Kenneth Neusen, professor emerit of mechanical engineering in 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s College of Engineering & Applied Science, passed away Dec. 9 at age 87.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neusen, a Milwaukee native, had worked as a nuclear engineer for Allis-Chalmers before joining the university\u2019s small Energetics Department (since renamed Mechanical Engineering Department) in the 1960s. During his 35 years of service to 51ÁÔÆæ, he researched waterjet cutting and alternative fuels; served as acting dean for the College of Engineering & Applied Science (1999-2000); and carried out administrative responsibilities for the 51ÁÔÆæ Graduate School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is remembered by colleagues in the college and across campus for his good nature and commitment to fostering a positive environment for 51ÁÔÆæ students and faculty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKen was always thoughtful and gentle and very good at everything he did,\u201d said Ed Beimborn, professor emerit, civil & environmental engineering. \u201cI remember him as unselfish and always interested in others. He was an excellent dean and a person willing to do whatever it took to help make 51ÁÔÆæ the place it is today. Will miss him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert Balmer, professor emerit, mechanical engineering, recalls Neusen as a caring and outstanding engineering educator. \u201cI\u2019ll always remember him as a dedicated 51ÁÔÆæ administrator who was neutral to university politics while enhancing the 51ÁÔÆæ experience for both students and faculty,\u201d Balmer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
K. Vairavan, professor emerit, chaired the college\u2019s Computer Science Department when Neusen was an active faculty member. “It was a privilege to work with Ken,\u201d Vairavan said. \u201cHis leadership contributions at 51ÁÔÆæ had many dimensions and were very significant.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neusen\u2019s research centered on alternative fuels and included using natural gas to power cars and trucks. In fact, while Neusen worked at 51ÁÔÆæ, some campus vehicles were converted to run on either natural gas or oil-based gas; UMW maintained one of Milwaukee\u2019s first natural-gas stations (located on the old North Lot by Sabin Hall).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his years at 51ÁÔÆæ, Neusen worked with, and befriended, many colleagues across campus, including Erika Sander, associate professor emerit, kinesiology, who recalls his mild-mannered, affable demeanor. “We spent many hours together either playing fair-weather golf in the 51ÁÔÆæ Golf League,\u201d she said. \u201cHe regularly played volleyball at 51ÁÔÆæ with the Noon Hour Group of Engelmann Hall and later played with in a group of senior volleyballers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He will be missed by many at the university. <\/p>\n\n\n\n