Richard V. DeLeo

Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient

Institute of Technology, September 23, 2005

Richard V. DeLeo, pioneer in aeronautical engineering and founding member of Rosemount Engineering, received a bachelor’s degree (1946) and a master’s degree (1948) from the Institute of Technology. He worked as an aeronautical engineer at the University’s Rosemount Aeronautical Laboratories until 1957 and then joined Rosemount Engineering, a spin off of the Laboratory. After a career of more than three decades, he retired as Vice President for Aeronautical Research in 1988. He played a pivotal role in the evolution of Rosemount as the premier company involved in the design, development, and manufacturer of air data sensors. His contributions are considered to have advanced the overall safety and efficiency of modern air travel. Because of his leadership, the company grew and today employs more than one thousand employees, many who are University of Minnesota engineers. He has been a mentor to several generations of engineers and has provided support for many programs in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. In addition, he is the holder of nineteen U.S. and foreign patents. In 1986, he was inducted into the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame.

Biographies are as-of time of award presentation.