Duket earned his BSIE from Purdue in 1972 and his MSIE in 1974. His master's advisor was Prof. Alan Pritsker, who founded Pritsker & Associates. Duket worked for the company and its successors from 1974-2009. During that time he held a variety of positions, including Systems Consultant, Director of Consulting, Sales Manager, VP Marketing, EVP Scheduling Solutions, VP Development, Product Manager, and Applications Consultant. He was the first non-founder employee.

Duket returned to Purdue in November 2009 as the Managing Director of the School of Industrial Engineering, and retired at the end of December 2018. He also served as the advisor for the student organization Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE; formerly IIE) for seven years.

"Working with Purdue IE faculty, students, and staff to help create innovative programs and 'Rethink IE' was one of the most rewarding and exciting activities of my career," said Duket. "The School's Beautify Grissom contest, expanded Career Fairs, renovated facilities, upgraded advisor services, 'Rethink IE' research support and other initiatives enhanced the IE educational environment for both students and faculty."

The School held a retirement reception on April 26 for Duket, his wife of 46 years, Beth, his family, former students and friends in Grissom Hall's Student Excellence Center, with over 50 people attending.

Congratulations, Steve - we will miss you!

Writer: DeEtte Starr, starrd@purdue.edu