The Purdue University School of Mechanical Engineering remembers two alumni and dear friends of the School. We are extremely sad to announce the recent passing of Robert V. Adams and John C. Jamison who contributed greatly to Mechanical Engineering at Purdue. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of both Robert and John.

Robert V. Adams, Xerox executive, entrepreneur, board member of the L.A. Opera, philanthropist, nature photographer, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died in Santa Monica, California on February 19th after a long and courageous battle with heart disease and cancer. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University in 1954 and was later honored as a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus, won the Outstanding Mechanical Engineer Award, and received an honorary doctorate in engineering. He served on the Mechanical Engineering and the College of Engineering Advisory Councils and took great pride in giving back to the university by endowing a chair in the School of Mechanical Engineering.

John C. Jamison, businessman, educator, and philanthropist passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 23, 2015 near Williamsburg, VA. John received a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Economics from Purdue University in 1956, followed by his Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1961. John served in the U.S. Navy prior to his professional career and was a member of Krannert Graduate School of Management: Dean’s Advisory Council 1978 – 1983; Purdue Foundation, Governor, 1980 – 1983; Purdue Presidents Council Chairman, 1982. He also set up an endowed professorship in Mechanical Engineering in honor of his grandfather. John’s value in education, service to community, and smart fundraising challenges has enlightened so many. John’s life philosophy does not require expertise or wealth; it merely requires willingness to leave something better than you found it.