The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Gary D. Bishop Inducted 2024 - Class of 1969
Gary received a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo and a Master’s of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Iowa. He worked 32 years at Rockwell-Collins (now Collins Aerospace division of Raytheon Technologies) in Cedar Rapids, IA. He holds 7 patents and was twice named Engineer of the Year at Rockwell-Collins.
As a Senior Principal Engineer, his specialty was display and optical systems, including human-machine interface concerns. He was also the main problem solver for high-level system-wide issues for major customers, such as Boeing and NASA. Gary recalls, “If it was ill-defined, intractable or nebulous, it was thrown at me!” Gary is the Principal for Solid Oak Consulting, LLC, which creates and delivers custom electronics training for technicians. Gary is a Senior Life member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and its societies.
Serving as mentor, Gary volunteered for 10 years with Future Cities in Cedar Rapids. This is national competition for junior high students to encounter STEM related experiences, perform hands-on
building a model of their concept of a “future city.” Along with STEM teacher, Ms. Shannon Haas, his teams went to the National Final Competition in Washing-ton D.C. 3 times!
Gary received the K-12 STEM Educator-Engineer Partnership Award in 2015. He is most proud this award because it also recognized his teaching partner, Ms. Haas for her contributions. The award was presented by the President of IEEE which, at that time, was the largest technical and professional organization in the world.
Where did you attend grade school and/or junior high school? Grade school: Old Chase School, now long gone. Grade school/middle school: Riverside School
Where did you grow up? North End, between Old North End (which was south of I-280) and Point Place. Pretty much a middle-class worker’s neighborhood. Older houses. Lots of opportunities to get into mischief. Near the pool at Riverside Park and the Maumee River.
Who were your best friends at Woodward? Carl Murawski, Jim Kwiatkowski, Randy Roth
Describe an amusing event (s) that happened to you at Woodward? I remember some Student Council event where we were lined up in the courtyard and had water balloons thrown at us. I man-aged to dodge all except the last one, which caught me right in the crotch. I had to go around the next few periods looking like I peed myself.
What teachers had a profound effect on your life? Dan Metzger, he provided guidance and great ideas for my future. He also harped and nagged on me to get busy and do better; it was quite motivational. Virgil Sloan made quite an impression in my few dealings with him.
Please share some of your favorite memories of Woodward. When Woodward beat Sandusky in football in 1967. Great bus ride over and back. Also, graduation. I was the first in my family to graduate from high school. My family was so proud.
Are you married? I have two sons: Bryan who is in Iowa, and Stephen in Illinois. In Iowa, I have three grandchildren. It’s a great honor to watch my son and daughter-in-law raise and guide them. It’s like the old saying: If I knew grandkids were going to be such fun, I would have had them first.
What do you do for fun? I’m an amateur radio operator, have been for 59 years now. I ride my bicycle to/from the store. I enjoy simply flopping on the beach for a few hours to unwind and decompress. I like to fix stuff. I have a character flaw that, even if something is worn our or should be tossed, I try to fix it anyway. Redeployment and conservation of resources and all. I’m pretty good fixing food on the grill or griddle.
How did you feel when you were informed of this honor? I was elated, naturally. I have been bestowed a great honor.
While at Woodward, did you have any nicknames? Nope.