Remembering Bill Grogan

Filed in Tribute by on October 14, 2014 67 Comments

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.

Comments (67)

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  1. David Dollenmayer says:

    When I was a new faculty member in 1988, Bill Grogan was dean of undergraduate studies. He was enormously supportive of strengthening the German program, adding Spanish, and integrating language study into WPI’s global programs. We advised several IQP projects in Germany together, and from him I learned an enormous amount about how to give students a truly meaningful project experience. His enthusiasm for the WPI Plan was profound and infectious. He forged lasting friendships wherever he went—and he went everywhere. Our bond was strengthened when I learned that my office in Alden Hall had been his room when he was an undergraduate. I shall miss him greatly.

  2. Paul Cleary says:

    Truly a great man who loved WPI and worked the difficult transition to the WPI Plan and the even harder work thereafter. And all the time, a genuinely nice man.

  3. Mumtaz says:

    May the lord have mercy to you William, you stay living in our minds and souls forever.

  4. Jack Jackson says:

    Huge believer and implementor of the 1970 Plan. He was very determined to see it through and made sure it continued. Many thanks to him, WPI is what it is because of him and will continue to gain the benefits of the plan for 50 more years to come.

  5. Art Heinricher says:

    In the final report from the NSF Advisory Panel charged with the first assessment of the WPI Plan, Harvard Professor David Riesman concluded his chapter with a few thoughts regarding the contributions of Dean William Grogan. I want to share two brief passages from that report:

    “Above all, there is Dean William Grogan who… maintains an extraordinary control of all the details of the Plan intellectually, and an emotional hold alike on old and new faculty at WPI. I hope he will not mind my making public the phrase I used for him at our first meeting, namely WPI’s Harry Truman. “

    Professor Riesman goes on to add:

    “I can only hope that Dean Grogan will be permitted more terms of office before the relaxed dynamism he brings to his task becomes, as all human energies must, eventually depleted.”

    Bill was permitted many “terms of office” and we have all, students and faculty, benefited from his life and work.

  6. Doug Smith says:

    My humanities sufficiency in 1986 was titled ‘The Evolution of the WPI Plan’. In my research I recorded hours of interviews with the Plan’s architects, primarily Dean Grogan and Dean Van Alstyne. As one of the many beneficiaries, I have great respect for what they did. Though ABET forced WPI to move from the original 2 grade system to a three grade system to maintain accreditation (around the time I did my research), the overall Plan will continue to withstand the test of time.

  7. Joseph Beaulac says:

    Professor Grogan was one of the best teachers I had at WPI. Later, in life, it was great to talk to Bill at various school function. He was a great teacher, a great Dean and a great man. He loved WPI and bled Crimson and Gray. We will all miss him. RIP Bill.

  8. Adam Wilbur PKT '06 says:

    What I will remember most is his quick wit, the joy he took in story-telling, and how he influenced those around him, from which I learned so much. You really can’t overstate the impact he had on so many of us who were blessed to have the opportunity to know and befriend him.

    It is sad to think that future generations of WPI students and Phi Kappa Theta brothers won’t have the opportunity to know him as we did.

  9. Pete Miraglia says:

    Bill was larger than life. He also made life larger for so many. We will miss his friendship and all of the great deeds he did for us as a mentor, advisor, teacher, and friend.

  10. Tom May, PKT '76 says:

    When I think of Bill Grogan, I think of a man that helped SO many people along his journey on this earth. He was a constant in my four years at WPI, constant as Dean, and constant as the guiding figure for The Kap. It would be years later when I began to realize his influence in The Plan, the IQP Washington D.C. satellite project, and PKT helped shape me, just by being part of it all. I’d think that this can be said by thousands of others he came in contact with.

    Here’s to you Bill, all I can say is thank you. Rest now, you’ve earned it!

  11. John Orr says:

    Bill Grogan, along with Ray Bolz and Harit Majmudar, hired me in 1977. Bill’s wisdom, mentorship, and friendship throughout these 38 years have been both invaluable and wonderfully enjoyable. We can all continue to learn from him and demonstrate that his legacy continues to thrive at WPI.

