Engineering alumni receive facility dedication honors

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman, Nebraska Engineering’s Dean David Allen and NU Foundation President Clary Castner will honor two UNL College of Engineering alumni in dedication ceremonies for new facility areas on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. in Othmer Hall.

“The Kenneth Jones Welcome Center and the Robert W. Brightfelt Distinguished Alumni Wall of Honor represent the longtime commitment and energy of these two alumni on behalf of the College of Engineering,” said Allen. “In this 100th year for the college, we are happy to celebrate with our loyal alumni and honor these individuals’ outstanding dedication.”

Kenneth Jones ’68, of Half Moon Bay, Calif., is founder of Automated Call Processing Corp. (1983), Ditech Communications (1990) and Globe Wireless (1999). Jones received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the College of Engineering in 1968, is a member of the Engineering Dean's Advisory Board, and supports engineering scholarships and academic programs. He has served as president of the local school board for 12 years. Jones received the 2009 Nebraska Alumni Association Achievement Award.

Robert W. Brightfelt ’65 ’67, Lake Forest, Ill., retired as a group president of Dade Behring in 2002, after serving more than 36 years in the health care industry, including 29 years with DuPont Co. He was a founder and member of the board of directors of Dade Behring. He continues to work part-time as a consultant in the health care industry and as a member of the Chicago Architecture Foundation Auxiliary Board, chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board of the UNL College of Engineering, and a trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation. Brightfelt received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees with distinction in mechanical engineering from the university. He was awarded the 2009 Nebraska Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award.

The welcome center offers an Internet-equipped large screen display and furnishings that encourage guests to explore the College of Engineering. The wall of honor depicts award-winning alumni whose engineering careers and efforts on behalf of the college serve as models for students and alumni.