Tribute

Remembering Bill Grogan

William R. Grogan ’46, a longtime member of WPI’s electrical engineering faculty, the Institute’s first dean of undergraduate studies and one of the founders of the WPI Plan, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. WPI President Laurie Leshin recalled Dean Emeritus Grogan as “the individual most responsible for [the Plan’s] implementation and its vibrant success over the course of the last 45 years. Bill helped transform the Institute into a paragon of innovation and a model for successful change in higher education. It is largely due to his visionary leadership, his passion for excellence, and his amazing ability to inspire greatness in others that the Plan not only survived against tall odds, but thrived and evolved into one of the most successful examples of project-based education in the nation. The WPI community owes Bill a tremendous debt of gratitude and our eternal admiration. He will be missed greatly by his legion of friends and colleagues around the world.”

“There is no doubt that Bill Grogan stands tall as a giant in the legendary history of WPI. Some claim his vision and leadership saved WPI. He clearly redefined how scientists and engineers should be educated to meet the global challenges and favorably impact the lives of people around the globe. More than that, to me and to so many others, Bill genuinely cared about others as individuals. Bill was a friend, a mentor and advisor who always took a personal interest in you, your talents, your shortcomings and your aspirations. He knew when you needed a pat on the back or a boot somewhat lower and was capable of both. Bill significantly influenced the trajectory of my life both personally and professionally and I will forever be indebted to Bill. He was my dear friend. I will miss him but I will never forget him.”

–Philip B. Ryan ’65, chairman, WPI Board of Trustees

“William R. Grogan ’46 was the most influential person ever associated with WPI. He was a teacher, advisor, mentor, and educational visionary. He was the academic leader of WPI during one of the most significant periods in its history. His death signifies the passing of an era that has influenced not only individuals who have had a personal association with his life, but also future generations of students who benefit from the educational vision of this remarkable man.”

–Robert Fitzgerald ’53, Professor Emeritus, Civil and Environmental Engineering

“Bill’s influence on the WPI experience has impacted multiple generations of my family, being the third generation and also the third Charles Gammal to attend WPI.”

–Charles Gammal ’08

We invite members of the WPI community to share their memories and thoughts about Bill Grogan below.