construction awarded him a teaching assis- company that excels at specialty tantship. That job came just as construction projects. Recently, his bank loan was running dry. for instance, the firm construct- “I had just eight dollars left ed a park, called Pier C, which in my pocket and the teaching- extends over the Hudson River assistant job allowed me to on the Hoboken waterfront. The continue my education unin- project involved doing con- terrupted,” Adani recalls. “I’m siderable marine work, an EIC grateful to NCE for that. My specialty. EIC also dredged and NCE education also served as a

Pho t os: S co tt Jo ne s o g r ap hy cleaned up a contaminated tract valuable springboard into the of land in Bayonne; that land is tough job market. It enabled me Alumnus Joseph A. Branco now the Bayonne Golf Club. to seek challenging positions in Excellence is president of the construction companies such as JP Morgan, Honored company EIC Associates. He’s AT&T and Transax Systems.” responsible for general adminis- Just before starting cyberThink Each year, a highlight of the tration of the firm, with special in 1996, Adani worked as a data- Salute to Engineering Excellence emphasis on finance, bonding base administrator and project sponsored by Newark College of and insurance. Branco, who has manager for Transax Systems. He Engineering is the presentation two degrees from NCE – a 1974 played a major role in building of Outstanding Alumni Awards. bachelor’s in civil engineering the first Windows-based tariff The ceremony also spotlights and a 1977 degree in architecture and rate-retrieval system. Three a notable corporate partner – co-founded the firm in 1998. colleagues he met at Transax and NCE students who include Branco launched EIC with would become his founding exceptional seniors – young men Andre B. Ameer, who earned cyberThink partners. Adani says and women soon to join the gen- his NCE bachelor’s in civil Andre B. Ameer the four of them came up with erations of proud NJIT alumni. engineering in 1978. Ameer, For 2012, four NCE graduates executive vice president of EIC, Bhavesh Adani is executive garnered awards for their en- is responsible for all of the firm’s vice president and co-founder gineering and entrepreneurial field construction operations. of cyberThink, Inc. The firm achievements at the March event. Before founding EIC, both provides information technology Branco and Ameer worked for services to companies in the phar- EE Cruz and Company, a firm maceutical, financial and comput- owned by 1963 civil engineering er industries. Started in 1996, the alum Edward Cruz that hires company now employs more than many NCE graduates. 300 people in the United States “We talked about starting a and India. Adani received a mas- business, so we decided to stop ter’s degree in electrical engineer- talking and do it,” says Ameer. ing from NCE in 1988. Bhavesh Adani “All we had was our engineering To go from a cash-strapped knowledge, but more importantly graduate student to a leader the idea for cyberThink during engineers have a certain men- of a major tech company is no “an informal chat over lunch.” tality. We are problem solvers, small feat, and Adani credits Leon K. Baptiste is president

Joseph A. Branco whether it’s in business or in con- NCE for helping him launch his and chief executive officer of LB struction. We never throw in the career. His big break came, he Electric Co. His firm designs,

22 NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 We want to hear from you!

Do you have news about your career, your family, an avocation? Share it in a class note for NJIT Magazine. And be sure to let us know if you have a new address.

On the Web, use the form at www.njit.edu/alumni/classnotes.

By e-mail, send news and photos with your graduation year(s) to [email protected]. installs and maintains conven- Tia Montalto, Engineering tional and alternative electrical Technology; Mary Youssef,* Via U.S. mail to: Robert A. Boynton, Executive Director, systems for companies, schools, Biomedical Engineering; and Alumni Relations, New Jersey Institute of Technology, hospitals and government agen- Luz Angela Zidziunas,* Civil Eberhardt Hall NJIT Alumni Center, Room 218, cies, in addition to providing and Environmental Engineering. 323 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102-1982 other related services. The recipient of the Madame Baptiste graduated from NCE Mau Outstanding Female in 1991 with a degree in electri- Engineering Student Award was cal engineering and started his Lisha Malkani,* a biomedical company at the NJIT Enterprise engineering major enrolled in Development Center. He also the accelerated BS/MS program. received a 2012 Achievement Priya Radhi Santhanam ’09, Award from the NJIT Alumni a chemical engineering major, Association, and there’s more won the NCE Outstanding about his accomplishments in Graduate Student Award. Hav- this issue. ing completed her master’s in This year’s Outstanding Cor- chemical engineering, she is porate Partnership Award was now a PhD candidate. n presented to Valcor Engineering *Dorman honors scholars Corporation, a supplier of fluid- control components to clients in the aerospace, nuclear, indus- trial and scientific fields. Valcor A Tradition was founded by the late Morton A. Krietchman, who graduated Continues Visiting the NJIT Campus Center, where Leon Baptiste and his company installed 160 solar panels in 2004. from NCE in 1944 with a degree 2012 Alumni in mechanical engineering. Achievement of the Alumni Association and through conventional and alter- Krietchman founded Valcor in Awards with his wife, Dee, participating native electrical technologies. 1951 in a small industrial loft in on the Leadership Circle Council Baptiste, who grew up in Newark. For many years, Valcor Alumni Weekend in May once of the NJIT Annual Fund. In Newark, briefly attended Cheney has provided generous scholar- again brought graduates back to 2004, the music of the carillon University in Pennsylvania. De- ship support for NJIT mechani- campus for activities and events that the Clarkes donated to NJIT ciding that NJIT would be a bet- cal engineering majors. that included the annual presenta- was first heard on campus, a gift ter match, he transferred to both Among the outstanding tion of Achievement Awards by presented with the intention of a new school and a promising NCE seniors honored was the NJIT Alumni Association. Six inspiring reflection on how a “cre- career path. Baptiste gives sub- Julia Gayner.* She received alumni were honored for singular ative combination of science and stantial credit to NJIT’s Educa- two top awards, being named accomplishments in fields spanning art can make life better.” tional Opportunity Program for the Outstanding Senior in the energy, biomedical technology, setting him on that path, towards Department of Electrical and global infrastructure development Leon K. Baptiste ’91 becoming an electrical engineer Computer Engineering and the and telecommunications, and for a Ample Energy for Success and launching his own business. NCE Outstanding Senior. deeply felt sense of service to NJIT One of Baptiste’s EOP advi- The success that Leon Baptiste Other seniors recognized this and their communities. sors recommended an internship has achieved since earning his year were Olakemi Akinlabi, The Alumni Association also with Nordling Dean Electric degree in electrical engineering Otto H. York Department of honored Gail Clarke ’44, who died Company that introduced him to resonates with energy. It’s the Chemical, Biological and in January, with a posthumous the field and led to the part-time entrepreneurial energy he has in- Pharmaceutical Engineering; Meritorious Service Award. Clarke’s job he needed to continue his vested in building LB Electric and Michael Anderson,* Mechani- many years of support for his alma studies. Baptiste says guidance cal and Industrial Engineering; mater included serving as president the energy he helps to provide

NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 23 “Learning to work effectively with the many different personalities one will meet in life is alumni very important. Join a club, a sports team. It will help you develop the ability to meet challenges creatively as part of an organization.” circuit — Peter A. Cistaro ’68

alumni achievement awards, continued through fear, pounding on the table and expecting to get the provided by other faculty and staff being at the forefront of making best from people.” mentors at NJIT, as well as his renewable energy technology Cistaro urges students today EOP counselors, was invaluable in part of our everyday power to take a broad range of courses, charting the positive direction of picture. He adds that it is equally and to develop the interpersonal his life. “Having someone to guide satisfying to help ensure that skills that lead to success in the you when you are a student makes power resources of every type are workplace. Technical knowledge a huge difference. I’ll never forget installed and utilized with the is vital, he says, but also learn the help I received.” greatest possible degree of safety from the humanities. Full-time employment with and efficiency. “Learning to work effectively Nordling Dean followed gradu- Baptiste has also maintained a with the many different personali- ation, and Baptiste spent a total close connection with NJIT, one ties one will meet in life is very im- of 18 years with the company. that reflects the importance he portant. Join a club, a sports team. Retired from a long and fulfilling But in 2000 Baptiste decided places on the mentoring that career at PSE&G, Peter Cistaro It will help you develop the ability that he was ready to take a major gave him direction as a student. recently enjoyed a trip to the Grand to meet challenges creatively as entrepreneurial step and start his He is a member of the Electri- Canyon with his wife, Mary Ann. part of an organization. You will own company. Since then, he has cal and Computer Engineering always be part of an organization, achieved success across a broad Department’s Advisory Board, developing management skills,” a member of some team.” spectrum of services offered and an industry advisor to Cistaro says. “At the time, it was Cistaro has long made it a through LB Electric and several the Interdisciplinary Design the best option for someone like priority to help the young men subsidiaries. Studio (IDS) program in Albert me.” And of his NCE experience, and women who followed him at Baptiste and his employees are Dorman Honors College. The he does not hesitate to say that NJIT. In addition to sponsoring expert in designing, installing and multi-year IDS program allows some of his professors were “awe the Cistaro Family Scholarship, maintaining all types of electrical students to take an innovative inspiring.” he has generously contributed power systems, including solar technological concept all the way Wanting to remain in his time as a member of the Leader- and wind equipment. In 2004, to commercial development, and home state after graduation, ship Circle Council and the he installed the 160 solar panels perhaps follow Baptiste on the Cistaro accepted a job with NCE Board of Visitors, which on the roof of the NJIT Campus path to entrepreneurial success. PSE&G and started on the career he chaired for several years. A Center that now help to meet the from which he would retire in member of the Board of Trustees center’s power needs. Peter A. Cistaro ’68 2007 as a vice president. His since 2002, he chairs the board’s Subsidiary LB Glass Enterprise Encouraging People to first assignment was assisting a Advancement Committee. specializes in glass curtain wall Do Their Best district manager, a post he later Shortly before retirement, held himself. Over the years, construction that can incorpo- Reflecting on his four decades Cistaro made another commit- he moved on to positions of rate photovoltaic technology. with the utility company PSE&G, ment to what he holds especially increasing responsibility in labor Branching out in still another re- Peter Cistaro says that his greatest valuable in life. Heeding the relations, marketing, quality as- lated area, LB Training provides satisfaction as a manager was suggestion of his pastor at Saint surance, and customer service. instruction in the installation helping people use their talents Peter the Apostle Church in Sharing his thoughts on and maintenance of power sys- to the fullest and do the best job Parsippany, he began five years management, Cistaro cites the tems, with particular emphasis possible. This focus even factored of study to become a permanent concept of “servant leadership.” on solar energy. into Cistaro’s decision to major in deacon in the Roman Catholic He explains that a good manager The range of business initia- industrial engineering at NCE af- Church. Ordained in 2009, Cistaro is someone who helps people do tives that Baptiste oversees ter graduating from Thomas Jef- assists at Mass, administers some their jobs better by encourag- as president and CEO of LB ferson High School in Elizabeth. sacraments, and ministers to pa- ing them, by providing the right Electric has become increas- “I felt that industrial engineer- tients in hospitals and residents tools, and by working to put the ingly diverse since he founded ing was a good balance between of nursing homes. “It’s about necessary processes in place. “It’s his company over a decade ago. learning about technology and people,” he says. “That’s the heart He takes special satisfaction in very different from management of what I am.”

