Penn State Intercom......October 19, 2000

Engineering graduates
named Alumni Fellows

Two graduates of the College of Engineering, Harold L. Ergott and Herbert C. Graves, have been named 2000 Alumni Fellows by the Penn State Alumni Association.

Ergott earned two degrees in electrical engineering at Penn State: a bachelor's degree in 1956 and a master's degree in 1959. He began his career at IBM, where he designed computer systems for the Gemini spacecraft and the Saturn V rocket. After 17 years with IBM, Ergott joined United Technologies Corp. (UTC) as general manager of the data system division. He was eventually named president of UTC's microelectronics research facility and chairman and CEO of Mostek Semiconductor.

Ergott left UTC in 1985 to found JHM Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions of troubled technology companies.

He was named a College of Engineering Outstanding Alumnus in 1983 and served on the college's Industrial and Professional Advisory Council for 11 years.

Graves received his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering in 1950. Following graduation, he embarked on a 25-year career with Textron Inc., eventually serving as president of four manufacturing companies: Gibson Puerto Rico, Gibson Electric, Polaris Industries, and Talon Co.

In 1975 he joined Allegheny International, where he held the positions of president of True Temper, corporate vice president and corporate group vice president. In 1988 Graves was named chairman, president and CEO of Freedom Forge Corp.

Graves was named a College of Engineering Outstanding Alumnus in 1991 and served on the executive board of the Penn State Alumni Council.

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