Associate Professor Emeritus, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology
November 11, 1934 – September 26, 2010
Passed by the IU Indianapolis Faculty Council at their meeting on December 7, 2010.
It is with great sadness that the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology announces the passing of Associate Professor Emeritus, Roy E. Westcott who died peacefully at home on September 26, 2010.
Roy Westcott, born November 11, 1934 in Indianapolis, IN, was an Associate Professor and long-time faculty member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology. Nationally, Professor Westcott held the position of Key Professor with the Foundry Education Foundation.
After spending many years as a machinist and a tool and die maker, Roy decided to pursue a postsecondary degree, eventually obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education at Purdue University and a Master of Science in Vocational Education at Indiana University. While engaged in his academic pursuits, he worked at J. Everett Light Career Center as a machine trades instructor and then began his tenure at IU Indianapolis. As a faculty member of Mechanical Engineering Technology in the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, IU Indianapolis from 1979 – 1999, Roy Westcott was a beloved teacher and friend to countless students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the local Indianapolis community.
While at IU Indianapolis, Roy’s number one focus was always the students. He took interest in not just their academic success, but their personal success as well. Many faculty members today still remember Roy as the “unofficial job placement counselor” as he helped a myriad of students find employment upon completion of their degrees and took a personal interest in ensuring they were contributing members of society.
During his career, he received numerous awards for his teaching, including the Amoco Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award (1985), SME Outstanding Teaching Award (1981, 1987, and 1988) and Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, IU Indianapolis Outstanding Teaching Award (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1993). To enhance his professional growth and complement his career, Roy was also active in several professional organizations, such as the American Foundry Society, the American Vocational Association, and the Foundry Educational Foundation.
In honor of Roy Westcott and his dedicated commitment to educating students in the field of manufacturing technology, the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, IU Indianapolis has established the Roy Westcott Outstanding Manufacturing Technology Student Scholarship within the Department of Engineering Technology. The scholarship will be awarded annually to an outstanding student in manufacturing technology and presented at the School’s annual Honors Convocation.
Most importantly, Professor Westcott was a faithful and devoted father to his five children, Roy A., David E., Harry F., Hank T. Westcott and Cynthia Westcott Rice; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Eckel Westcott.
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 the school’s minutes and its permanent archives; that a copy of this memorial resolution be delivered to his family. This memorial resolution will also be placed in the minutes of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Faculty Council with a moment of silence observed in his honor.
This resolution is written on behalf of Professor Westcott by the staff and faculty of the Department of Engineering Technology along with the emeriti faculty and alumni of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology.