Looking back on my career and personal
life, I can pinpoint critical junctures that shaped my future.
One of the most consequential occurred 44 years ago, when
I entered the Institute of Technology (IT) as a freshman.
IT became the bridge that connected my youthful aspirations
with a highly satisfying professional career. Today my enduring
connection to IT is a major focus of an active retirement.
I was born and raised in Owatonna, Minnesota. In middle
school I developed an interest in aviation, model airplanes,
and model rockets. After graduating from Owatonna High School
in 1959, I chose to attend the University, where I could
study aeronautical engineering. In 1963 I received a bachelor°s
degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics, followed
by a master°s degree in 1965.
Although I had prepared to enter the aerospace industry
after graduation, IBM at Rochester, Minnesota, needed engineers
with the skills to conduct mechanical and vibration analysis
of its electromechanical products. After working there as
an engineer and team leader, I joined the company°s management
team and enjoyed a rewarding 32-year career in systems development,
manufacturing, and site services.
During that time I stayed connected to IT by serving for
12 years as IBM°s representative to the Mechanical Engineering
Advisory Council, including a term as vice chair. I served
two years on the Institute of Technology Alumni Society
(ITAS) board as vice president of corporate relations and
led the team that planned the Science & Technology Banquet,
which raised nearly $20,000 each year for IT student scholarships.
Since retiring in 1997, I spend over 30 hours per week
as a volunteer serving on higher education boards and committees.
Much of that time is devoted to my priorities: IT, the University
of Minnesota Rochester, and quality public higher education
in southeastern Minnesota.
As ITAS president, I am focusing on two initiatives designed
to extend the connections among the ITAS board, IT alumni
and friends, and the college. The first initiative is intended
to broaden relationships between the ITAS board and the
IT dean°s office. We’ve received great support from
Kris Kosek, director of alumni relations, and we’ll
search for more ways to support the dean and strengthen
relationships with other members of his staff and IT faculty.
We envision a partnership that will yield synergistic results
for meeting current and future challenges facing both organizations.
The second initiative is a pilot program entitled—Friends
of the Board—which
encourages volunteers to
participate in board activities.
ITAS vice presidents have
already added several representatives
to our standing committees.
This program will help identify
future board members and
will provide additional
support for the board’s work.
You can actively support the college and our great University
through a wide range of volunteer opportunities that suit
your schedule, talents, and interests. Serve on a ITAS board
or committee, donate a gift or get involved in fundraising
initiatives; support ITAS and UMAA activities like the mentor
program; join an academic advisory council; or serve as
a legislative advocate for IT. Together we can extend our
shared connection to IT.
—Jim Clausen
Jim Clausen (AEM ’63, M.S.
’65) is president of the IT Alumni Society. You can
reach him at 612-626-8282 or by email at itas@umn.edu.
