2007 Distinguished Technology Alumni

Wendy J. Baker, Computer Graphics Technology
Jill Sias Cook, Organizational Leadership and Supervision
Ronald F. Gonzales, Graduate Studies
Herbert C. Haggard, Industrial Technology
John P. McDonald, Computer and Information Technology
Michael A. Pierle, Building Construction Management
Robert F. Pratt, Aviation Technology
SCoTt M. Whitlock, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
Joseph M. Zachman, Mechanical Engineering Technology

These nine College of Technology Alumni will be honored at the fourth Distinguished Technology Alumni Awards Friday, April 13, as the final event of the the inaugural Technology Week.

Wendy J. Baker

Computer Graphics Technology

• BS ’95, Purdue University
• MBA ’02, University of Utah

Program Manager, L-3 Communications
Owner, WJB Services

With a father and stepfather interested in design and engineering, Wendy Baker had an early advantage in her career: She was taught that women had a place in a technological world. Her parents created an atmosphere where she was encouraged to seek, analyze, learn, and implement alternate solutions. Those attributes served her well at Purdue University as she pursued a degree that combined art, engineering, architecture, and computers. In her present position as a program manager for L-3 Communications, Wendy is able to utilize these skills to develop highly specialized products that meet the needs of diverse clients, including the Department of Defense and other government agencies.

She has not forgotten the assistance she received along the way from Craig Miller, professor of technical graphics, and many others who encouraged her career path. Wendy hopes to offer the same encouragement to others as part of MentorNet, an e-mentoring network for diversity in engineering and science.

Outside of her professional life, Wendy is active in the Salt Lake City area. She was a host and volunteer for the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Committee and for General Electric during the company board’s visit for the Olympics. Since 1999, she has run two marathons, one half-marathon, several trail and adventure races, and more than 100 5k and 10k charity races.

Wendy and her husband, Noel, reside in South Jordan, Utah, with their son.

Jill Sias Cook

Organizational Leadership and Supervision

• BS ’86, Purdue University

Vice President — Human Resources, Cummins

Jill Cook’s 19-year career at Cummins, based in Columbus, Indiana, has showcased the diversity of experience that she was prepared for as a Purdue OLS graduate. With three years of experience at General Motors, Jill joined Cummins in 1988 as a labor relations representative. Her responsibilities increased almost yearly, from manager to division directorships to her current position as human resources vice president in February 2003. Her daily goal, she says, is to influence how the company operates to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding employee experience.

Her rise within the company has coincided with additional opportunities outside the office. She serves as vice chair of the Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and is a member of the employee benefits committee for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers Human Resource Policy Committee.

As a cancer survivor, Jill aspires to “live every day to the fullest,” and helps others do the same. She volunteers with breast cancer patients as part of the American Cancer Society’s Reach for Recovery program, serves on the United Way citizen review committee, and is a member of the Purdue University OLS Advisory Council.

“It is rewarding to know that I can influence the future direction of the program and . . . make the degree relevant to today’s ever-changing global work environment,” she says.

Jill and her husband, Alexander, reside in Columbus, Indiana.

Ronald F. Gonzales

Graduate Studies

• BS ’72, California State University Long Beach
• MS ’75, California State University Long Beach
• PhD ’82, Purdue University

Professor of Technology Teacher Education and Information Technology, Brigham Young University

From the time 14-year-old Ronald Gonzales entered his volt-ohm-meter in the science fair in Orange County, California, he has been fascinated with applied learning, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Since that time, he has continued to develop those skills and pass them on to others as an award-winning educator. Honored recently by the Association of Career and Technical Educators, International Technology Educators Association, and Epsilon Pi Tau (international honor society for professionals in technology), Ronald has been a 30-year fixture at Brigham Young University.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Ronald has been instrumental, as an associate director, in the development of the SunMicrosystems, Center of Excellence, Brigham Young University. The mission statement for SunCoE is to promote secure information systems and data privacy communications.

