Criss, E. Robert, BME 鈥�50, and Lois Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering
The E. Robert, BME ’50, and Lois Criss Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering was established by Bob and Lois Criss as a Scholarship for Excellence to provide a full scholarship for an outstanding student in mechanical engineering. The student shall fulfill all criteria set forth by the University to require a Scholarship for Excellence, as well as have declared a major in mechanical engineering.
Natives of Akron, the Criss' both attended the University. Bob served as a combat infantryman in World War II. He was severely wounded in the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945 and was discharged from the army hospital in August 1946, just in time to enroll in the University's College of Engineering in September. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Lois Gill was a student in the general college. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. They met on campus in 1947 and were married in December 1948.
Following graduation with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Bob had job assignments in product design and development and machine design and installation. He joined the Kyova Pipe Company in 1956 as plant engineer and was responsible for the construction, equipment installation, and start-up of the company's new plant in Ironton, Ohio. He built and served as plant manager of the plastic pipe plant in Springfield, Ill. He joined the General Electric Company in 1966. Utilizing his engineering training and prior experience, he constructed and equipped a major production facility in Worthington, Ohio. He also oversaw the construction of a plant in Ireland. During his 19 years at General Electric, he was responsible for many environmental engineering projects and for 15 years was responsible for compliance with all federal, state, and local EPA regulations. Bob was a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Ohio for more than 30 years. Bob credits the broad-based curriculum offered at The University of Akron, combined with the experience and focus garnered through serving his country, with providing the tools for a successful career. Together, Lois and Bob raised three sons: William, Robert, and Karl and have established this scholarship to help provide the same kind of educational opportunity Bob received to talented young people desiring a career in engineering.
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