  12. Gregg Hart says:

    Bill took me under his wing in 1990 when I came to WPI. My father Les Hart, a 1963 alumni, was also taken under Bill’s wing. I got to know Bill very well over my time at WPI, with frequent dinners to Arturo’s and his home. His was a great man, educator and visionary. He was WPI.

    He will always be remembered. I hope WPI has a wonderful memorial created for him.

  13. Jim DeCarlo says:

    The “original” WPI Plan that Dean Grogan architected was a life-altering experience for most of us that went through it. It prepared us almost immediately to face the real life challenges in the post college workplace. We knew how to be self-directed, we knew how to write, we knew how to defend our ideas and our work product, and we knew how to manage ourselves and others as part of a team. I truly believe I would never have succeeded in a “traditional” engineering education environment. The Plan helped pave my way to success in myriad ways – I am blessed to have been at WPI at that time, to benefit from Dean Grogan’s vision. We need more like him, in all walks of life.

    Jim DeCarlo – ’80

  14. Bill was a teacher’s teacher and a true National Treasure. He inspire so many of us to reach for the top and become more than we knew possible. Rest assured that your legacy will live on.

  15. Eugene Murphy '68 says:

    I attended WPI from’64 – ’68 and graduated with a BSEE. Dean Grogan was Professor of Elevtrical Engineering and I had him for several courses and we knew each well. I, like some of my classmates ,were struggling a little bit carring up to 22 credits per semester. Bill emphasized with me and was such a kind man and a great teacher. After being dischaged as a draftee in the US Army during the Vietnam conflict from ’69 – ’71, I decided to go for a Masters Degree in Mgmt Science & Engineering at night. With work and all, it was a slow grind but I finally graduated in 1979. Bill Grogan was at the ceromonies and came up to me saying “Murph I never thought you would make it”. Fond memories of that moment with Bill. May he RIP and I know that he’s in Heaven. God Bless Him

  16. Bob Meader CE '68 says:

    Sometimes it is the simple things that one remembers. What I remember most about Dean Grogan was that he liked milk. As the student waiter for the faculty dining room during my years at WPI I recall that it was a given that when he came in for lunch I would need to get him a glass of milk. I guess he must have been quite a person if after nearly fifty years I can remember such a simple thing and smile.

  17. Bob Pickett says:

    Even as a Physics Major (WPI- 1963), and before the WPI Plan was even an idea whose time would come, not only was Professor Grogen an inspiration to me, but was a positive force known to almost all undergrads, whatever their Department.

  18. CHarlie Simonich says:

    God bless you Bill. Thank you for your many hours of help with Physics.

  19. Joe Roberts says:

    I was standing in line at the freshman orientation barbecue – a little fish in a very big pond – when I felt a clap on my shoulder and a deep voice ask “How’re you doing?” I turned to find Dean Grogan (though I didn’t know it then) who took the time to make a young, slightly terrified newcomer feel a lot better. I later discovered that he was one of the main architects of the Plan, and one of the most important people on campus, if not in WPI history.

    I saw Dean Grogan many times for the next four years, and he never failed to have a smile on his face and a friendly greeting. I will never forget his kindness, his smile, and his contributions to my life. He and vanA are together again, likely discussing ways to improve Paradise.

    Joe Roberts ’80

  20. Marty Elia says:

    Dean Grogan was a great gentleman who visited our chapter often when I was attending WPI in the early 70’s and I always looked forward to meeting and talking with him, either on or off campus. He has done so many memorable things in his fruitful life that I didn’t even know about.

    I last saw him at our 35th reunion a few years ago and he was walking with a limp because he slipped on some treacherous ice. I felt really bad for him and saw the pain that he was trying very hard to mask from his face.

    When we held the parade and I saw him and Dean Trask standing by the building I just had to walk out and greet the both of them with fond memories.

