Lawrence Technological University - Notable Alumni

Notable Alumni

The following is a list the presents other notable alumni.

• Steven A. Ballmer, while still simultaneously enrolled in high school, participated in Lawrence Tech's Summer Science Institute, then spent a year at the University, excelling in six of Lawrence Tech's top mathematics classes. Ballmer is now CEO of Microsoft.
• Bennie L. Benjamin, B.S. Civil Engineering 1955 - retired director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, which serves nearly half of Michigan's citizens and is one of the nation's largest water and waste treatment organizations
• John Buffone, B.S. Architecture 1974, B. Architecture 1975 - Little Caesar's Vice President of Architecture, oversaw design of Comerica Park. He managed a team of hundreds of architects, artists, and designers to develop the ballpark, which features a carousel, Ferris wheel, and 150-foot (46 m) wide fountain.
• Donald W. Date, B.S. Architectural Engineering 1949 - The late chief architect for the United States' Panama Canal Co. His Canal improvements and modernizations significantly increased efficiency and tonnage transported through the Canal.
• John DeLorean, B.S. Industrial engineering 1948 - Former GM executive who created the first muscle car and an American businessman who founded the De Lorean Motor Company based in Northern Ireland.
• Ed Donley, B.S. Mechanical Engineering 1943 - Former president of Air Products & Chemicals and Lawrence Tech's largest benefactor, and former Chairman of the United States Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s.
• Alan Haase, B.S. Electrical Engineering 1982 - President of AGC Aerospace & Defense Composites Group, accomplished turnaround expert in leading underperforming companies to produce profitable, sustainable growth.
• Elizabeth Howell, B.S. Electrical Engineering 1992 - Vice President of Operations at ITC Holdings Corp., the nation's largest independent electricity transmission company. Miss Howell is a NERC certified system operator and is a board member of the Midwest Reliability Organization.
• Ronald Knockeart, B.S. Electrical Engineering 1963 - inventor of the laser bar code scanner and pioneered keyless entry door locks on cars.
• John W. Laister, B.S. Aeronautical Engineering 1938 - During World War II, developed the revolutionary high wing/rear door cargo plane design still used in cargo aircraft worldwide.
• Thomas S. Moore, B.S.EE 1986- general manager of Daimler-Chrysler's advanced vehicle research and development program, called Liberty and Technical Affairs. He oversees development of all future Chrysler products, working with a five to 10 year lead time.
• James P. Ryan, B.S. Architectural Engineering 1966 - owner and principal of one of the nation's leading architectural firms that specializes in commercial and shopping center development. Highly acclaimed designs include the Somerset Collection and Great Lakes Crossing malls.
• George W. Sierant, ME 1947 - engineered the first viable rear-facing child safety seat in 1966. The six-way seat adjuster was another of many driver comfort and safety innovations Sierant developed during his 34 years with General Motors.
• Alfred Taubman, former Lawrence Tech architecture student - one of the nation's leading real estate developers, innovators, and owners of shopping malls throughout the U.S. He also owns Sotheby's auctioneers and until recently owned the A&W restaurant chain.
• Lewis Veraldi, B.S. Mechanical Engineering 1968 - late father of the original Ford Taurus and Sable. As Ford Motor Company vice president in charge of car development, Veraldi pioneered cross-disciplinary personnel teams that led to the launch of these cars. The "team" development process he innovated has become the industry standard.
• Vincent Dow, B.S. Electrical Engineering - Vice President of distribution operations for Detroit Edison, a subsidiary of Detroit-based DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE). He also serves on the board of directors and executive committee of the Better Business Bureau of Southeastern Michigan and the Gleaners Community Food Bank.