Rudy Wojtecki

2008 Inductee

Rudy Wojtecki was born and raised in Union City and was a member of the class of 1955. As a young man Rudy took piano and voice lessons and was member of a band named the Syncopators. He was a member of the St. Theresa's Church and the Knights of Columbus. After high school Rudy worked at GE Transportation and attended Gannon University majoring in engineering.

Rudy then enlisted in the US Air Force and served from 1958 to 1962 at the Strategic Air Command specializing in the maintenance of radar and computer systems. While in the Air Force Rudy married his wife, Jean in October of 1960.

After leaving the military Rudy returned to GE and began his life-long career of science and engineering. He worked for several companies as an engineer including: GE, A.O. Smith Corporation, Samual Moore and Company, Eaton Corporation, and Electrolock, Inc. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering and his M.S. in Engineering Management from Cleveland St. University.

In 1990 Rudy began his second passion, teaching. He became a professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Kent St. University and was awarded the Dean's Award for Leadership and Service during the May 1997 commencement. Rudy's work in engineering led him to develop 7 patents and publish papers or books about engineering topics. He was also a member of 17 professional engineering associations.

After a long battle with cancer Rudy Wojtecki passed away in August of 2005 leaving behind his family of 6 children, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Kent St. University honored Rudy by dedicating the Rudy G. Wojtecki Memorial Garden outside the technology building. On the plaque is Rudy's famous quote he said to his students: "Never quit learning. Learn something every day. Be eager to learn."