    I expected to see him again at this reunion but I will greatly miss him.

    May you rest in peace, mentor and old friend.

  21. Rick Vaz says:

    Bill was a magnificent fellow — brimming over with ideas, energy, kindness, and curiosity. His successful implementation of the WPI Plan required not just energy, detail, and persistence, but also changing the culture of an institution that had been around for 100 years. It’s hard to imagine a more impactful educator and mentor. I’m so grateful to have enjoyed Bill’s friendship and guidance over the years. He lived a life that was both great and good, and we are all the better for it.

  22. Frank (Skip) Pakulski says:

    What a rewarding and wonderful experience it was to know Bill, to attend his classes and to share some special moments throughout his life. In thinking back, Bill has influenced my life (and so many others)
    in many ways. He is truly a model to follow and a challenge to live up to.
    Thank you Bill.
    Skip

  23. William Schoenemann says:

    Bill Grogan was one of my first instructors in EE at WPI. He was an excellent teacher with a good sense of humor. He was first and foremost a human being with sensitivity and imagination.

    Bill Schoenemann ’54

  24. Frank Verprauskus ME '61 says:

    In 1958, as I sat in my first day of class in a course subtitled Electrical Engineering for Mechanical Engineers, an energetic young man strode to the lecture and introduced himself as Professor William Grogan. He then said, ” You are all future Mechanical Engineers, so you’re probably wondering why you are here. Well, you are here because about ninety percent of all electrical problems are really mechanical.”

    There was a sound of rustling in the room as everyone sat up straighter and leaned forward.

    I took Professor Grogan’s comment with me as I followed a career path which included manufacturing planning, business consulting, nuclear power plant control room design and solar heating panel manufacturing. I applied that Grogan “Out of the Box” nugget to a great many things beyond the occasional electrical,design or construction or repair issue I encountered.

    I am pleased to relate that In 2011, at my fiftieth reunion, I shook hands with Dean Grogan and thanked him for that comment.

    Frank Verprauskus

    ME ’61

  25. Frank Polito '81 BSEE says:

    I did not have the pleasure of being in a class taught by Dean Grogan but I did have a number of interactions with him in my 4 years at WPI. I sought Dean Grogan’s advice many times and one time I needed his assistance with a difficult issue. I recall that Dean Grogan was incredibly busy but he was always willing to take time to meet with students. In fact, what I remember most about him is that students were his number one priority. Dean Grogan’s dedication to WPI, and especially the students, is something that I will never forget. I hope that his legacy of service will continue to inspire all that earn the tile “Dean” at WPI. Thank you Dean Grogan!

  26. Chuck Frary, BSEE '65 says:

    Professor Grogan taught electronics while I was an EE student at WPI, and was among my one or two most favorite instructors of all four years. He had a wonderful sense of humor, great ability to make clear the concepts being taught, and excelled in practical application of what we were learning in the laboratory exercises we engaged in. One lasting memory I have of Bill Grogan was during the spring semester, 1965, when he would gather a group of his students on the grass at lunchtime outside of Atwater Kent and try out his ideas for the nascent “WPI Plan” that was forming in his mind. Who knew back then what those ideas shared over sandwiches would eventually lead to for WPI and all students ever since. A truly remarkable, creative and affable person. I am proud to have been his student and eternally grateful for the impact he made on my problem-solving skills throughout my career. God bless you, Bill.

  27. Richard Brewster '60 says:

    Prof. Grogan was certainly one of my favorite instructors. He made me love Electrical Engineering! He will be missed.

  28. As a member of the entering class of 1974, we were the first 100% WPI Plan class. I was always amazed at how closely we were looked after and how the various Deans (Grogan, vanAlstyne, Trask, etc…) seem to know us better than we knew them! An incredible time at an incredible school.
    Although I was a KAP, my relationship with Dean Grogan was casual at best probably due to my pledging as a Junior and a crazy away from school work schedule. Despite that fact, I was surprise when he remembered me and my name at our 30th reunion! Amazing passion and focus that continued 20+ years beyond what many people consider retirement age. It is not a coincidence that 40+ years later most of us feel as passionate about WPI as when we entered in the fall of 1974. Thank you Dean Grogan!

