College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology announces 2025 Hall of Fame inductees and Lohmann Medal recipient

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology announces 2025 Hall of Fame inductees and Lohmann Medal recipient

Monday, October 20, 2025

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT Marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | [email protected]

The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University has announced the 2025 Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame with Lohmann Medal inductees.

Since 1954, CEAT's Hall of Fame has recognized distinguished engineers, architects and technologists who have made prominent contributions in the fields of business, government and community, in addition to those who have made major contributions to CEAT and OSU.

The Melvin R. Lohmann Medal was established in 1991 to recognize individuals for their prominent contributions in academic fields including research, scholarship development, innovation and education in the fields of engineering, architecture and technology and have made major contributions to CEAT and OSU.

The college will hold a Hall of Fame and Lohmann Medal Ceremony on Nov. 1, 2025, to honor the following inductees:
William S. (Steve) Bowers (Hall of Fame inductee), Dr. Delores M. Etter (Hall of Fame inductee with Lohmann Medal), Jaime Lyle McAlpine (Hall of Fame inductee), and Eric Rock (Hall of Fame inductee).

William S. (Steve) Bowers

Bowers earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from OSU in 1975 and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University. Bowers is a graduate of the University of Michigan's Executive Program and is the recipient of multiple U.S. and European patents.

William S. (Steve) Bowers, CEAT 2025 Hall of Fame inductee

In April 2021, Bowers was appointed CEO of the Slow Pass Bourbon Company. Prior, Bowers spent five-plus years as a partner at Visionary Automotive Group and seven-plus years at Federal-Mogul Corporation as a corporate officer and senior vice-president of sales and marketing. His earlier career was with General Motors and global automotive supplier Delphi Corporation.

During his career, he was based in Tokyo as the Asia-Pacific Regional Executive Director for Delphi's Powertrain, Chassis and Steering Divisions. He was responsible for the profit and loss of the original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket businesses, inclusive of leading the functions of engineering, purchasing, operations, manufacturing, sales and customer service in the markets of Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Prior to that he worked as a powertrain chief engineer and spent four years as technical director of GM's European Technical Center in Bascharage, Luxembourg.

Motivating teams to higher performance best describes his 38-year automotive career. Combining extensive international and domestic executive assignments in global product engineering, program management, purchasing, operations, and sales and marketing, Bowers drove strategies that significantly increased sales, market share and positive earnings performance.

He successfully led product design and engineering programs throughout the world, flawlessly introducing industry-first products to market and led the design and building of engineering centers in Europe, South America and Tokyo. He has also developed important joint ventures and wholly owned operations in Asia Pacific to profitably enhance market position and customer service. For new manufacturing facilities in Australia, China, India, Korea and Thailand, he led based on the principles of "lean manufacturing."

Recognized as a forward-thinking and results-oriented leader, Bowers directed global teams and possesses vast knowledge of international business, global vehicle manufacturers and world markets. He established lasting relationships with key global industry leaders and is widely respected for his ability to develop solutions that foster long-term company alliances.

Named an Outstanding MAE Senior during his undergraduate studies, Bowers proves that the lessons and leadership skills gained in CEAT make a lasting difference. He embodies what it means to give back to his alma mater through mentorship, philanthropy and advocacy, often talking about the impact his OSU mentors and professors had on his life. He routinely returns to campus to share lessons learned during his remarkable career in the automotive and bourbon industries as well as provides funding for students from the OSU Formula SAE racing team to attend the Indianapolis 500 and sponsors scholarships and innovation in CEAT.

Dr. Delores M. Etter

Etter was born in Denver and raised in Shidler, Oklahoma. She enrolled at OSU in 1965, never considering another university. Though her undergraduate education ultimately continued elsewhere due to her husband's military service, OSU shaped her early path and has remained central to her life's journey, helping her build a career defined by excellence in engineering, national service and education.

Dr. Delores M. Etter, CEAT 2025 Hall of Fame inductee with Lohmann Medal

Etter went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from Wright State University and her doctoral degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico. Soon after, she served in an academic role as an assistant and associate professor at UNM, later joining the University of Colorado-Boulder as a professor of electrical engineering. She also spent a year as a visiting professor at Stanford University. Over the years, she pioneered research in signal processing, biometrics and engineering education, authoring 18 textbooks that have been used in classrooms worldwide by thousands of engineers.

From 1998 to 2001, she served as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, overseeing defense research at the Pentagon. She was later appointed assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, where she guided the Navy's major R&D efforts, including oversight of the Joint Strike Fighter program. The Department of the Navy later established the Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers Awards, an annual honor that recognizes those who demonstrate exemplary scientific and technical excellence in support of national defense.

Etter continued to break ground in her career as the first woman to serve as president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Signal Processing Society. She also held key editorial positions with IEEE's leading journals. Her distinguished contributions have been honored with election to the National Academy of Engineering and recognition as a Fellow of IEEE, the American Society for Engineering Education and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Among her many awards are the IEEE James H. Mulligan Jr. Education Medal; the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service; and the Federal Women in Science and Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Etter has been an advocate for education and community service. With her husband, Jerry, they generously created the Etter Scholarship at OSU to open doors for the next generation of engineers, empowering students who demonstrate leadership and promise. In her hometown of Shidler, they have actively promoted math education with annual awards, provided scholarships for every graduating senior, whether pursuing a trade certificate or a university degree, and funded the full renovation of the Shidler Elementary School. Etter and her husband also share a deep commitment to conservation, supporting the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Osage County, and earning recognition from The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma as 2023 Conservation Champions.

