Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering Technology, Purdue University School of Engineering and Technology at IU Indianapolis
September 10, 1920 – May 23, 2004
Passed by the IU Indianapolis Faculty Council at their meeting on May 3, 2005.
William L. Seibert, 83, died on May 23, 2004 in Noblesville, Indiana, where he had been residing since his retirement on July 1, 1988. Professor Seibert was Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering Technology in the Purdue University School of Engineering and Technology at IU Indianapolis where he served the department, the school, and the students with dedication for 22 years.
Professor Seibert was born in Taylorville, Illinois on September 10, 1920. After high school, he served in the US Armed Forces and was a World War II veteran. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Purdue University in 1955 and his M.S. degree in Engineering from Purdue University in 1972.
Professor Seibert had a lengthy, successful industrial career before entering the academic world. He worked at the Federal Aviation Administration, Hazeltine Corporation, NASA Lewis Research Center, Magnavox Corporation, Allison Division of General Motors Corporation, and Radio Corporation of America. He received seven patents during his career in industry. He earned his degrees while working full time.
Professor Seibert started teaching part time in the Electrical Engineering Technology program in 1973 at the Purdue University Regional Campus at Indianapolis on 38th Street. He was so well liked by the faculty and students that he was hired full time in 1977. He was promoted to Full Professor in 1985. He served as chair of Electrical Engineering Technology from 1978 till 1986.
Professor Seibert’s contributions to the school were principally his teaching and counseling of students. He dedicated his career to these responsibilities. He was always willing to teach the courses that were needed to fulfill students’ plans of study. He had an endearing reputation among the students as one who would work tirelessly to solve students’ academic and personal problems. As an advisor, he met with students and counseled them regarding their academic problems in electronics and electrical engineering technology. He counseled many students about personal problems as well as academic issues and it was not unusual to see a line of students outside his office. Several of these students continued to contact him for counseling and advice up until his death.
Professor Seibert is especially remembered for his warm-heartedness shown in the many acts of kindness to students. His genuine concern was displayed in so many acts it is impossible to give justice to them in this short memorial, but several stand out. He once took it upon himself to sell a car for a student who had accepted a job in Arizona and didn’t have time to sell it herself. He loaned money to students for tuition and books fully knowing that he would not always get paid back. He worked on programs for handicapped students. These acts of compassion that have affected so many people will not be soon forgotten.
While he was chair of the department, he fulfilled his academic administrative role well. Notably, he also worked many hours on implementing technology, such as installing and maintaining the school’s satellite antennas and communication systems.
Professor Seibert was recognized for being a dedicated teacher by earning several awards. He received the Wisner-Stoelk Outstanding Faculty award in 1977, the first year he taught. He received the Outstanding Faculty Member award in 1981.
Professor Seibert was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers; he was a member of Scientech; he was a member of the Noblesville American Legion, and he was a member of the Cicero Christian Church.
Professor Seibert is survived by his wife, Marjorie L. Seibert; daughter Marsha Bradley; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
THUS, BE IT RESOLVED: that this memorial resolution be adopted by the Faculty Senate of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IU Indianapolis and placed in its meeting minutes.
This resolution was prepared by Marvin Needler, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology,a friend and colleague of Bill Seibert for 40 years, on behalf of his students, fellow faculty, and staff.