    Steve Tourigny BSME ’74
    Folsom, CA

  29. Robert A. Beaudet says:

    I was in the Theta Kappa Phi fraternity when I was at WPI. The fraternity name got changed to Phi Kappa Theta later on. Bill was one of our faculty members and advisers. So we usually saw him frequently in the evening. He was not married then. Also we went on beer call down the street after finishing homework. I don’t remember the name of the place, but it was just up the street.

    So he had a big influence on us at the fraternity. I don’t know what happened to the other members of the fraternity like Dick Barlow, Daniel Murphy, etc. They should contribute here also.

  30. Hashim Ismail' 12 says:

    Passion, Greater Good and an Exceptional Servant Leader are the few words that jumped to my mind as I heard this sad news… In my few interactions with Bill in our PKT brotherhood, he was always passionate about guiding us and the chapter to ultimate success. He was a role model to many.

    You will be missed Bill, and may God bless your soul.

  31. Brian O'Connell, PKT '62 says:

    Bill Grogan was a giant in engineering education, who was dedicated to his profession and development of engineering and related fields. He lived a rich life and was an inspiration to many students, his academic colleagues and alumni all the world over. With his guiding influence and hands-on leadership. WPI centers sprung up all over the globe. Surely, he will establish one in heaven.

    The most useful course I took at WPI was Engineering Economics, taught by Prof. Grogan in which non-EE’s were welcome to participate. With its project-centered approach it was a pre-cursor to the WPI PLan.

    Bill was the chapter advisor for Phi Kappa Theta where I got to know him over 50 years ago. He had his hands full with that over the years, but kept at it and showed successful leadership. I stayed in touch with him over the course of my Navy career. He had a Navy background and always was interested in what I was up to. Others told me they also found Bill to be a valued mentor. It was appropriate to have the the Grogan wing in the Campus Center named in his honor. I hope that WPI will consider an even more tangible recognition of his contribution to the Institute he so loved.

    My wife, Kaye, and I cherish the week vacation in a lighthouse keeper’s cottage in Maine with my parents and Bill and Mae Grogan. We indulged in beer and lobsters and much story-telling.

    We wish Bill fair winds and following seas.

  32. David Luber '65 says:

    I had the good fortune to have Professor Grogan as my instructor for what may have been my first course in electrical engineering. Even in that first course, he tried to relate basic EE principles to practical applications, like challenging us to determine what would be the signature of a submarine entering a harbor with a coil surrounding the harbor entrance. He taught us the principles, but he also taught us how to think as engineers. How to solve real problems.

    My admiration for him grew by bounds as I watched from the sidelines as the WPI Plan came into fruition. It was the curriculum we wished we had had and it is what has made the school the first class institution it is today. It was his inspiration and leadership that brought it to fruition and it remains his lasting memorial. The WPI community has lost a great friend.

  33. George Mitschang PKT '65 says:

    I remember Bill as a steady and welcome part of our Aquinas Association during my years as Treasurer and then President of PKT. I remember the many bull session drinking beer and eating dinners with Bill one of the boys balanced with one of the guides.

    Bill helped me with an additional deferment from active duty in the Navy when I was accepted to Cornell after WPI. He wrote a letter and made some calls that enabled me to graduate from Cornell before entering Navy OCS.

    I will remember his wit and charm and humor always a gentleman and always a brother..

  34. Perry Esposito, PKT '80 says:

    Dean Grogan (he was ALWAYS Dean Grogan to me) was a real inspiration to those of us at the KAP, during the highlights of those years, and especially during troubled times. He was genuinely concerned about, well, everything. I was also amazed at his memory, he knew my name every time I spoke with him back in school. He had great stories, great experiences and a great heart. When I think about it, he literally was the greatest man I have ever known. Heres to the Lump!! You will always be remembered, long after the Plan has been forgotten!