He has conducted research with laser, holography, fiber optics, agricultural technology, and automotive products. Ronald also serves as a consultant to several organizations across the country. Since he started his post-secondary education, Ronald has written more than 50 technical publications and papers, five books, and given numerous presentations.

Ronald is appreciative of the guidance he received from several professors during his two-year tenure as a doctoral student at Purdue. He is even more proud to work with them as colleagues now.

Ronald and his wife, Eileen, reside in Pleasant Grove, Utah. They have six grown children and 20 grandchildren.

Herbert C. Haggard

Industrial Technology

• AAS ’64, Purdue University

CEO, President, and Owner, Haggard & Stocking Associates Inc.

Herbert Haggard started his sales career with General Telephone Company and later with Indiana Bell. Following this introduction, he found his vocation: distributor salesman and factory sales engineer. He and an associate formed their own company in 1972, and in 1993, Herbert bought out his partner and became sole owner and CEO of Haggard & Stocking Associates in Indianapolis. The company, which sells maintenance, repair, and operational products, encompasses six facilities in five states. Its customers include clients in aerospace, automotive, foundry, transportation, machine tool and fabrication markets. Haggard & Stocking is committed to using technology to create an efficient flow, from the first customer contact to delivery.

A self-proclaimed workaholic, Herbert’s work ethic has earned him several awards. Individually and through his company, Herbert has been honored by the National Industrial Supply Association and the IBC/Industrial Supplies Plus. His company also received the Blue Chip Enterprise Award from the State of Indiana for inspirational achievement in business.

As the owner of his own business, Herbert won’t be slowing down soon. He hopes to “semi-retire,” he says, and watch the business he started continue to grow and prosper. In addition to his leading a company, Herbert develops residential and commercial properties, is a director for the Johnson County Rural Electric Membership Corporation, Hoosier Energy Corporation, American Meter Reading and Effective Systems. He is active in his church and the Henderson Mission Group.

Herbert and his wife, Marie, reside in Mooresville, Indiana. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.

John P. McDonald

Computer and Information Technology

• BS ’95, Purdue University

Rational Brand Technical Executive, IBM Corporation

Thanks to a Commodore 64 computer, John McDonald has had an extremely successful career at IBM Corporation. Since that fateful purchase in 1984, John has been interested in a career that involves computers, and Purdue’s College of Technology offered the right mixture of business and technology to help him set a trajectory for success.

John started at IBM while he was still a Purdue student in 1989 and began his full-time employment in March 1995 as a local software marketing leader. He has held positions as a technical specialist for OS/2 and technical leader for Windows NT software sales. John managed the first Software Architect team, helping it to grow to more than 500 practitioners worldwide. He then turned his attention to building a network of facilities and support for more than 3,500 software technical salespeople in the Americas. He leads all of the Americas technical sales team for IBM's Rational software brand, which focuses on development and software lifecycle management tools.

He has been honored by IBM three times as a top leader from around the world. IBM has been a leader in giving to Purdue. John’s favorite experience as an alumnus was the announcement of IBM’s gift of hardware, software, and educational tools to Purdue and the College of Technology.

History is his main side interest. He wrote the book Lost Indianapolis in 2002 and is working on a detailed history of the defunct Indianapolis-based restaurant chain Burger Chef.

He and his wife, Tamara, reside in Fishers, Indiana, with their three children.

Michael A. Pierle II

Building Construction Management

• BS ’90, Purdue University

Senior Vice President—Healthcare and Public Facilities, BE&K Building Group Inc.

Michael Pierle has been the project executive for projects that, in all, have a construction value of more than $1 billion. Whether he is working on a new facility, a renovation, or an expansion of existing buildings, Michael’s mantra, and that of his company, is “It’s about the people.” Throughout his life, people have made the difference, especially his family. He also has counted on team members in high school sports, professors at Purdue University, co-workers, and clients at his business.

