Life changers, award winners

It’s a privilege unique to biomedical engineers that the people they strive to help often become a friend and an inspiration. That was the case many times for P. Hunter Peckham, MS ’68, PhD ’72, who developed implants that activate paralyzed muscles.

His grateful patients often became colleagues who helped him to advance his technology while warming his heart. At Homecoming in October, Hunter will receive our Gold Medal for his contributions to engineering and to humanity. He leads an impactful class of award winners.

Norman Diederich ’64, MS ’66, PhD ’70, completed his 50th year as a member of the National Ski Patrol last winter—at age 82. The retired electrical engineer brings the same steadfast support to his alma mater. Norm will receive the Givelber Award for promoting fellowship in the Case tradition.

Kathy Harper ’93, MS ’96, PhD, is a teacher who tends to leave a lasting impression. An associate professor, Kathy helped shape the Roger Susi First Year Engineering Experience Lab into the most popular lab on Case Quad. Her enthusiasm and volunteerism have helped to grow the ranks of engineering students.

Kathy will receive a Meritorious Service Award. So will Sean Higgins, MS ’90, and Wayne Liu, MS ’94, PhD, tech luminaries who share their insights with our students. Meanwhile, J.C. Schmidt ’19, a live wire on campus and now at Swagelok, will receive the Young Alumni Leadership Award.

You’ll read about our award winners in this issue. You can meet them in person at the 140th annual awards ceremony Oct. 10 in Eldred Hall. Like me, you’re sure to be humbled and heartened by the impact of these Case engineers.