Walter J. Hesse

Walter J. Hesse obtained bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering in 1944, 1948 and 1951, respectively. His thirst for knowledge led him to the United States Naval Academy, UC Berkeley, and Sandia National Laboratories. During World War II, Hesse served as an assistant engineer aboard the submarine USS Blenny. Post-war, he became chief engineer at the Test Pilot School, U.S. Naval Air Test Center, where he mentored future NASA astronauts. Hesse's career flourished in senior management roles, notably as vice president at E-Systems' Energy Technology Center. A pioneer in concentrated solar photovoltaics and thermal technology, Hesse installed a groundbreaking hybrid PV electrical/solar thermal system at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 1982. He founded Entech Solar the following year. Purdue recognized Hesse with a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award in 1966, an Outstanding Mechanical Engineer Award in 1991, and an Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award in 1999. Today, the Walter Hesse Scholarship supports Purdue Engineering students.