Bravo to lifelong Case engineers

I love meeting our retired alumni because I get to ask them what they are up to. Since they are Case engineers and scientists, it’s usually something interesting, often remarkable.

Events in and around Homecoming offered several opportunities to connect with older alums and ask about their new pursuits, now that they don’t have to go into work every day. Some of their replies left me astonished and humbled.

I met a former high-powered HP consultant — an electrical engineer with a doctorate — who was practicing his first aid skills for another winter of Ski Patrol. He’s 82. A retired Exxon engineer shared how his Spanish helps him to be a more effective volunteer at the local food pantry. An alumna who was often the only woman in the room as a project leader now devotes herself to guiding young women toward successful STEM careers.

By applying their life skills to volunteer roles, our retirees are finding ways to give back and make a difference. They don’t talk much about golf or cruises. They’re too busy shaping a better world – or at least the part of it they can reach.

Perhaps no one illustrates this better than the subject of this issue’s cover story. Barry Romich ’67 pioneered assistive devices for people with serious disabilities. His work helped thousands to write, to talk, to live fuller lives. Romich began his life-changing efforts as a student at Case Institute of Technology and continued as co-founder and president of the Prentke Romich Co.

Finally retired, the innovative engineer is as busy as ever. He and his wife, Robin Wisner, are building a chain of cafes specially designed to accommodate staff with special needs. The couple offers meaningful employment to people grateful for the opportunity.

They call it The Joyful Cafe. After reading their story, I think you’ll agree the name is perfect.