“Study and work standards were transferable from the Navy and Purdue to a career in the Machine Tool Industry.”
Bob Sattler enlisted in the Navy V-12 program in 1944. The Navy sent him to DePauw University then transferred him to Purdue. Sattler was discharged from the Navy in 1946 and finished his degrees at Purdue. He graduated from Purdue University in 1948 with bachelor's degrees in aeronautical engineering and Naval Science and Tactics. He has been a Registered Professional Engineer since 1952.
While at Purdue, Sattler lettered in baseball. One of the most memorable games was vs. Michigan when he pitched a one-hitter. Sattler also received five athletic awards, two in baseball, two in basketball and one in football.
One of his most memorable moments was his first day in Professor Elmer Bruhn's class. Bruhn gave a test in airplane design, and the entire class flunked, Sattler recalled. Bruhn's response: "It appears that you all require additional education in aeronautical engineering."
Sattler has spent the past 60-plus years in the Machine Tool Industry. During his time as President of LaSalle Machine Tool and ROBOGATE Machine Systems, he was instrumental in the design and production of TMS "Total Manufacturing Systems" and Body Assembly and Welding Systems worldwide.
His time in the Navy, education from Purdue and experiences throughout his career earned him several patents and awards. In 1997, the National Machine Tool Builders Association honored him with the "Living Legend" designation award.