  35. Wayne Ponik '65 says:

    As a member of the class of ’65, I knew Bill Grogan, the extraordinary professor. Engineering involves the practical implementation of science and Bill understood that better than any other professor in the EE department. More importantly, Professor Grogan possessed the enviable skill of taking a complex subject and explaining it to us in straightforward, relevant terms. He always connected with the students, and we all learned more because of that connection.
    Everyone who knew Bill also appreciated his ability to socialize with students without compromising the critical relationship between teacher and student. As a member of the IHEE I got to see Bill “let his hair down*” during our meetings, while never compromising his professorial position in the classroom.
    When Bill’s vision of the WPI Plan was formally launched in 1970, we alums knew that he had imprinted his personal and unique talents into the future culture of WPI; and that was going to be a big win for the university. History has proven it to be so.
    As we meet for our 50th reunion on campus, we will miss the opportunity to see you once again, however your spirit is infused in every aspect of WPI and we thank you for your wonderful gift.

    *I should note that even back in the ‘60’s, Bill didn’t have much hair to let down!

  36. Tom Zagryn BSEE 64' says:

    Was deeply saddened having heard of the passing of Professor William Grogan. Bill was my faculty advisor in 1961 when as a sophomore I missed classes for two weeks with pneumonia. When returning to classes several professors told me that I had missed two much material and needed to drop out of school and repeat my sophomore year. I met with Professor Grogan to get help in order to stay in school. Professor Grogan interceded for me with several professors negotiating that if I passed make-up exams I could retain my full sophomore standing and not be required to drop out. The plan was successful and I graduated with my class in 1964 earning my BSEE degree from Bill’s Department. Professor Grogan’s help was never forgotten. It was fondly recalled when I celebrated my 50th reunion with my classmates in 2014, also recalling that you spoke at that celebration. When recommending WPI to young people it is with examples of such faculty student care that makes it so great.

  37. Dick Panton BSCHe '72, PKT says:

    I read of the younger graduates and their references to Dean Grogan’s Stories. Imagine being there to observe! That was my fortune as The Plan was put into practice for the first time. It was my fortune, as a PKT member under Bill’s Alumni leadership to watch the fraternity grow in depth and breadth and to discover that fraternity meant more than partying on the weekends! It was a semi-retired Dean Grogan, at 70, who met with my son to explain the virtues – and the requirements – of a WPI education.

    I was personally never “close” to Bill Grogan, but I was ALWAYS aware of his presence.

    May Heaven make use of you for the necessary improvements, so it will be a better place when we join you.

  38. Jonathan P. Day '97 says:

    Dean Grogan was one of my MQP advisors and a terrific mentor. He will be missed.

  39. Mark Allyn says:

    Thank you for all you have done for WPI!

    Mark Allyn
    Class 1976

  40. Knew Dean Grogan at an academic and personal level. He and Prof. Dollenmayer were the academic advisors for a bootstrap project in the Italian Alps (Summer 1994). He was always in good spirits, always solution-oriented, and we thoroughly enjoyed just sitting, and listening to the man: how he joined the war efforts, his time at WPI, about his life-long companion (who had passed on a few years back), and about his ideas on the WPI Plan. My fellow students and I were always amazed at the level of enthusiasm and drive of this man.
    On the lighter side we did have some pretty good laughs… Dean Grogan would laugh so hard he would get red in the face, and start coughing… I remember it like it was yesterday.
    Last time I met Dean Grogan was in the Quad during Reunion weekend 2006. His memory was as sharp as ever, and his humor untouched.
    His teachings, and views had a lasting effect of the way I look at life and the world. I have now travelled, and lived internationally for so many years thanks to WPI, but most especially to Bill.
    Dale señor el descanso eterno.
    Tony

    • David Dollenmayer says:

      Hi Tony,

      Those were great days in Innichen with Bill Grogan and you guys! One of my favorite times at WPI.
      And now you’re in Uganda!

