Founding member of UAA's School of Engineering passed away

Dr. John Hilpert, 91, a founding member and long-time professor of the UAA School of Engineering, passed away on April 6, 2009. He started the Division of Math, Science and Engineering at the Anchorage Senior College in 1972. Prior to the formation of the School of Engineering, Dr. Hilpert initiated the Engineering Management program, now known as the Engineering, Science and Project Management Department at UAA. He retired from UAA in 1987 at the age of 70.

Dr. Hilpert earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering at Oregon State University in 1938. He earned his master's degree in 1948 from George Washington University. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1956. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

Dr. Hilpert was a professor emeritus at both the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. During his time with the University, he regularly traveled to Fairbanks and Juneau to teach engineering courses.

Friends and colleagues of Dr. Hilpert remember his sense of humor and his "meticulous, fair and competent" personality. He was remembered for being an excellent mentor to faculty and students alike, and was admired for adding a personal touch to everything he did.

Read his obituary in the Anchorage Daily News.