The single biggest event that paved the way for his success could cause others to admit defeat: After two years at Purdue, Michael received an academic dismissal. Lessons learned during that time helped him reapply himself to his studies in his newfound home, the College of Technology. His professors influenced him to be the best in his business. “The hands-on education provided by the BCM staff made learning fun, exciting, pragmatic, and realistic,” he says.

Throughout his career, he has been honored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Associated Builders and Contractors (national and state), and the Associated General Contractors of America – Carolinas chapter.

As he continues to find success in his chosen field, Michael aspires to be his own boss one day, leading a “people-oriented, profitable business.”

Michael and his wife, Shannon, reside in Waxhaw, North Carolina, with their three children.

Robert F. Pratt

Aviation Technology

• BS ’68, Purdue University

Retired pilot, Southwest Airlines

Robert Pratt has worked for only two companies in his 34-year professional life: Purdue Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Immediately following graduation, he began his piloting career at his alma mater’s airline, which ceased operations in 1971. Looking back, he knows his first job put him in the right place at the right time for a great professional opportunity.

In 1971, a new airline was introduced — Southwest Airlines — serving three cities in Texas. Bob joined the venture on the proverbial ground floor and flourished as his employer became one of the most profitable airlines in the industry. Southwest now serves more than 60 cities in 32 states.

His long career was the culmination of his childhood dreams of flying. Bob chose Purdue because “it was the best program available anywhere,” he says. In addition, he remembers professor emeritus Charles Holleman as being supportive and dedicated.

In retirement, he plans to continue his support of the growth of the aviation technology program. He enjoys boatings and finds time to work on car and aircraft restoration projects.

He and his wife, J. C., reside in Punta Gorda, Florida.

SCoTt M. Whitlock

Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

• BS ’92, Purdue University

President, Flexware Innovation Inc.

Who knew that a guest lecturer could have so much influence on one career? When the president of Indiana Automation spoke to SCoTt Whitlock’s student group, the Association of Electrical Technologists, SCoTt found a business model he was interested in pursuing. He started at Indiana Automation as an electrical engineer after graduation. His experience with automation and software eventually led him to start his own company in 1996.

For the last 10 years, SCoTt and his business, Flexware Innovation, have been addressing the information technology and automation needs of modern manufacturers. The company aims to “save time and money, increase quality and throughput, and make the manufacturer’s life easier,” he says. He hopes to shepherd the company’s growth to include multiple locations and an international presence. While his classes in electrical engineering technology were beneficial, SCoTt admits that he has found that his technical writing class has been one of the most useful to his career.

His drive to succeed has not gone unnoticed. In 2004, he was a finalist for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, and the Indianapolis Business Journal honored him as a member of its “40 under 40” list. SCoTt also serves as a member of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

He and his wife, Kimberly, reside in Fishers, Indiana, with their two children.

Joseph M. Zachman

Mechanical Engineering Technology

• BA ’83, Purdue University
• MS ’93, General Motors Institute

Senior Vice President, Wabash National Corporation

Mechanical engineering runs in the Zachman family. When Joe Zachman enrolled at Purdue University, he was following in the career footsteps of his father and older brother. But instead of engineering, Joe chose mechanical engineering technology. His Purdue degree has benefited several companies in four states since he graduated in 1983: Delco Electronics, Sanmina Corporation, CDR Corporation, and TTM Technologies.

Through each transition, Joe’s responsibilities increased. As a senior vice president at Wabash National in Lafayette, he is now responsible for all manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, safety, quality, production control, maintenance, and continuous improvement.

Joe’s success in the field can be attributed to his academic preparation.

“My degree from Purdue has opened many doors to opportunities around the country,” he says. “The practical approach to problem-solving has permeated my approach to all aspects of business.”

Joe continues to look for opportunities to grow professionally and personally. In his spare time, he likes to golf, exercise, and practice martial arts.

Joe and his wife, Debbie, reside in Lafayette with their three children.