      David Dollenmayer

  41. Kirk Freund Chartier says:

    Dean Grogan was one of the first people I met at WPI and my absolute favorite over the years. I served on the Committee on Academic Policy in 1982 and 1983 with him and Dean VanA – I learned as much meeting with those two as I did in my regular classes. His passion for the students and learning was unbounded. As a former Naval officer, he served as a mentor and adviser for me resulting in my enrollment in the 3/2 program with Holy Cross. He was always willing to share his time. A really good man. Thanks Bill.

  42. Bob adja says:

    Will always remember the welcoming smiles and hellos on campus from Dean Grogan. His legacy lives on in all of us who selected WPI for the plan.

  43. WALTER BANK says:

    Bill was a wonderful friend and we some important things in common- We were both Theta Kappa Phi (now Phi

    Kappa Theta) brothers, Navy V-12 seamen at WPI, EE Department Undergrad and Grad students and pupils of

    Professor Newell. I looked forward to my discussions with Bill to ask questions like, “Kow do you easily switch from

    being a grad student to a Grad assistant that fast? Bill’s answer was,”I stayed one page ahead of my students in

    the daily assignments!”. He always was a page ahead of everybody.

    Bill, I miss you already.

  44. Robert C Pettit BSEE '71 says:

    I had the good fortune to be in Prof Grogan’s class in digital electronics, working toward my BSEE. He was down to earth with a common sense approach to teaching. As a veteran student, married with child and working, it was a tough 4 years for me at WPI and I knew him to empathize with my situation. At the course final exam I was late, very late, most others had finished and gone. However, he gave me the next two hours of his personal time for me to complete the final. My you rest in peace Prof Grogan.

  45. Bill Elliott '66 says:

    Bill as my freshman advisor . . . big impact that I did not / could not understand at the time. Time proved Bill too be correct . . . I learned my lessons. Have thoughts of his tough love words many time since . . .

    Thank you Bill . . . thinking abut you . . .

    WFElliott ’60

  46. Frank S Holby says:

    Bill and I arrived at WPI at the same time, in 1942 to be members of the class of 1946. We both joined the Navy, but he must have joined the V12 and remained at Tech for four years. But I chose a different course, taking the Eddy Test to qualify for a wonderful course in electronics by the Navy. I returned to WPI in 1946 and graduated 1948. So I am one of the few Classmates of Bill Grogan still living.

  47. John Mangiagli PKT '76 says:

    Dean Grogan,

    A friend, an advisor, a mentor, a leader, a visionary…..

    Thank you Dean Grogan, Thank You Very Much……

    Until we meet again….

  48. Frank Cohee '59 TKP says:

    Bill was one of a kind—an everyman in the truest sense of the word. In addition to all the professional innovative and implementation credits others have shared, Bill coached and informally advised so many students informally about constructive relationships at the Boynton after study hours. His Theta Kappa Phi brothers who took Bill’s 8am Electrical Engineering (E-13) class marveled at his responsibility modeling. He was an educational leader, friend, teacher and fun loving role model to try and emulate. God bless, Bill.

  49. Bill Julian '49 says:

    Bill was TKP Chapter Advisor when we first met in 1945. Our friendship grew over the decades, especially in the Seventies when I was a frequent campus visitor as Alumni Association President. He was a tireless worker in all that he did and a model for me and countless others.

  50. Geof Tamulonis '68 says:

    Prof. Grogan was a great educator in my mind. I have ofter spoke about him as one of 3 or 4 most influential teachers in my life. My first EE course was with him and he made it simple with active listening and clear communication. I carried the concepts of Engineering Economy as taught by with him throughout my career. He emphasized simplicity and practicality…..basically KISS. Good rules by which to start and run a business…..as well as by which to live. Thx for the inspiration and to for WPI to recognizing his outstanding abilities.

