Warren Bruggeman, 1925-2009: Benefactor for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Biotech/Interdisciplinary Center
Warren Bruggeman, an honorary member and former member of the board of trustees of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, died April 28 at age 84.
A 1946 alumnus of the school, Bruggeman served as a member of the Rensselaer Board of Trustees from 1989 through 2000, and served in the years since as an honorary member. A onetime chairman of the board’s community relations committee and the Rensselaer Technology Park committee, Bruggeman was "an instrumental figure in the growth of our Tech Park into one of the region’s most successful economic engines," RPI President Shirley Ann Jackson said in a statement.
Bruggeman and his wife, who survives him, were longtime benefactors of Rensselaer who were honored when the school named for them the Pauline Urban Bruggeman and Warren H. Bruggeman ’46 Complex within the Rensselaer Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies. The couple also created the Warren H. Bruggeman ’46 and Pauline Urban Bruggeman Distinguished Professorship.
"Bruggeman was an innovative thinker and an inspirational leader, and his wisdom and generosity have left an indelible mark on Rensselaer. We shall dearly miss him," Jackson said in the statement.
Bruggeman received the 1995 Distinguished Service Award of the Rensselaer Alumni Association, the 1993 Albert Fox Demers Medal, and the 1987 Alumni Key Award. He was a member of the Stephen Van Rensselaer Society and the Heritage Society of Patroons of Rensselaer, and with his wife was honored as William F. Glaser ’53 Entrepreneurs of the Year in 1994 by the Venture Affiliates of Rensselaer.
In 1985, Bruggeman retired as vice president and general manager responsible for General Electric’s global Nuclear Energy Business Operations. He was with the company for nearly 40 years, and was credited as a key force behind the turnaround of GE’s commercial nuclear power business.
In addition, Bruggeman directed and advised the Center for Economic Growth and Capital Region Technology Development Council. He was a charter board member and key advisory to the fledgling MapInfo, founded by four Rensselaer students, and went on to become a global success and major employer in the Troy, NY, area. Mr. Bruggeman also co-founded the company that became Software Factory International.
Bruggeman was born in Richmond Hill, NY, on Dec. 11, 1925, to Eugene and Wilhelmina Litschke Bruggeman. A former officer in the US Navy, Bruggeman earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from Rensselaer. He was also a graduate of the Columbia University Executive Management Program.
A memorial wake was held on May 1 at the Jones Funeral Home in Schenectady, NY. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 2, at St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, followed by burial in the St. Nicholas Church cemetery in Watervliet, NY.
HCP Board OKs Thomas Herzog as Executive Vice President/CFO
Thomas Herzog has been approved by the board of directors of publicly traded HCP as its executive vice president and chief financial officer effective May 1, ratifying an appointment the real estate investment trust made earlier this year [BRN, March 9].
