Fairfield University's School of Engineering will present its second Lifetime Achievement Award to Richard J. Grossi on Thursday, Oct. 10 at the University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

"He has been recognized in the community for his drive and leadership qualities," said Evangelos Hadjimichael, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering, of the former chairman and chief executive officer of New Haven-based United Illuminating Co. and currently Chairman and President of the Science Park Development Corporation.

The award is given to an outstanding member of the technology and engineering community who has realized a lifetime of achievement in his or her field. The School presented its first Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 to Eugene Buckley, then-chief executive officer of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

"Dick Grossi has received many accolades and awards during his illustrious career and we are proud to add to that list by awarding him the Fairfield University School of Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award," said Anthony Vallillo, current president and chief operating officer of the United Illuminating Co. and a member of the Advisory Board of the School of Engineering.

"I'm deeply humbled by this recognition and I'm looking forward to the reception," Mr. Grossi said. "Though I haven't practiced engineering for a number of years, the basic discipline of engineering, which involves problem solving, has served me very well as I've progressed in my career."

Mr. Grossi has occupied positions of authority in a number of organizations, Dr. Hadjimichael said. He joined UI in 1957 as an engineering assistant and advanced steadily to positions of ever-increasing responsibility, including New Haven Harbor project manager, vice president of engineering and planning, vice president of corporate planning, executive vice president and chief operating officer. In 1991, Mr. Grossi became chairman and CEO of the utility company. Mr. Grossi is chairman of the New York Independent System Operator Board. He also serves on the board of directors of new Haven Savings Bank and The University of Connecticut Foundation Inc. and was a former chairman of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, the North American Electric Reliability Council and Connecticut Public Broadcasting.

Posted On: 10-06-2002 09:10 AM

Volume: 35 Number: 75