Professor Cargnino was an integral part of campus since first coming to Purdue University as an instructor in September 1945. He was a member of the air transportation program shortly after the school was formed on July 1, 1945. He received an M.S. degree in 1948 from Purdue and was promoted to assistant professor the following year and to associate professor in 1960. He was the last remaining member of the original group of faculty who formed the School of Aeronautics in 1945.

In his early days at Purdue he was primarily involved in developing an innovative program in air transportation in the newly formed school. Meanwhile he expanded and developed his area in propulsion which had been extended to turbo jet, turbo prop and rocket type propulsion. He was the major co-author of a college text in the field of aerospace propulsion widely used during the 1950’s—1960’s.

In 1964, Professor Cargnino developed the Cooperative Engineering Education Program between the School of Aeronautical and Engineering Sciences and major Aerospace companies. In that first year, seven students were placed in five different companies.  The successful Co-Op program continues to this day with numerous alumni having taken part in the Co-op program.

He worked tirelessly to ensure that students would have the opportunity to have educational and industrial experience, and by the time they graduated, they would have five work periods and about 18 months of experience to add to their resumes. He continued his role as coordinator of the program until his retirement in 1984.

While serving as a faculty member for Purdue School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Professor Cargnino was more than just an advisor, teacher and esteemed leader.  To many, he was the driving force behind student’s education, a professional resource, a personal friend, or a mentor we hold in the highest regard.  He has impacted the lives of thousands of students during his tenure at Purdue with the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

During Cargnino’s retirement in 1995, he co-authored a book titled: “One Small Step – a History of the First 50 Years of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue" with Professor Emeritus ‘Gus’ Gustafson and Professor Skip Grandt.

LAWRENCE T. CARGNINO COOPERATIVE SCHOLARSHIP

We are seeking your assistance to help us honor the late Professor Emeritus Larry Cargnino.

In recognition of Prof. Cargnino’s many contributions and tireless dedication, The LAWRENCE T. CARGNINO COOPERATIVE SCHOLARSHIP, has been created in his honor by his wife Frances and their family and friends. The undergraduate scholarship is designed for in-state students enrolled in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Cooperative Program in the College of Engineering. Details on 'How to Give' can be found here.

For further information, please contact Rita Baines, Director of Development, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 765-494-9124 or email at rbaines@purdue.edu

Photo caption (click on photo to enlarge)

Top Professor ~ Professor Emeritus Larry Cargnino

Group photo at the Cooperative Hall of Fame Lunch L ~ R  (back row) Professor Emeritus Gus Gustafson, Dr. Skip Grandt, Dr. Wayne Chen, Tom Bruce (son-in-law) Dr. Tom Shih,

L ~ R  (middle row) Professor Emeritus George Palmer, Mrs. Sally Gustafson

L ~ R (seated) Marilyn Bruce (daughter) Mrs. Frances Cargnino, Mrs. Pat Palmer