Endowed Professorships

The Blittersdorf Professorship is awarded to a superior faculty member whose scholarly work, teaching and service have uniquely contributed to their field or to the mission of Wentworth Institute of Technology. This faculty member will help build Wentworth’s current strengths in sustainable engineering, technology, design and management. He/she will also provide EPIC learning opportunities in this area which can include projects such as renewable energy, smart-grid technology, biodiesel generation, waste heat recovery, green roof design, solar desalination, solar thermal and solar/wind power designs, among many other opportunities. The Blittersdorf Professorship is a three-year appointment with the possibility for renewal for two additional years.

Alumnus David Blittersdorf is a generous benefactor of the Institute and a Wentworth Trustee. He is a graduate of the class of 1977 with an associate’s degree in Mechanical Design EngineeringTechnology. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Vermont in 1981. Mr. Blittersdorf is the President and Chief Executive Officer of AllEarthRenewables, a company he founded that designs and manufactures grid-tied solar PV tracking systems.Mr. Blittersdorf is an accomplished entrepreneur and trained engineer with more than three decades of experience in the renewable energy industry, seeking to help prepare humanity for future energy constraints. He has sustained an impressive career building successful renewable energy companies based on innovative and reliable products, with a focus on lean manufacturing and responsibility to people, profits and the planet.

The Douglas C. Elder Professorship is awarded to an outstanding faculty member who will provide instruction in construction operations, analysis and design of structural systems/infrastructure and managing the construction process. Selection criteria will include: (a) has successfully completed one year of teaching at Wentworth and has the appropriate terminal academic credentials in technology or engineering, (b) is recognized for his/her technical and teaching skills, and (c) is recognized for making contributions to his/her discipline through active scholarship, applied research, and/or active part-time consulting. The Douglas C. Elder Professorship is a three-year appointment. Previous recipients may be eligible for reconsideration three years after their last appointment. Should no new candidate meet the criteria, re-appointment of the incumbent for a period of one to three years is possible.

Alumnus Douglas C. Elder, former Trustee and generous benefactor of the Institute, earned an associate’s degree in architectural construction in 1958, and was awarded an honorary degree in 2002. Mr. Elder was honored for his longtime service and support of the Institute, as well as his commitment to civic activities. He is the former owner of Elder Lumber and has also run a real estate management company.

Alumnus Henry C. Lord was a graduate of the classes of 1912 and 1913, earning a degree in Mechanical Drafting Technology. The Henry C. Lord Professorship was established via his bequest to support a professor in the Electronic Engineering Technology department for the support of curricula, faculty and students of that department in the interests of continuing academic excellence.

The William E. Roberts Professorship is awarded to an outstanding faculty member who provides instruction in computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE). The faculty member will have (a)successfully completed one year of teaching at Wentworth and has the appropriate terminal academic credential in technology or engineering, (b) is recognized for his/her CAD, CAM and/or CAE technical and teaching skills, and (c) is recognized for making contributions to his/her discipline through active scholarship, applied research, and/or active part-time consulting. The William E. Roberts is a three-year appointment. Previous recipients may be eligible for reconsideration three years after their last appointment. Should no new candidate meet the criteria, re-appointment of the incumbent for a period of one to three years is possible.

Mr. Ken Roberts is a Trustee Emeritus and parent of a Wentworth alumnus, and created this Fund in honor of his grandfather, William E. Roberts, who in the 1940’s taught drafting at the former BostonTechnical High School. Mr. Roberts is a retired financial executive with over forty years of experience with public and private high technology companies. He has served as Vice President and ChiefFinancial Officer of Foster-Miller, Inc., of Waltham, MA, which provided engineering services for corporate and government clients; Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer ofMassachusetts Computer Corporation of Westford, MA, a manufacturer of micro supercomputers; andSenior Vice President and Treasurer of Dynatech Corporation of Burlington, MA, a diversified manufacturer of high technology instrumentation. Mr. Roberts was formerly Chairman of the Board ofCandela Corporation and director of a start-up technology company.

The Francis A. Sagan Professorship will be awarded to an outstanding faculty member to provide instruction in civil, environmental, mechanical and other engineering disciplines, and/or innovative disciplines as dictated by changing times. The Francis A. Sagan Professorship is an appointment for two years with the ability to apply for renewal for a third year.

Alumnus Frank Sagan was a 1933 graduate of Wentworth’s Aircraft Mechanics program and a generous benefactor to the Institute. Mr. Sagan had a long career as an Industrial Arts teacher.

The Douglas D. Schumann Professorship is awarded to a deserving faculty member with a preference for Wentworth’s Department of Electronics and Mechanical Electromechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, and Computer Engineering Technology.

The Douglas D. Schumann Professorship is an appointment for three years.Alumnus Douglas Schumann is a longtime, generous benefactor, former Trustee and current TrusteeEmeritus. Mr. Schumann graduated in 1964 with a degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology and received an Honorary Degree from Wentworth in 2008. He is the CEO of P-Q Controls, Inc-Q Controls, a company that was established in 1973 as a producer and supplier of industrial joysticks and controls, and has since grown into one of the largest manufacturers of its kind. For over 40 years P-Q Controls has been an industry leader in the outdoor/off-highway controls market. Mr. Schumann provides generous support to students at the Institute through an endowed scholarship. His lead contribution enabled the Institute to renovate the existing library, culminating in the newly-opened Douglas D. Schumann Library & Learning Commons–an innovative learning space enabling students to congregate and study in a state-of-the art facility.