|
REST OF STORY
“Walt was a grand visionary, seemingly tireless and the champion behind many projects and initiatives throughout his life…” said Dean Burggren during the unveiling ceremony, which was attended by more than forty of Hesse’s friends and family members. “I only hope that those who view this display of his life over the next several months will get a sense of his greatness,” Burggren continued.
Hesse had been selected as the sixth honoree in the Profiles of Leadership series prior to his death and had been involved in the selection of artifacts for the display.
The Profiles of Leadership tradition was established in 2004 to recognize and celebrate individuals who have had a great impact on the students, faculty, and programs within the College of Arts and Sciences. Displays about the honorees’ lives and contributions have been housed in a case in the GAB lobby.
Although UNT was not his alma mater, Hesse was happy to serve as a center of influence for UNT, the college, and the Military History Center in the Department of History. He came to UNT in 2004 to serve on the Military History Center’s Barsanti Chair selection committee. Later, in 2007, he was invited to serve on the CAS Advisory and Development Board.
During World War II Hesse served as an assistant engineer and electrical officer on board a submarine, the U.S.S. Blenny. This experience laid the foundation for a lifelong relationship with the U.S. military. For a number of years, Hesse held the position of Chief Engineer and Chief Academic Instructor at the Test Pilot School at the U.S. Naval Air Test Center. While there, he also conducted extensive research work, including his Ph.D. dissertation, on new methods of flight testing the then-new jet aircraft being introduced into the U.S. Navy. Four of the original seven NASA astronauts were among his students at the Test Pilot School.
During the course of his career, Hesse published more than 100 technical papers and was the author of two college textbooks in the field of jet propulsion. He served as an instructor at Purdue University, a visiting professor at the University of Maryland, and a graduate lecturer at SMU in the field of engineering.
Throughout his career of more than 60 years, Hesse was involved in high technology research and development. During most of that time he served in management positions of large projects or divisions:
- Entech, Inc., Emeritus Chief Executive Officer, 2009; Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board, 1983-2008
- E-Systems, Vice President and General Manager of the Energy Technology Center, 1977-83
- Rohr Industries, Vice President of the Advanced Transportation Systems, 1973-77
- Chance Vought Aircraft Corp. (later named LTV), Vice President and an officer of the company, 1956-73
Hesse was a twelve-year board member and served as Chairman and President of the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA). At various points, he served on the Advisory Boards of the Electrical Engineering Department of the University of Texas at Arlington and the U.S. Solar Energy Research Institute. He was a member of the Scientific Panel to the Congressional House Committee on Science and Astronautics, a member of the Advisory Board for Joint Task Force Two of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a member of the Texas Commission on Atomic Energy, and was Chairman of the Board of the Aerospace Education Foundation of the Air Force Association.
The display will continue in the lobby outside the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office in the General Auditorium Building until early spring 2010.
|
