H. William Lichtenberger, BS - 1959
From a firm educational foundation he received from The University of Iowa in the 1950s to a successful executive career with Union Carbide Corporation and Praxair, Inc., H. William Lichtenberger has demonstrated exceptional engineering talent and leadershiip. He has led Praxair, the second largest producer of industrial gases in the U.S., as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1992. Today, the company is a global, $2.6 billion company, headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut.
Joining Union Carbide Corporation in 1959 as a research engineer, he was awarded several patents, including one on a process for storage of cryogenic fluids. Mr. Lichtenberger worked his way through the ranks at Union Carbide to President and Chief Operating Officer. He has also held many internaional posts and served on the Board of Directors for Ingersoll Rand Co., Union Carbide, and Olin Corporations. At Union Carbide, Mr. Lichtenberger also sits on the Executive Committee.
Mr. Lichtenberger is ranked by Forbes magazine as one of Corporate America's 800 most powerful executives. He is a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute, Chemical Manufacturers Association, and the Society of Chemical Industry.
Mr. Lichtenberger has maintained a high level of involvement with The University of Iowa ever since his graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in 1957 and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering in 1959. He is a lifetime member of the Engineering Dean's Club and University's Alumni Associaton Directors Club, a member of the President's Club and The College of Engineering Campaign Committee. He also served on the College's Advisory Board. In 1996, he created an endowed scholarship through the University of Iowa Foundation that annually provides two awards -- one to a chemical engineering student, and one to an engineering student of any discipline who show potential for excellence. He is currently Chairman of the United Negro College Fund Connecticut Corporate Campaign, and serves on the Western Connecticut State University Advisory Board.