In Memoriam

CETA notes with sadness the passing of Dr. Richard F. Donovan, who taught Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering and retired in June 1987. Dr. Donovan earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. from Purdue University and taught there in the Physics and Engineering Department. Later he joined Hamilton Standard (now Hamilton Sundstrand) as an engineering manager in the space program and became a member of the faculty of this College.

While here, Dr. Donovan initiated the chartering of the Iota Epsilon Chapter of Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical and computer engineering honor society. In addition, students and faculty remember him not only as an excellent teacher but also as a lover of all things Irish. Dr. Lad Nagurney of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department remembers that Dr. Donovan always called him early in March to remind him to cancel classes on St. Patrick’s Day.

In addition to his membership in Eta Kappa Nu, Dr. Donovan was a member of the Sigma Pi Sigma, Tau Beta Pi, and Sigma Xi honor societies as well as IEEE and the National Society of Profession Engineers. He also served honorably in the United States Navy During World War II.

Dean Lou Manzione comments on Dr. Donovan: “Although he was only at the University for six years, he clearly helped to set an example for accomplishment and caring that influences our faculty to this day.” Our thoughts and prayers are with the Donovan family.