Dr. Allen S. Novick BSAE'65; MSAE'67; PhD'72; DEA'06; OAE'06 September 16,1942 - December 8, 2012

Dr. Al Novick, AAE's distinguished alumnus (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from AAE) and our school's honorary industry professor, passed away on Dec. 8, 2012.

Dr. Al Novick, AAE's distinguished alumnus (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from AAE) and our school's honorary industry professor, passed away on Dec. 8, 2012.

Dr. Novick has brought honor to Purdue through his distinguished accomplishments at Rolls-Royce (retired as a VP) and the gas-turbine industry.  Also, Dr. Novick was a passionate Boilermaker and has contributed greatly to help Purdue move forward through his thoughtful advice, guidance, and support.

For his accomplishments, Dr. Novick was recognized by the Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award in 2006, our department's highest award, and by the Distinguished Engineer Award in 2006, our college's highest award. Dr. Novick’s expertise and commitment to the aerospace industry helped further the Mission of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics to new heights and the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Head, faculty and staff and student body will miss his input and presence in the school.

Dr. Allen Novick Scholarship Fund

Dr. Novick's family has requested that the best way to honor their father is through a scholarship in his name for Purdue University students.  Therefore, in lieu of flowers please consider contributions to the Purdue Foundation with a note on the Memo line of your check referencing the Allen Novick Scholarship Fund.

The mailing address is:  Purdue University, attention:  Pam Ritter, Dauche Alumni Center, 403 W. Wood Street, W. Lafayette, IN 47907.  Further information can be obtained from the University Development Office. Thank you in advance for your support.

Dr. Allen S. Novick’s Biography

Dr. Novick most recently served as Vice-President Marketing Intelligence & Support, Rolls Royce Corporation until his retirement in 2009. He joined the Allison Division of General Motors (now Rolls-Royce) in 1972 after receiving his bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University.

He progressed through many noteworthy challenging assignments and promotions including engineering research and technology, preliminary design, advanced engine development, program management, business development, commercial business, customer operations, supply chain management and marketing intelligence.  Dr. Novick was also responsible for leading Allison Division into the commercial aircraft engine business. Also, he was leader and co-founder, with Professor John Sullivan, of the Indiana Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing Alliance.

Dr. Novick has been the recipient of many prestigious awards in his career. In 2006, Purdue University honored Dr. Novick with the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award and the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics honored him with the Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award. He has also received many honors and awards from the aerospace industry which include:

  • Collier Award
    • Part of team that won the prestigious Collier Trophy for the PropFan
  • “Laurels” – Aviation Week and Space Technology, 1987
  • for industry leadership in PropFan technology
  • culminating in Allison’s first Collier Award and subsequently involved in four Collier Award programs
  • for his leadership in designing, developing and producing the AE Engine family, the world’s only turboshaft, turboprop, and turbofan engine utilizing a common core for civil and military applications
  • Air Breathing Propulsion Award – AIAA, 1999
  • Best Paper of the Year Award – ASME
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Nominated by Regional Airline World - 2004
  • Philip J. Klass Award for Lifetime Achievement, Nominated by Aviation Week - 2007.
  • Indiana General   Assembly House Resolution No. 18 for Service to the State and Outstanding Accomplishments - 2009.
  • “Distinguished Hoosier” Honored by Indiana Governor Daniels - 2009.

Dr. Novick’s professional service includes:

  • Member of General Aviation Manufacturers Association Board of Governors and Chairman of the Association’s Technical Policy Committee
  • Founding Member and Chairman, Associate Member Council of the Regional Airlines Association.
  • Member of Advisory Boards of  Indiana Defense Asset Program and Indiana Advanced Manufacturing Education Collaboration
  • AIAA Associate Fellow

Dr. Novick has authored numerous publications involving numerical analyses, unsteady flow, combustor design, gear system technology, advanced engines and recipient of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Best Paper of the Year Award.

The link to the Indystar.com online Obituary can be found here