AFIT honors 2004 distinguished alumni

  • Published
  • By Kim Curry
  • Air Force Institute of Technology Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO (AFPN) --  The Air Force Institute of Technology honored two 2004 distinguished alumni here Oct. 29. Retired Maj. Gen. Robert R. Rankine and Dr. Edward T. Curran were selected for their pioneering roles in science, engineering and education.

“The title of ‘distinguished alumnus’ is the highest honor that AFIT awards to a graduate,” said Brig. Gen. Dave Eidsaune, AFIT commandant. “These two men are pioneers in science, research, development and acquisition, and are staunch supporters of the critical role education plays in enhancing the capabilities of our military. They are the epitome of an AFIT distinguished [alumni].”

The distinguished alumni were each presented with a medallion on behalf of the AFIT foundation. They also received a portrait created by AFIT’s graphic artist, Greg Smith; a copy of each portrait will hang at AFIT with past award winners.

General Rankine attended the ROTC program at the University of Illinois, where he graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and a commission in the U.S. Air Force. He received a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1964, and a doctorate in engineering from University of California-Los Angeles in 1970. During his 34 years in the Air Force, General Rankine acquired broad experience in research, development, engineering and acquisition, specializing in technology, space and ballistic missile defense. At the time of his retirement, he managed the $1.7 billion science and technology program. His military career also included the acquisition of space systems, the initiation of the Strategic Defense Initiative program, the management of all Department of Defense directed energy weapons programs and the command of a group of Air Force research and technology laboratories.

General Rankine is now a private consultant. He is currently a member of the distinguished review board of the center for directed energy at AFIT. In March 2002, he participated in an assessment for NASA Langley Research Center by the National Research Council, and in 2001, he participated in the defense science board summer study on science and technology.

Dr. Curran graduated from AFIT in 1979 with a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering and physics. He is a former director of the propulsion directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory and retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1998 as a member of the Senior Executive Service. He managed the Air Force research and development programs for gas turbine and rocket engines; advanced propulsion systems; fuels, lubricants and propellants; and aircraft power systems.

The doctor began his aeronautical career in 1949 when he was commissioned in the Royal Air Force as an engineer officer. He held various appointments in aircraft maintenance, command staff and research and development, both in Great Britain and here, where he was an RAF exchange officer. He retired from the RAF in 1968, and began his career with the Air Force in 1969. He holds five patents, is the co-inventor of the dual-mode scramjet and is the author and co-author of more than 40 publications.

After retirement, he became the technical director of engineering at a corporation in Dayton. Besides his AFIT degree, Dr. Curran holds a Bachelor of Science degree (with honors) in mechanical and civil engineering from the University of London, and a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the College of Aeronautics in Cranfield, England.

“Tonight these men join the ranks with some of the finest Americans our country has ever produced,” said General Eidsaune.

AFIT selected its first distinguished alumni in 1979. At that time, Col. Frank Borman, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, Col. George Holloman and Gen. Bernard Schriever were given the honor. Since that date, 20 others have been selected. (Courtesy of AFIT)