The Distinguished Engineering Alumni/Alumnae Award is presented to men and women who have distinguished themselves in any field in ways that reflect favorably on Purdue University, the engineering profession or society in general. The distinction of DEA has been bestowed upon 540 outstanding individuals.
Richard Kyle, BSME ’88, President and CEO, Timken Co.
Growing up in Indiana, Richard Kyle knew Purdue was for him. Kyle studied mechanical engineering at Purdue, where he refined his collaborative, leadership and motivational skills, shaping him as a professional and putting him on the path to success.
Today, Kyle is president and CEO of Timken Co., a 118-year-old global manufacturer of bearings and mechanical power transmissions. He has held other leadership positions within Timken, helping to significantly grow its U.S. manufacturing business and expand global operations in China, India and Romania.
Today, Timken accrues revenue of $3 billion annually and has an enterprise value of over $4 billion with 14,000 employees across 28 countries. His Purdue background has been with him every step of the way, instilling in him a strong work ethic, a commitment to teamwork and a love for problem-solving. “All of my biggest achievements were as part of a team. Success in business is rarely achieved individually.”
Navigation
Fall 2018
Pinnacle of Excellence at Scale
Dean Mung Chiang: On a Global Listening Tour
Giant Leaps in Engineering, Discovery Park District
The College of Engineering Makes Its Mark
Neil Armstrong: Inspiration Cast in Bronze
Our Gratitude for a Stellar Year
Sections
2018 Distinguished Engineering Alumni/Alumnae
Investments in Infrastructure
Expansions and improvements to teaching and learning spaces, laboratories, offices
Elevating Student Experience
Scholarships, student opportunities, diversity programs, student clubs
Dedicated to the Cause
Fundraising, event hosting, activity planning, advisory boards, networking with alumni
Funding Research
Laboratory infrastructure and equipment, project startup funds, graduate student support
Flexible Gifts
Administrative funds, student travel and networking, unexpected opportunities
Fueling Faculty
Rewarding, retaining, recruiting faculty and promoting diversity in engineering