24 NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 “When I started, I never imagined that I would work and live in such a variety of places.” — Michael J. Corbo ’81

Robert C. Cohen the company that Pappas had home. A very attractive oppor- their breakthrough products? In ’83, ’84, ’87 co-founded. One of the venture’s tunity presented itself in 2007 New Jersey, in Morris County, From Aerospace to innovations was the famed New – to help build another startup, where he says they will take the Surgical Implants Jersey Low Contact Stress Knee. Pipeline Biomedical, in partner- manufacturing process of metal After completing his bach- ship with his former colleague laser sintering to a new level. When he graduated from Livings- elor’s, Cohen studied for a Alex Khowaylo. Commenting on the siren song ton High School, Robert Cohen master’s and taught physics as a Based in Cedar Knolls, New of offshore manufacturing, Co- enrolled at NJIT as a mechanical graduate assistant, receiving the Jersey, their company is develop- hen says that there are very good engineering major with soaring MS in 1984. Pappas was the advi- ing leading-edge hip and knee reasons to keep the production thoughts of work in the aerospace sor for his thesis, a finite element prostheses designed for younger, of sophisticated products such as field. He’s now engaged on a very analysis of a hip joint. more active patients that require prosthetic implants much closer. different frontier. Seeking broader experience in removing less bone for implan- “It’s been my experience that the Cohen is developing innova- the rapidly growing joint-implant tation. They are also combining efficiency and speed with which tive joint implants as chief tech- industry, Cohen left academia their new generation of implants it’s possible to go from design to nology officer and senior vice and joined a company founded with robotic bone preparation. a finished product can definitely president for research and devel- by alumni Robert Averill ’62, ’66 The objective is to assist the sur- compensate for higher costs that opment at Pipeline Biomedical and Alex Khowaylo ’63. Yet he geon in making bone cuts and may be involved. We have the tal- Holdings. Along the arc of his didn’t sever all connections to implant placement as precise ent and everything else needed to career, he has been awarded over NJIT, and in 1987 added an MS as possible for a prosthesis that turn a good idea into a high-tech 20 patents and has had numer- in engineering management to provides long-term performance. product quickly and profitably.” ous peer-reviewed publications. his academic credentials. Pipeline Biomedical continues Cohen’s transition to pioneer- The company, Osteonics, developing new technologies Michael J. Corbo ’81 ing technology for the human became a significant orthope- for joint-replacement surgery. A Career Out of the Blue body began with part-time dic implant division of Stryker. One advance involves coating employment as an undergradu- “My career started with an Cohen advanced rapidly through implants with a pharmaceuti- ate senior. Professor Michael interview I didn’t have, and with the ranks to direct a large techni- cal material that can promote Pappas ’59, ’64 hired him to a letter that came out of the cal R&D group responsible for bone growth and increase bone help with drafting and detailed blue,” says Michael Corbo, today the design of joint reconstructive density around the implant. engineering for knee, hip and a senior engineering associate systems. But entrepreneurial op- Potential benefits include a faster shoulder implants produced by who has spent more than thirty portunity again beckoned, and return to daily life for recipients years working for ExxonMobil Cohen rejoined Khowaylo at a and an increased likelihood of Research and Engineering. start-up, Implex, introducing clinical success. This translates Corbo, whose bachelor’s is in novel hip and knee implant designs into greater patient satisfaction, electrical engineering, explains combined with a newly developed with less chance of the need for that when he was a junior he biomaterial that encourages revision surgery at a high cost to tried to sign up for a preliminary bone fixation to the implants. the patient and medical facility. “practice” interview with Exxon Success led to acquisition. An active member of the NCE Corporation but the list was full. Implex became part of Zimmer, Board of Visitors, Cohen has Instead, he just submitted his the world’s largest orthopedic also connected with NJIT to resume. Then, “out of the blue,” implant company. Cohen served move Pipeline Biomedical’s R&D he received a letter asking if he as vice-president and general program forward. The company would be interested in a summer manager of New Jersey recon- is making use of a live-cell lab internship at the company’s structive implant operations and at the NJIT Enterprise Devel- refinery in Bayway, New Jersey. president of Zimmer’s spinal opment Center to confirm the “I’ve always assumed that I The hip prosthesis that Robert implant division. However, re- safety and efficacy of the innova- received the letter because I sent Cohen is helping to develop can luctant to leave New Jersey when tive coating on their implants. my resume, and Exxon liked mean both better mobility and his position was to move out of And where do Cohen and his what they saw,” he says. faster recovery. state, Cohen looked closer to colleagues plan to manufacture

NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 25 alumni circuit

alumni achievement awards, continued

Corbo’s internship led to an Corbo is also applying the offer of full-time employment extensive technical acumen he upon graduation. He had a choice has gained over the years to work of three assignment locations with the American Petroleum and opted to join the Central Institute (API) and the Inter- Engineering group at the Exxon national Society of Automa- research and engineering facility tion (ISA). He chairs the API then located in Florham Park, subcommittee on instrumenta- New Jersey. There he became in- tion and control systems, and is volved with instrumentation and ExxonMobil’s representative to control systems, the field in which the ISA subcommittee on safety he has built a career that has instrumented systems. taken him to the U.S. Gulf Coast, Now based in Texas, Corbo Canada, Europe and Asia. is one of several senior instru- “When I started, I never mentation and process-control Jeanie and Fabian Hurtado with their boatman and guide on the Nile. imagined that I would work and engineers who help to oversee live in such a variety of places,” the complexities of operating Texas to make it available more Fabian Hurtado ’75 Corbo says. “It’s been eye- ExxonMobil’s five U.S. pet- rapidly to U.S.-based operations. Embracing the World Corbo has also been highly opening, and fun learning the rochemical complexes, which For Fabian Hurtado, life has recognized within ExxonMobil different cultures.” A specialist include Baytown, Texas; Baton been an international odyssey over his career, having received in automated process control Rouge and Chalmette, Louisiana; that began when he immigrated the ExxonMobil Engineering technology, he has relocated to Joliet, Illinois; and Torrance, with his parents to the U.S. Award for Excellence in 1991, projects in Louisiana, Texas, Hol- California. They’re among the from his birthplace in Pereira, 1995 and 2005 for his leadership land, Singapore and Thailand. 120 technical professionals who Colombia. Settled in New Jersey, and initiative. Most recently, he Another leg of his career brought staff a Central Engineering satel- Hurtado had two abiding aspira- received consecutive ExxonMo- him back to Florham Park, to lite office in Houston. Central tions – to become a civil engi- bil Capital Efficiency Awards in head the group he first joined Engineering, headquartered in neer and a good soccer player. As 2011 and 2012 for identifying after completing his NJIT degree. Virginia, located this expertise in it turned out, his prowess on the and implementing cost-effective soccer field led to NJIT. solutions in his area of expertise Hurtado joined the German- on several large capital projects. American adult soccer league as a Asked to share his thoughts teenager, proving himself to be an about our society’s energy needs, outstanding player. Teammate Bob Corbo says that we have to con- Miller ’72 and coach Alex Malone tinue developing and making the encouraged him to consider NJIT best use of global petroleum re- as the best choice for both earning sources. But he does add that we an engineering degree and pursu- need to bring alternative energy ing his passion for soccer. technologies online, including Recognized as one of the best wind, solar and biofuels. players in the college arena, There’s even an ExxonMobil Hurtado was selected for the initiative on the alternative-energy NJIT Hall of Fame, named an frontier under way not far from All-American, and drafted by the Corbo’s office. It’s a pilot project Dallas Tornado professional soc- that may one day be scaled up to cer team in 1975. Yet engineering augment our energy supply with Michael Corbo is on call in Texas to provide process instrumentation expertise. held more appeal for Hurtado biofuel obtained from algae.

26 NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 “I am very proud of what I see Americans working to accomplish in many parts of the world.” — Fabian Hurtado ’75

