Indiana Tech: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Since its inception in 1930, Indiana Tech has been a launching pad for over 19,000 graduates, many of whom have distinguished themselves in diverse fields. The university takes pride in the contributions its alumni have made to society, embodying the true spirit of a Warrior. This article highlights some of the most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have had on the world.

Engineering and Technology Pioneers

Indiana Tech, originally founded as Indiana Technical College, has a strong tradition in engineering and technology. Many alumni have made significant contributions to these fields, leaving a lasting mark on industry and innovation.

Stanley Clemenz, BSEE, 1942

Stanley Clemenz dedicated 61 years to telecommunications engineering and aerospace. His extensive career included work on satellites, manned spacecraft (Mercury, Gemini, Apollo), network sites, shipbuilding (cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships), automobile production (Ford), subway systems (BART, Metrorail), and oceanography (sonar, atomic bomb testing). He also served as a Lieutenant (JG) in the Navy during World War II.

Clarence Forrest, BSAEE, 1943

Clarence “Casey” Forrest spent his entire career in aerospace with Bell Aircraft. Marines. He was inducted into the Niagara Frontier Aviation Hall of Fame.

Lowell G. Krandell, BSEE, 1963

Lowell Krandell played a pivotal role in the development of fiber optics in Indiana. He designed Indiana’s first fiber optics system and the original fiber optics educational TV network, connecting colleges and universities across the state.

Read also: Navigating Accreditation

Young Jung Paik, BSCE, 1959

Young Jung Paik, an immigrant from Korea, built one of the largest Korean-American owned steel engineering companies in the United States. As the founder and chairman of Paco Steel and Engineering Corp., he was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 by Ernst & Young. His company became the nation’s largest producer of patented light-steel I-beams used in the framing of commercial buildings and big-rig tractor-trailers.

Stanley John Puskarz, PE, BSME, 1959

Stanley John Puskarz is renowned for his inventions, including the pop-top lid and the screw-off bottle cap. Named Engineer of the Year in Industry in 1995, he retired from Fowler Products Company as a partner and vice president of engineering. Puskarz also established the Puskarz Scholarship Fund in 2002 to support Indiana Tech students.

Walter T. Weller, BSEE, 1942

Walter Weller made significant contributions to aviation history. As an electrical engineer, he calibrated the instruments on the first plane to break the sound barrier. He also worked on "Little Joe" capsules, which later became part of the Mercury space program. Weller's dedication to research is further exemplified by his donation of his brain to the Parkinson’s Disease Research Center of John Hopkins University.

Zohrab Tazian, 1960

Zohrab Tazian, after graduating from Indiana Tech in 1960, started Z.K. Tazian Associates, a successful civil engineering and land surveying business. Beyond his professional endeavors, Tazian designed the All Saints Armenian Church in Glenview, Illinois, St Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Granite City, Illinois, and St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His dedication to Indiana Tech led to his election as president of the Indiana Tech Alumni Board and a member of the university’s board of trustees.

S. Thomas Wong, BSCHE, 1966

S. Thomas Wong is credited with the creation of Shake N Bake.

Athletics

Indiana Tech's athletic teams, the Warriors, have a rich history of success. Several alumni have excelled in their respective sports, both during their time at Indiana Tech and beyond.

Josh Judy

Josh Judy was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft. After success in the minor league system, he was called up to pitch relief for the Indians in the 2011 season, appearing in 12 games.

Jesse Hoover, BSBA, 2004

Jesse Hoover was drafted by the New York Yankees as a pitcher in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball draft in 2004. Although a back injury slowed his progress, he experienced success in the minor league system.

Alumni Awards: Recognizing Excellence

Indiana Tech recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the university and their communities through several awards:

Alumni Volunteer of the Year: This award recognizes alumni who dedicate their time and resources to support Indiana Tech. Recent recipients include Donald J. Lomont (BSME 1964), Sheri Stahlhut (AS 2008, BSBA 2010, MBA 2019, Grad. Cert. 2020), and Clifford Clarke (BSDP 1989, MBA 2005).

Read also: IU Bloomington Fall Semester
CPS - College of Professional Studies - Alum of the Year: This award honors graduates of the evening and Indiana Tech Online programs. Recent winners include Matt Hyde (ASGS 2023, BSOL 2024, MBA 2024), Keith Hardy (AS 2024, BS in pursuit), and Dr. Jeffrey Witte (PH.D. Global Leadership 2023).
G.O.L.D. Alumnus of the Year: The Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) award recognizes recent graduates of Indiana Tech’s traditional undergraduate program for their service and early career achievements. Recent recipients include Jennifer Banks (BSBE, 2019), Chauntiel Smith-Jones (BSBA, 2016), and Holly Holod (BSBA, 2013).
Early Impact Alumna of the Year: Camille Keyes (BS Accounting 2025)
Alumni Hall of Fame: This highest alumni award recognizes individuals with significant accomplishments in their careers, contributions to the community, and fostering the advancement of Indiana Tech. Hall of Fame members include Donald King, Sr. (2024), Zohrab Tazian (2020), and Ravi Talwar (2014).

The Impact of Alumni Contributions

Indiana Tech alumni have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also played a crucial role in the university's growth and development. Zohrab Tazian's involvement with the board of trustees, including his efforts to address financial challenges and advocate for engineering programs, exemplifies the dedication of alumni to their alma mater. Ravi Talwar, a graduate of Indiana Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1965, went on to have a successful career as an engineer, entrepreneur, and business manager. He also gives back to the community as a mentor for SCORE, a not-for-profit organization that supports small businesses.

tags: #indiana #tech #notable #alumni