  51. During my freshman year at WPI, the brothers at Theta Kappa Phi felt I needed to get my college behavior under control. As chapter advisor, Bill was assigned to be my mentor. This became one of the most important and influential relationships in my life. Over the years, Bill was not only a mentor but a dear friend and family member. During our many years as friends I had the privilege of knowing his mother, sister and brother. He was my best man at my wedding and at that wonderful event, met my wife’s cousin, Mae. Bills marriage to Mae was truly beautiful. Over the years I had the opportunity to travel with Bill and Mae as well as attend many social events with them.
    Bill was a scholar, dear friend, a man of his convictions, and someone who had the foresight to direct WPI in a direction that now makes the college one of the best in the country. Having known Bill as a fun loving and brilliant man, it was difficult to visit with him near the end of his life.
    As I think about Bill and the fun times we had, there isn’t one event that doesn’t bring a smile to my face. In summary, Bill is a blessing.

    Pete Ottowitz ’58

  52. Robert Wolff BSEE '58 says:

    Professor Grogan (as I knew him),

    Bill was a monumental part of my life. In 1955 I was enjoying sophomore year far too much when he pulled me aside just in time to prevent what was called a “term failure”. A Term Failure would have resulted in an extra year for which I had insufficient funds.

    His teaching ability and ability to motivate people made things much easier for his students. Bill was always able to see the BIG PICTURE and place it into perspective for all with whom he came in contact.

    He felt strongly that I should join the Navy via the Newport OCS program. In retrospect I think he thought the maturing experience would be good for me. His advice resulted in a gigantic step change in my life. My commission in the navy resulted in a cascading series of very positive events. These events had a major impact on many future events in my life. In addition to my civilian retirement pay, I have enjoyed the retired pay of a Navy LCDR, again directly attributable to Professor Grogan.

    With the exception of my parents, Bill was unquestionably the largest single influence in my life.

    I had the opportunity to briefly express these feelings to him back in the 80’s. It is with great sorrow that I did not communicate these feelings to him more recently.

    Rest In Peace Bill, you will be missed.

    Robert Wolff BSEE ’58

  53. Jim Daily,BSEE' 63 says:

    I started my freshman year declaring to myself I wanted to be a research engineer until I took Prof.Grogan’s Engineering Economics class. After that experience I selected all my electives along the business parts of Engineering and went on to get my Masters in Indusrial Engineering.He incented me to a rewarding career ,working all over the globe and to this day am thankful.RIP
    Jim

  54. Les Hart says:

    Bill Grogan treated me as my father away from home. Upon graduation,I was introduced to his brother Ed by Bill and thereafter for 2 years lived with him in their ancestral home in Lee, MA. Ed became a dear friend thanks to Bill. I was part of many Grogan family picnics which included sister Betty and family. Bill was so good to me in a very personal way. I once struck up a conversation with a man fishing at a lake in Lee. I asked him if he knew Bill Grogan and he responded,” I went to school with him since first grade. Yes, I knew The Professor.”

  55. Steve Weininger says:

    I am one of the very few faculty members involved in the creation of the Plan who, to use one of Bill’s favorite expressions, “is still [barely] on active duty.” (One of the many holdovers from Bill’s Naval service was his fondness for Navy expressions.) When the President’s Planning Group got the faculty to approve the Plan (by one vote) we were pretty overjoyed but under no illusion that implementing it would be a snap. But even in our more sober moments I don’t think we anticipated how difficult it would be – logistically, financially, politically.

    Bill would have been the last person to claim all the credit for its implementation. Romeo Moruzzi, who was elected to the Planning Committee with Bill, was one example of a stalwart in that effort. But if the phrase “the right place at the right time” has any meaning it surely applied to Bill’s having become a member of the Planning Committee. He played a major role in shaping the WPI that we know while retaining the respect and affection of the great majority of those who knew him

  56. Chris Jeznach PKT '10 says:

    I will never forget Bill’s passion. He was genuinely passionate about everything he touched. Every Sunday he would attend chapter meeting and his passion in the fraternity lit up like a campfire on a summer night. Bill could easily use that passion to smoothly articulate complicated ideas. He has taught me what it means to be passionate and to hold on true to your values.