than pro soccer. He moved on to Hurtado says. “We’re doing our vice president and vice chairman engineering positions in Nevada best to help a lot of people. I also of the board of directors of the and at the Kennedy Space Center think that when we live in another new UTStarcom, as well as the in Florida, where he worked country we really get to under- Ying Wu also received the Edward founder and CEO of its China- with fellow engineering alumnus stand each other better. You learn F. Weston Medal for Professional based subsidiary, UTStarcom Alfredo Teran ’75. A licensed that most people everywhere just Achievement at Celebration 2011. (China) Ltd. Professional Engineer, Hurtado want to enjoy life together.” In addition to his current also served the city of Maitland, After the completion of recent teaching at Beijing Polytechnic business commitments as chair- Florida, as city engineer and as- projects that included one in University, now Beijing University man of China Capital Group, sistant public works director. Iraq, Hurtado and his wife have of Technology. It was a time of Wu is a consultant to the Over- Hurtado says that his educa- returned to Florida. The expecta- significant change in China’s rela- seas Chinese Affairs Office of the tion at NJIT “opened up the tion is that their stay in the U.S. tions with Western nations, and State Council and senior Internet world for me.” That’s been will be brief, and that a new as- talented individuals were encour- consultant to the government literally true as his engineering signment will soon take them to aged to improve their knowledge of Shenzhen City. Located in career has taken him to Central another distant and interesting and skills abroad. The downside Guangdong Province near Hong and South America, Europe, spot on the globe. was that the Chinese govern- Kong, the Shenzhen area became Africa and the Middle East ac- ment could not provide resources China’s first Special Economic companied by his wife, Jeanie. Ying Wu ’88 adequate to fund this quest. Zone and one of its most suc- Hurtado also says that some of Building Telecom Bridges Researching his options, Wu cessful. Further recognition had determined that NJIT would the most gratifying assignments Ying Wu, chairman of China has been accorded Wu in being be a good place for him to gain on his professional itinerary have Capital Group, is in the busi- named an honorary professor at the academic credential he want- involved working on projects ness of connecting people Beijing Industrial University and ed. And at NJIT he found a very funded by the U.S. Agency for and countries, specifically the Beijing University of Posts and welcoming environment, along International Development, the United States and China. One Telecommunications. with the teaching assistantship he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, of his main goals is to bring the Generously acknowledging needed to complete his degree. and the U.S. State Department. benefits of advanced telecommu- the role that NJIT has had in his “I really liked how my profes- Life for the Hurtados has had nications technology developed success, Wu pledged $1.5 million sors brought real-world prob- some unexpected moments of in the U.S. to the people of his in 2005 to establish the Ying Wu lems into the courses,” Wu says. excitement in recent years, such native country. The demand Endowed Chair in Wireless Com- “That’s a very important founda- as when they were evacuated for access to telecom services is munications in the Department tion for a good education and from Egypt in the midst of the growing rapidly in China, which of Electrical and Computer Engi- for success later on.” The success civil unrest that toppled the gov- Wu says presents major opportu- neering. More recently, he helped that Wu himself achieved after ernment of Hosni Mubarak. “We nities for U.S. companies. to organize the NJIT Alumni As- graduation began with work at thought it would be a one-day Since earning his master’s in sociation’s most distant Regional Bell Communications Research demonstration. We soon discov- electrical engineering at NJIT, Club, in China, and presided at and AT&T Bell Labs. ered, along with the rest of the Wu has become a widely known the group’s first gathering. The Wu subsequently set an world, that the massive protest and widely respected figure in dozen PhD alumni attending entrepreneurial course that was going to last a lot longer.” the field of telecommunications elected Wu the first chair of the led to producing wireline and n But Hurtado emphasizes that and international economic club by acclamation. wireless products based on U.S. experiences like this have been development. In 2003, China technology for markets in Asia. very much the exception as he Central TV named him one of In 1991, he co-founded Starcom and Jeanie have traveled exten- the “Top 10 Most Influential Per- Network Systems Inc. in New sively for pleasure as well as for sons” in that country’s economy. Jersey, which several years later work. Thus far, they’ve been to But Wu recounts that when merged with Unitech Telecom, some 60 countries. he came to the U.S. for gradu- Inc., a California developer of “I am very proud of what I see ate study at NJIT he had less digital and wireless transmission Americans working to accom- than $30. In China, he had been plish in many parts of the world,” systems. Wu became executive

NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 27 class notes

Mal & Friends NJIT Magazine invites new correspondents to join Mal Simon in sharing news about class members and alumni organizations. Professor emeritus of physical education and athletics, Mal was director of physical education and athletics, and men’s soccer coach, for 30 years. In 1993, he received the Cullimore Medal for his service to the university. If you would like to be a regular correspondent, don’t hesitate to send an e-mail to the editor of NJIT Magazine: [email protected]. First, the latest news from Mal –

Ed ’63 and Sharon Cruz pulled After retiring from IBM in 1997, out all the stops as gracious hosts Gerry joined INTECO, a small NJIT President Joel S. Bloom (standing, fifth from left) and his wife, Diane, made at the 2012 Florida soccer alumni technology consulting firm, as the first of what attending soccer alums hope will be many future appearances at reunion held at Boca Grande on general manager. In 1999, he their Florida reunions. Gasparilla Island. Blessed with brokered the sale of the company perfect weather, activities were to Gartner Group, a large consult- Diane and I were guests of the While at NCE, Bob Fierro ’62 nonstop from the opening night’s ing firm from which he retired Class of 1962 at the 2012 Alumni joined the Motor Club and reception to the ending morning’s in 2004. His many retirement Weekend gala. I am always awed Photography Club and was staff brunch at their exquisite beach- volunteer activities include being when I hear about the profes- photographer for the Nucleus. He front home in Boca Grande’s his- a court-appointed child advocate sional accomplishments of NJIT went to work for Mackay Radio toric district. In between, alumni and member of the Service Corps alumni and this group was no and Telegraph, where he learned and guests, including NJIT’s new for Retired Executives. He also exception. Following are some of about the emerging world of President and First Lady, Joel and runs in marathons and 5k races. their stories. solid-state logic. Bob joined a Diane Bloom, enjoyed the town’s Gerry and Joanne are snowbirds new group of engineers formed to Strawberry Festival, soccer, golf, and take one big vacation a year, Bob Averill ’62, ’66 was co- develop high-speed data com- cocktails and dinner, and the which has included a 42-day cross- founder with Alex Khowaylo ’63 munications over international infamous Las Cubanas mariachi country trip and an African safari. of three medical device companies, circuits. In those days, high speed singers at the Coral Creek Coun- each of which was sold to a For- Stan played baseball for four years meant 1200 baud, and international try Club, and simply taking walks tune 500 corporation. He served as for Coach Paul Hausser. He knew communications was over tele- and relaxing on the beach. director of Meditech, Inc., which many of the members of the soc- phone bandwidth undersea cable. was sold to 3M Corporation. He Making their debuts at the reunion cer team and volunteered to be was an executive with Osteonics Bob was the first person to send were Libby Hamilton ’77, Andy the team’s manager in his senior Corporation, which was acquired and receive 1200 baud data be- ’63 and Barbara Handwerker, year. After graduation, Stan by Stryker Corporation, and tween New York City and Geneva, Alex ’63 and Irene Khowaylo, started his career with Automatic served as director of Implex Cor- Switzerland. He spent the next Gerry ’67, ’71 and Joanne Kurth, Switch Company in Florham poration, which was sold to Zim- four years deploying high-speed Bill Morris ’82, ’93 Stan Park, New Jersey, as an applica- and mer Holdings, Inc. Bob holds 28 data circuits for the military and tion engineer. He stayed with ’64 and Joan Pukash. Gerry was patents for a variety of orthopedic participated in the planning for Automatic Switch for 43 years, re- a member of the NCE soccer team devices. He’s retired but actively NASA’s Apollo program. After a tiring in 2007 as vice-president of and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, and serves on the Board of Directors few years in management, he knew international sales. Stan and Joan president of the Class of 1967. of Axion Power International, Inc. this was not his niche. Returning have been married since 1968 and He spent 30 years with IBM in Bob and his wife Gerri, who he to engineering, he started his own live in Chester, New Jersey. engineering, sales, marketing, married while an undergraduate company, which specialized in business and financial planning, at NCE, live on Cupsaw Lake in turnkey design, development and and consulting. the hilly mine town of Ringwood, manufacture of communications New Jersey. and control systems.

