November 24, 1997

College of Engineering Opens New Student Design Center

The College of Engineering at North Carolina State University held a dedication and ribbon cutting November 12, 1997, in celebration of the opening of the William F. Troxler Design Center. Chancellor Larry K. Monteith, Dean Nino A. Masnari, faculty and students joined the Troxler family and friends to honor William F. Troxler, chairman and president of Troxler Electronic Laboratories Inc., for his support of the new design center in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Unique in the history of the college, the gift, totaling $157,000, represents the first time an individual has entirely funded the renovation of a laboratory or facility.

"As a student in engineering at NC State in the early 1950s, I worked on my design projects on my small kitchen table," said Troxler. "I am proud of my degree from NC State and have wanted to somehow continue my involvement with the university. Providing the funds for this design center seemed to be the best way to show my appreciation for the education I received from this great institution."

"This laboratory will provide space for students to work and learn for generations to come," said Monteith. "As a result of Bill Troxler's generosity, NC State will further encourage and develop the engineering leaders, inventors, teachers and researchers of the future."

Located in Daniels Hall, the design center will provide state-of-the-art laboratory space for electrical and computer engineering students and will offer nearly 24-hour availability of equipment to students working on design projects. The center also will serve as the classroom for design courses, providing hands-on experience for students.

Dr. Robert Kolbas, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, noted that the department has included several prototypes of Troxler's early instruments in a display case in the entrance of the center. "Those early instruments will serve as inspiration for future generations of engineers and as a reminder that engineers can make history, not just be a part of it," said Kolbas.

Troxler received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from NC State in 1952. In 1956, he started Troxler Electronic Laboratories Inc., and the company has grown to a large international business with two subsidiaries, Troxler International Ltd. and Troxler World Trade Corp. In 1985, he was selected as a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus in the College of Engineering.

Masnari said of Troxler, "he exemplifies what an engineer really is and should be. He takes fundamental principles and knowledge and applies those to solving problems. That is how he has been so successful, starting as a one-man operation and expanding to what is now an international operation. He truly is a shining example of what engineers can be."

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