  57. Wally Towner FIJI '83 says:

    Bill was enormously supportive of WPI Greek life.

    His legacy is evident throughout our entire Greek community.

  58. Rico Argentati BSME 1970 says:

    Thanks Bill, my friend, advisor and inspiration while I was a student and after. An extremely insightful and clear thinker whether it be a technical problem or life challenge.

  59. Bruce Skarin '02 says:

    I am forever in debt to Bill Grogan for his kindness, generosity, and guidance. After returning to WPI from an extended internship, Bill opened his home to me, where I stayed for a year, sharing many a meal and great conversations. He was a man that truly lived up to every ideal and value worth having.

    His legacy cannot be overstated, as WPI would not be the place it is today without him. May we all hold his memory in the light forevermore.

    -Bruce Skarin ’02

  60. Josiah "Josh" Reed '84 says:

    Dean Grogan was my IQP advisor in DC, a mentor and a friend. I have caught up with him at each of our class reunions except for the one last spring. I had hoped to see him this past weekend at my daughter, Kirsten’s, graduation: it was not to be. I was saddened to hear of his passing; yet his legacy lives in all he had touched and in the futures of all who will attend WPI for generations to come.

  61. Joe Carter BSEE '71 says:

    My memories of Dean Grogan are some of the most deeply etched and enduring of my time at WPI.
    A true humanist combining his awesome intellectual prowess with a sincere interest in people.
    He has truly been a role model in my career – one of those who, when times get tough, I ask – what would Bill Grogan expect/do?
    He a also gave me my IHEE nickname – I still have the signed card!

  62. Dick Barlow class of '57, PKT says:

    Bill was as strong, stable and deeply rooted as an oak, and at the same time a powerful agent of change in the institutions and individual lives he touched. He inspired us to envision higher goals and helped us see paths to reach them. He was creative imaginative and tireless in overcoming obstacles in his path, and inspired us to do the same in our lives. It’s wonderful that so many of us can say “I knew Bill, and I liked him, and he liked me, and I’ll never forget him.”

  63. Frank Cohee '59 TKP says:

    that is such a wonderful summary comment, Dick

  64. Jim Alfieri "59" says:

    Dean Bill represents everything that WPI stands for…Tremendous vision and foresight in forging the WPI. Plan…Have to say that Bill’s biggest challenge may have been getting us CE’s to absorbs the basics of EE in taking the obligatory EE851 Course our Junior Year .Again he succeeded…Thanks Bill..Loved the always twinkle in your eyes…A great role model….

  65. Robert A Kennedy III says:

    Robert A. Kennedy III EE ’67

    I had Professor Grogan for an EE course that meet on Saturday mornings @ 8:00 am Spring my Sophomore year (1965). I’d have a headache and Professor Grogan red eyes, but it was always a good and complete lecture. I only went to class to see if he’d be there and to learn from him. He always was and gave an excellent lecture.
    Fellow IHEE Member and he laughed easily.

  66. Jim Demetry '58 ATO says:

    Bill recruited me back to WPI to join the EE faculty in 1971. We’d kept in touch over the years, so I had a good idea of the mischief he and the planning committee were up to. The invitation was an offer i could not refuse. I’d known Bill since E-13, where, along with all the good EE stuff, I learned that Bill was an extraordinary teacher and a friendly, approachable person.. I learned, too, that he was remarkably gifted as a leader, The Plan implementaion process had its share of choppy waters – Bill kept things on an even keel with the strength of deep conviction, openness and respect for all points of view. He earned the trust, respect, and loyalty of all who participated in the academic midwifing of the Plan’s delivery..

    For his friendship, mentoring skills, leadership, and contributions to WPI and to the many hundreds of its students and faculty whose lives he touched, Bill has a secure place in their memories.

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