28 NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 “I am always awed when I hear about the professional accomplishments of NJIT alumni.” — Mal Simon

Starting on his dining room table, partner of the intellectual property enjoying international travel and high school sweetheart, Elizabeth he eventually grew his company law firm of Kleinberg & Lerner cruises. They especially enjoyed Joyce, for 49 years. They live in to two plants with more than 30 L.L.P. based in Los Angeles. He living in Rome for three months. Mills River, North Carolina. employees. His first big break was received his JD degree with honors James Quintiere ’62 recently Ervin Schoenblum ’62, ’65 a contract with CBS to design and from George Washington Univer- retired from the Department of worked for Bendix in Teterboro, deliver a black box that would sity in 1965 and is a member of the Fire Protection Engineering at New Jersey, as an electrical and take the stream of election-results bars of California and the District the University of Maryland and aeronautical engineer for four data and display the results auto- of Columbia. is now an emeritus professor. Jim years. While at Bendix, he earned matically for television cameras to Marshall was a patent examiner has over 130 journal publications a master’s degree at NCE and photograph. He then contracted in the U.S. Patent and Trademark and is the author of two books, taught some EE courses in the with ABC to design and develop Office and a patent advisor in Principles of Fire Behavior and evening division. a communications system that the Office of Naval Research. Fundamentals of Fire Behavior, would allow taping and broad- In 1966, Erv decided to move in He has lectured on intellectual and is co-author of Enclosure Fire casting events from multiple a different career direction and property at the Harvard School Dynamics. He is a Fellow of the venues at the 1976 Olympics. This entered a full-time program at the of Engineering and Applied Sci- American Society of Mechanical system was also used for the 1980 Harvard Business School, earning ence, UCLA’s Anderson Graduate Engineers and has received nu- Lake Placid Olympics. his MBA in 1968. He joined the School of Management, Santa merous awards and medals for his Management Consulting Depart- A classmate, Tom Duffy, asked Monica College and the USC work in fire-safety science and en- ment of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell Bob if he could design a 1200 Marshall School of Business, gineering. Jim lives in Laytonsville, in New York City and remained baud modem for AT&T Bell Labs where he is also a member of the Maryland, and maintains a condo there until 1980. During that in Holmdel, New Jersey. What Advisory Council of the Greif in Margate, New Jersey, where he time, he managed about 200 con- was supposed to be a short-term Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. plays accordion for the Durning sulting projects in a broad range assignment turned out to be long- Marshall and his wife, Jacqueline, String Band that marches in of areas. In 1981 Erv joined a lev- term, and Bob spent 18 of the next live in Beverly Hills. Mummers parades. eraged buyout firm that acquired 20 years at Bell Labs, later Lucent, Vic Passaro ’62 was inducted John Roth ’62 spent his entire companies, improved and sold on a wide range of projects. into the Phi Eta Sigma and Eta professional career at Monsanto them at a profit. After two years, After a stint with a startup Kappa Nu honor societies at Company, with three career paths. he decided to go off on his own company, Converge, in Florham NCE. He worked for international He first worked in machine design as a consultant, providing expert Park, New Jersey, Bob retired. His companies such as ITT designing and process development, where testimony on economic issues leisure life lasted only six months telecommunications systems and he earned one patent. His next in litigation proceedings. He re- when he decided to work in the satellites while working in Europe path was in manufacturing, where mains active in this work, finding mortgage business. Eight years and Japan. Back in the States, he he progressed from engineering it stimulating and educational. later, he retired for good. Bob, led a software group for Com- and maintenance superintendent An outstanding tennis player at who holds a U.S. Coast Guard puter Sciences Corp. developing to plant manager at a grassroots Passaic High School, Erv contin- Master’s License, loves to sail and the first Off Track Betting (OTB) facility in Chicago. His third ca- ued his tennis at NCE, playing fish and spend time restoring his system for New York City. reer path was in human resources, first singles for four years. He met two classic sail and power boats. As director of engineering for a advancing from manager of his wife, Diana, at NCE’s famous A member of the Lavallette Yacht Singer telecommunications divi- compensation to director of all hu- Friday night dance club. They Club, he helps to run the club’s sion, Vic developed the first hand- man resources staff for Monsanto have been married for 48 years racing program. Bob and his wife, held portable inventory terminal. Chemical Company. and live in Wayne, New Jersey. Kathleen, live in Island Heights, Moving to RCA, he managed John retired in 1996 as director New Jersey. Michael V. Vasilik ’62 has over an advanced systems group that of human resources for the Saflex 40 years of experience in research, Marshall Lerner ’62 came from developed international switching Division, a $600 million interna- development, engineering, manu- California for the reunion. At systems. While vice president for tional business operating on four facturing and management. He NCE, he was a member of Tau an international bank, Vic was continents. His retirement activi- has held senior management posi- Epsilon Pi Fraternity and was responsible for various online and ties include writing short stories, tions in high-tech corporations inducted into the Tau Beta Pi, Eta terminal-based projects. Retiring collecting golf antiques, and and as a consultant for the federal Kappa Nu and Phi Eta Sigma hon- in 1997, Vic and his wife, Nancy, playing golf with other antiques. government on advanced research or societies. Marshall is managing who live in Manhattan, have been John has been married to his

NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 29 class notes

and development projects. He served for 20 years in the U.S. Air 1953 1974 1998 Force and retired as a lieutenant Charlie Wilson (ME), MS ’58 Richard C. DelCore (ME) writes Manuel Gonzalez (Arch) has colonel. His assignments included shares the news that he has been “I recently retired from Procter joined Cuhaci & Peterson Archi- working for the assistant secretary appointed to the Environmental & Gamble after 37 years with tects, based in Orlando, Florida. of the Air Force and representing Assistance and Protection Board of them. My career at P&G started the U.S. on advisory boards and Forsyth County, North Carolina. in manufacturing management, 1999 committees with senior scientists, Charlie and his wife, Liz, moved then to finance and account- Gopinath Kokkonda MS engineers and leaders from NATO to North Carolina a few years ago. ing, then human resources and (Computer Science) writes “I am countries. They recently had the pleasure of finally global marketing. My final a visit from Coach Mal Simon and role was global leader for brand the managing director of an IT Michael earned a PhD in indus- his wife, Diane. Liz chairs the Peace entertainment and VP of P&G solutions integrator/consulting trial engineering and operations and Social Concerns Committee at Productions. I am now consulting firm providing Web, mobile, digital research from Arizona State Uni- her church and is a dedicated gar- in the marketing and entertain- marketing and staffing solutions.” versity. He also earned a Diploma dener. Charlie arranges programs ment area. My experience and in International Relations and for the Sierra Club and prefers success at P&G is largely attrib- National Security Policy from 2000 kayaking, swimming and hiking uted to the engineering training the National Defense University Jeff Starr (Mgmt) has been over gardening. I received and my ability to apply in Washington, D.C. Michael is named Boys’ Basketball Coach of process thinking and problem actively involved in community the Year in Anne Arundel County, solving to the various businesses I and church activities and is a vol- 1960 Maryland, for the second time in worked on.” unteer at the Lehigh Valley Health Manny Pokotilow (EE), manag- recognition of leading Arundel Network. He continues a lifelong ing partner at the law firm of High School, his alma mater, to a program of physical fitness and Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein, Cohen 1980 24-2 record. participates in various sports. & Pokotilow, has received the Kenneth (Ken) Drake AIA A highlight of the reunion was Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s (Arch) has joined EYP Architec- 2009 two performances of the famous Arthur Seidel Distinguished IP ture & Engineering as a senior Service Award. The award was project executive supporting the Karen Patten PhD (Information “e to the x” cheer by Leona presented “in recognition of his firm’s government, corporate and Systems) was recently named a Balkenende Seazholtz ’62, commitment to the highest stan- higher-education sectors. Scholar of the Month by the Office Virginia Thomas Sulzberger dard of excellence in intellectual of Research at the University of ’62, ’66 and Edith Jeffrey ’62. property law.” South Carolina, where she is an I had written about Leona and 1988 assistant professor of integrated Virginia after their 45th reunion. Colonel Brant V. Dayley (Envi- information technology. Karen’s And now, five years later, Edith 1967 ronmental Eng) recently became two co-authors of the recently overcame her modesty to send her Patrick M. Coullahan PE (IE) garrison commander at Fort Bliss, published book Information story, which will be featured in a was presented with the Society Texas. Commissioned as a Regu- Technology for Small Business future NJIT Magazine. I guaran- of American Military Engineers lar Army second lieutenant in the include NJIT Associate Professor tee it will blow your mind as it Wheeler Medal for Outstand- Air Defense Artillery, he has held Katia Passerini. did mine. You will also learn in a ing Contributions to Military a variety of operational and staff future Mal and Friends column Engineering at the SAME Na- assignments over more than two 2011 how learning to ski on the NCE tional Medals and Honors Awards decades of service. ski deck had a positive impact on Ceremony held in conjunction Danielle L. Green MS (Mgmt, Francesco Liberti (Eng Sci- the life of Jack Wagner ’74. with the society’s 2012 national Information Systems) has been ence), MS ’92 (Environmental meeting in St. Louis. He was promoted to program director at Keep the news coming to Eng) is a vice president in the recognized for actions as chief, New Jersey Advocates for Educa- [email protected]. Operational Risk Division at construction and operations, of tion, a non-profit foundation. Morgan Stanley, where his work the Alaska District, U.S. Army focuses on environmental and Corps of Engineers. operational risks across various businesses.

