Richard Albert Dudek

Dick was born on September 3, 1926, in Clarkson, Nebraska to Jennie and Emil E. Dudek. He served in the U.S. Naval Service as a Fireman First Class from 1944 to 1946. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Nebraska in 1950 and went on to get his MS and PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Iowa in 1956. While getting his advanced degrees, Dick worked for Fairmont Foods where he eventually headed the industrial engineering program over 20 plants. He soon realized that his calling was in education and hired on as a professor in the Industrial Engineering department at the University of Pittsburgh in 1956. In 1958, he took the job of Chairman of the Industrial Engineering Department at Texas Tech University. During his tenure the department grew, added the Masters and PhD programs, and became known for its research capabilities. The IE department was awarded the first research grant at Texas Tech of over 1 million dollars in 1968. In 1970, Dick was recognized as one of the university’s top faculty when he was appointed as a Horn Professor by the Texas Tech Board of Regents. Eligibility for the award is based on attainment of national distinction for outstanding teaching, research, or other creative achievement. He was the first engineering professor to be presented this award. In 1972 he was chosen to be included in the edition of ‘Outstanding Educators of America,’ and in that same year he was named a Fellow in the American Institute of Industrial Engineers (AIIE). In 1978 he was honored by the student body with the Outstanding Faculty Award. In1980 he was the recipient of the first Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS). In 1986 he was named Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. In that same year he stepped down as Chair of the department and became a full time professor. In 1988, he retired but continued to teach on a part-time basis for a number of years before retiring full time.

Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen; survivors include sons Richard (Rick) and Rustin (Rus); daughter-in-laws Jane and Laurie; grandchildren Jean and Max with numerous nieces and nephews as well.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ service will be held on August 7, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Richard A. and Helen M. Endowment fund at Texas Tech in honor of Richard’s many contributions to so many lives.