Throughout her life, Etter has believed that education is the pathway to independence and opportunity. By opening doors for countless students through teaching, mentoring, leadership and philanthropy, she has left an enduring legacy in engineering and in her communities.

Jaime Lyle McAlpine

McAlpine was born in Tulsa in 1957 and later moved to Oklahoma City. His choice to attend OSU was a natural one, as his parents were both energy professionals and proud Cowboys, instilling in him a love for the industry and the university. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering Technology from CEAT in 1979, laying the groundwork for a career in the oil and gas industry that would span over four decades.

Jaime Lyle McAlpine, CEAT 2025 Hall of Fame inductee

In 1982, McAlpine founded Chermac Energy Corporation, a company that began as a drilling and recompletion consultant, while also operating oil and gas wells. Over the course of his career, McAlpine oversaw more than $300 million in drilling, recompletion, and pipeline projects and managed production on over 500 wells for Chermac clients. Led by his entrepreneurial spirit, McAlpine founded Chermac Services Corporation, a technical measurement company that expanded into six states before being successfully transitioned to employee ownership in 2010.

By 1999, McAlpine expanded into renewable energy development through Chermac's Renewables Group. He developed projects totaling 2,800 megawatts of wind power in operation and initiated Oklahoma's first commercial solar project. His company acquired more than 80,000 acres in renewable leases, advanced more than $3.9 billion in renewable energy projects and had 1,200 megawatts of solar projects in various stages of development. Later in his career, McAlpine began laying the groundwork for geothermal energy development, further establishing himself in the diverse and sustainable energy field.

Alongside his professional success, McAlpine's dedication to his alma mater was undeniable. While serving on the CEAT Strategic Advisory Council, McAlpine provided insight on renewable energy curriculum and helped advocate for increased funding for STEM education in the public school system. He also supported hands-on learning through his contributions to the McAlpine Energy Systems Platform in the CEAT ENDEAVOR Lab and was a loyal supporter of OSU academics and athletics. A proud cowboy, McAlpine was a football season ticket holder who could often be found cheering on the Cowboys with his family in Stillwater.

Beyond OSU and his career, he was deeply involved in his community. He and his wife, Cheryl, were charter members of Oak Hills Church in Edmond, where he served in leadership positions and participated in mission work. McAlpine traveled to El Salvador and Nicaragua to help drill freshwater wells, build homes and improve the living conditions in underserved communities. Whether working with international mission teams or mentoring aspiring engineers through the Society of Petroleum Engineers, he believed in lifting others up through service and mentorship.

A registered professional engineer, McAlpine was known not only for his technical expertise but also for his unwavering optimism, generosity and relentless determination. Professionally, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation in energy, steadfast support for education and loyalty to OSU. His contributions will continue to inspire future engineers to forge new paths with courage and creativity. Personally, he leaves a legacy of the importance of a strong work ethic, commitment, loyalty and leading by example.

McAlpine passed away in November 2024, leaving his mark on the industry, his community and OSU. In 1978, he married Cheryl; together they have a daughter, Caitie; a son-in-law, Ryan; and grandsons, Zeppelin and Jett. His impact endures through the energy projects he pioneered, the students and professionals he mentored, and the communities he served. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the example he set to his family of a life well lived in service to others.

Eric Rock

Rock was born and raised in Tulsa. Rock grew up with a strong family tradition of OSU, with his four siblings having attended the university before him. When the time came for his own education, the choice was clear. He earned bachelor's degrees in both electrical engineering and computer engineering from OSU in 1990. These experiences laid the foundation for a career built on innovation, entrepreneurship and a deep connection to his alma mater.

Eric Rock, CEAT 2025 Hall of Fame inductee

From an early age, Rock discovered his calling. At the age of 14, he knew he wanted to become a software engineer, and by 15 he was already demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. Using an Atari computer, he developed inventory management software for his father's company and negotiated a recurring contract that paid for his first car. Shortly after, Rock created a restaurant management program that evolved into the front-end of OpenTable.com via acquisition. These formative experiences sparked a passion for innovation that has defined his career.

Over the past three decades, Rock founded four software companies, each becoming a leader in their respective markets. His companies have been recognized for their innovation, rapid growth and industry impact. His work has also been featured in numerous business and technology publications. In addition, he holds multiple technology patents, highlighting a career driven by technical expertise and problem-solving.

Beyond his business achievements, Rock has invested in his community and profession, serving as a Boy Scout leader and youth sports coach for nearly a decade. He has also served as a mentor to early-stage technological entrepreneurs, helping many find their own success. His commitment to giving back extends to his alma mater, where he is a proud donor and serves on the Industry Advisory Board for CEAT's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

As a student, Rock found opportunities for academic and personal growth through the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He credits his experiences gained during this time with helping him build the confidence and character that have guided his career.

While Rock has led a career full of success, his proudest accomplishments are rooted in family. He and his wife, Sharron, also an OSU alum, have built a true OSU legacy. Their son, Logan, earned his bachelor's degree at OSU and is now pursuing his master's, while their son, Dylan, is currently working toward his bachelor's degree at OSU. For Rock, seeing his children follow in his footsteps and become part of the Cowboy family is the greatest honor of all.

Through all of his achievements, Rock remains grounded in his belief that success is measured not only by personal accomplishments but by lifting others up. He hopes his legacy will be one of empowering people to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential, creating a ripple effect of opportunity and personal growth.