Engineer, leader starts speaker series

Trine welcomes distinguished speaker Richard Rutkowski, '59

ANGOLA, Ind. – Successful engineer and leader Richard Rutkowski will deliver a lecture as part of the university’s Distinguished Speaker Series Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in Fabiani Theatre.

Rutkowski, who is returning to campus for the first time in 52 years, will draw on personal experiences during his accomplished career as he shares “Skills Needed to Succeed in Today’s Corporate Culture.” Some of his success tips include working hard, working long hours and moving when the company offers you bigger and better paying positions.

“Mr. Rutkowski is passionate about what it takes to become a leader in business and in life,” said David Finley, Ph.D., Trine’s vice president for academic affairs. “We are excited to learn ideas from him and help him reconnect with his alma mater, and most importantly, the students.”

Finley added that Rutkowski is helping to expand opportunities for students, as he sees Trine students as assets to employers because of their ability to acclimate to professional careers quickly.

After earning a mechanical engineering degree from Tri-State (now Trine) University in 1959, Rutkowski  went to work as a product engineer at Barnes Group Inc. in Bristol, Conn. He quickly ascended the career ladder. By 1968, he was named chief product engineer. In 1970, he took corporate leadership roles, which culminated in his supervision of 350 employees. He took an early retirement in 1988, after more than 33 years of service.

“I never thought I was going to be able to step into management roles, but I learned at Tri-State College, that if you work hard and you put in the hours required, your efforts would be recognized,” Rutkowski said.

After his so-called retirement, Rutkowski taught celestial navigation systems for the world’s largest boating organization, the United States Power Squadron, which boasts 80,000 members worldwide.

Rutkowski wants to share his experiences, insights and advice with students. After connecting with Trine University president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., in Fort Myers, Fla., earlier this year, Rutkowski inquired about getting involved with the university. Wanting to “keep his mind going,” Rutkowski also is making plans to pursue a doctorate in statistics at Duke University in the near future.

Rutkowski’s lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Julie Pfafman at (260) 665-4533.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.