I graduated from Va Tech as M.E. major in '65. An opportunity in the Cooperative Engrg. Program at Tech came about my freshman year with Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, MI. This is how I became a transplant to the Motor City at age 18. My dad always drove Chryslers or Plymouths and loaned me his Valiant during my Michigan work assignments; thus I was inclined to take my first permanent job with Chrysler Corp. in Highland Park, MI. I enrolled in Chrysler Institute of Engrg. and graduated with a Masters Degree in Automotive Engrg. in '67.
My wife Barbara is an RN and is now retired from her position as Director of Nursing at the family-owned nursing home in Detroit. We have been married for 43 years and have two wonderful daughters, both U of M grads--one a mile away in Grosse Pointe, other 2500 miles away in Portland OR. We have 5 grandchildren--4 boys and a girl, ages 4 thru 13.
I retired from Chrysler in 2001 after 36 years in Vehicle Engrg Operations. Last dozen years were as Manager of Instrument Panels (aka "dashboards") and Air Cond. Dept. Projects included 1st and 2nd generation Neon sedans, the Sebring convertible, and the iconic Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Cruiser was especially interesting, given its unique styling and packaging, its international flavor, being sourced and assembled in Toluca, Mexico. (I should have taken Spanish, not Latin at W-L!!) Fortunately, my counterparts were bi-lingual.
Retirement activities include travel to OR, VT, VA, TX to see family and friends, and breaks from MI winters in Bonita Springs, FL.