2006 Honorary Degree

Donald J. Orr
Doctor Of Engineering

Donald J. Orr

He retired in 1997 as senior corporate vice president from Air Products & Chemicals Inc. in Allentown, Pa., and now lives in Telluride, Colo., as well as Allentown.

Orr came to Purdue from Wooster, Ohio, served as sports editor of the Exponent (student newspaper), earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering in 1961. He was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduation. After a tour of active duty, he returned to Purdue and earned a master's degree from the Krannert School of Industrial Administration in 1965. He later attended the Executive Program at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business in 1985.

Orr began his career with Air Products & Chemicals in 1965 in the career development program and advanced through various positions of increasing responsibility before becoming senior vice president in 1990. The company is a major chemical manufacturer, serving customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets. He spent most of his career in the chemicals group.

Orr remained active with his alma mater, recruiting Purdue students for his company and serving as a mentor to many Air Products engineers and managers.

He was also a long-standing volunteer for Purdue’s School of Chemical Engineering. He served as chair of chemical engineering’s capital campaign that raised $25 million for the construction and renovations of Forney Hall. Orr also was a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the School of Management.

He was named a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus in 1989, an Outstanding Chemical Engineer in 1993 and a Distinguished Krannert Alumnus in 1995. He received the Purdue Engineering Alumni Association Service Award in 2004. He is a member of the President's Council and is an enthusiastic Boilermaker sports supporter.

Orr has been on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business Industry and has been an active community volunteer as a member of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Lehigh Valley.