30 NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 2012 Ravi Trivedi (Computer Science) has accepted a position as a soft- ware engineer at TATA Consul- tancy Services.

In Memoriam

The NJIT community has been saddened by the deaths of the following alumni: Victor Lindner ’53 attention on dire pollution in Clear Sailing the river and the need for bet- Harry Elder ’54 Electrical engineer Claus ter stewardship of our global Leroy J. Ducharme ’56 Kinder ’75, who recently joined environment. Henry Paulson ’60 Zumtobel Lighting, Inc. as William J. Parkinson, Jr. ’72 CEO/COO, also volunteers on Named to the National Regis- Also noted with sadness is the the executive board of the ter of Historic Places in 2004, passing of John Walker Ryon III, Clearwater organization as the Clearwater has sailed professor of computer science. treasurer (www.clearwater. as America’s environmental org). Launched in 1969, the flagship for more than four de- Clearwater is a replica of the cades. It has been the heart millions of people to support majestic sloops that sailed of educational programs, positive environmental action the Hudson River in the 18th social advocacy and musical such as the measures that and 19th centuries. It was celebrations like the annual have greatly improved the conceived and built to focus Clearwater Festival – inspiring Hudson River.

Stanley Barauskas ’61 presenting Proudly awards for excellence in basic research to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets Cody Presented O. Deacon and Mark W. Boyer. Traveling to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, alumnus “They stand ready to make a Stanley Barauskas had the honor significant contribution to our of presenting four 2012 graduat- nation’s defense and improve the ing cadets with awards on behalf lives of all U.S. citizens. It was a of the “Bald Eagles” – retirees great honor to be able to recog- of North American Aviation, nize these young men for their Inc. The awards, endowed by accomplishments and witness the company’s retiree organiza- their graduation and entry into tion, are given for excellence in the U.S. Air Force as second lieu- tenants. They are fine examples astronautics, aerodynamics and and Space Shuttle programs. Of and then attending their gradua- for others to follow and our Air basic research. his recent experience as a Bald tion the following day were very Force is truly enhanced by their A 2011 NJIT Alumni Achieve- Eagle representative, he writes: rewarding and inspiring. I was joining its ranks.” ment honoree, Barauskas’ role “The three days I spent at the extremely impressed with the as an engineer in the aerospace Air Force Academy participating young men who received awards field included contributing to in the North American Aviation for their excellent academic the success of the Apollo, Skylab Awards for outstanding cadets performance.

NJIT MAGAZINE | FALL 2012 31 alumni Calendar

Corporate Clubs Regional Clubs save the date! NJIT’s Corporate Clubs provide NJIT Regional Clubs are plan- valuable networking opportuni- ning events across the country. Third Annual EMBA ties for alumni in the workplace For more information: Business Conference while also assisting NJIT stu- www.njit.edu/alumni/clubs Thursday, October 18 dents and faculty. Current Cor- NJIT Campus Center porate Clubs include: Eng-Wong, Young Alumni Club Taub & Associates, Hatch Mott “Political Strategies and Business Realities in a Time MacDonald, PSE&G, Schering- The Young Alumni Club of Transition” Plough, Turner Construction organizes social, networking, and In a year characterized by global changes and crises in and United Parcel Service. For educational events for alumni national and international politics, contending with more information: and their families. For more transition is a reality. This all-day conference seeks to www.njit.edu/alumni/clubs information: identify the challenges and highlight the drivers affecting www.njit.edu/alumni/clubs the intersection where business, public policy and globalization merge. Sponsored by the NJIT School of Management For more information and to register, contact D. Elaine Frazier at frazier.njit.edu or 973-596-6378. Celebration 2012 Friday, November 2 Pleasantdale Chateau West Orange, New Jersey NJIT’s annual festive evening in support of endowed scholarships for students. Information: Jacquie Rhodes 973-596-3407 or [email protected] Also visit www.njit.edu/celebration

Alumni Weekend 2013 A Golden Gathering Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19 Wearing the special medals presented as part of Commencement 2012, the Alumni Weekend has something for every NJIT grad! contingent of Golden Highlanders attending took time for a photo with NJIT Return to campus for Five-Year Anniversary reunions as President Joel S. Bloom, and Executive Director of Alumni Relations Robert A. well as non-anniversary class, college, department and Boynton and Alumni Association President Joseph Stanley ’78, ’85 (standing, 1st fraternity/sorority events. and 2nd from right). Senior among this year’s Golden Highlanders celebrating 50 and more years since their graduation is Herman Blackman ’38 (seated, 2nd Reconnect with NJIT and fellow alumni over a weekend from left). Standing on the far left is Walter H. Kraft ’62, MS ’65, PhD ’75, who of activities featuring receptions, dinners, college and returned to campus for the Class of 1962’s reunion and the graduation of his department presentations, exhibits, and the annual grandson with the Class of 2012. Alumni Achievement Award presentations by the Alumni Association. For the most current information about Alumni For more information about Alumni Weekend or to make Association activities, visit www.njit.edu/alumni. reservations online: www.njit.edu/alumni/class or contact the Alumni Relations Office at 973-596-3441. Join us on Facebook and LinkedIn too. Go to www.njit.edu/alumni/community.

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