August 18, 2020
Purdue recognizes semiconductor pioneer George Scalise with honorary doctorate
George Scalise
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University has bestowed an honorary doctorate on George M. Scalise, an alumnus who helped shepherd the semiconductor industry from its infancy in the 1950s into today’s $430 billion-plus industry.
Mark Lundstrom, acting dean of the College of Engineering, and Eckhard Groll, the William E. and Florence E. Perry Head of Mechanical Engineering, presented the award to Scalise, who lives in Los Altos, California, through a videoconferencing call on Monday (Aug. 17). The presentation was made virtually because Purdue was unable to hold an in-person commencement this summer. Scalise's family was on hand for the virtual event (video of the event).
Scalise received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue in 1956. He was named a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus and Outstanding Mechanical Engineer of the university in 2002.
For more than 45 years, Scalise was a leader across a broad spectrum of high-tech companies developing products and systems for Motorola Semiconductor, Fairchild Semiconductor, Advanced Micro Devices, Maxtor Corp., National Semiconductor Corp. and Apple Computer, where he served as executive vice president and chief administrative officer.
He was a founding member of the Semiconductor Research Corp., a world-class technology research consortium launched in 1982.
As president from 1997 to 2011 of the Semiconductor Industry Association, the premier trade association representing the microchip industry and one of the world’s most influential industry groups, Scalise provided direction in public policy, technology, and international and government affairs.
Scalise chaired the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board, U.S. Department of Energy, from 1992 to 1995 and served on President George W. Bush’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology from 2001 to 2008.
“This honorary doctorate recognizes one of the true pioneers of the semiconductor industry,” Lundstrom said. “George Scalise’s leadership has helped improve the quality of life in every corner of the world. He personifies the greatest aspects of a Purdue engineer — a strong work ethic, an eagerness to learn, a vision for the future and a commitment to a better world. He stands at the forefront of Purdue’s world-class achievements in microelectronics research and education.”
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu.
Media contact: Matthew Oates, 765-586-7496, oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates
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George Scalise
