Winter 2006 the - Western New England University

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HUSH School of Engineering Innovation Soars High with Federal Approval 8 Communicator Winter 2006 ITBY MANON L. MIRABELLI
On a bright, sunny afternoon in May, a group of elated Western New England College alumni, faculty, and students is gathered at Barnes Municipal Airport in Westfield, MA, to witness the successful result of years of work that began at the School of Engineering. On the tarmac is a Gulfstream corporate jet fitted with a $2 million, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified Hushkit noise suppressor. The concept for the Hushkit, the brainchild of Dr. Walter Presz, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering, began as an engineering Senior Design Project in 1991 implemented at first on leaf blowers and hair dryers. “It started with a simple idea and a dream,” — Walter Presz That dream is clearly a reality in Westfield, just one stop on a five-state, cross-country marketing tour including California, Florida, New Jersey, and Texas where potential Hushkit buyers will be introduced to the device with demonstrations. The innovative aircraft part will make it possible to keep older Gulfstream jets from becoming obsolete as noise requirements become stricter at more and more smaller airports. Dr. Presz, who cofounded with pilot/investor Jack Anderson, Stage III Technologies, the La Jolla, CA, based company that brought the patented Hushkit out of the lab and into the avionics industry, is surrounded by those who have played Professor Emeritus Walter Presz is interviewed by ABC affiliate TV40 a vital role in the technological triumph. “This was truly an American dream,” Presz says. “Jack is the pilot, and I’m the researcher. He raised some money to bring me aboard and together we set up the facility.” They chose La Jolla, CA, on the West Coast, Presz adds, because of the availability of titanium to manufacture lightweight products. Also at the airport is another important member of the team that brought the Hushkit to certification—Gary Reynolds ’92, vice president of engineering for Stage III. “I never thought I would be here today,” he says. In all, eight alumni to date either currently work for Stage III or have worked there in the past. Jeff King ’98 and Keith Ritchie ’98 are presently employees; and Phil Bowen ’98, Bob Dold ’90, Scott Kettle ’98, Luke Mayo ’98/G’05, and Joe Zecca ’91/G’98 are former employees. Jason Batchelder ’03 served the company as an intern. “The company is lean and mean,” Presz says of the relatively small staff. “Most of the early work was done at the College with students.” The Hushkit, aptly named for its ability to suppress engine noise, has the added benefit of increasing jet engine thrust on takeoff. As impressive as that sounds, the effect has to be experienced to be truly appreciated, and a small number of those who have turned out for the occasion are about to learn firsthand what a Hushkit L to R: Brian Coombs ’06 (ME), Mark Clement ’05, (ME), Gary Reynolds ’92 (ME), Walter Presz, Stan Kowalski III ’92 (ME), and Bill Dionne ’06 (ME). can do for a Gulfstream jet. Space on the aircraft is limited to eight passengers, and the students, faculty, and alumni selected for the brief flight anxiously board. With everyone fastened into seatbelts, the aircraft begins to taxi to the runway. Once in position, it gradually gains speed until it lifts off the ground and makes a powerful, near vertical ascent into the clear, blue sky. One of those aboard, Stanley Kowalski III ’92, whose engineering company, SK3, sponsors School of Engineering Senior Design Projects, points to the Hushkit as a prime example of the wisdom in doing so. “There is definitely a commercial value in investing in student projects,” he says. That the Stage III Hushkit is an incredibly effective and successful innovation is an opinion held not only by its most ardent supporters, but by members of the industry as well. After a 2003 demonstration in Orlando, FL, Aviation Today reported “the contrast between the Hushkitted Gulfstream II and the ordinary Gulfstream II was remarkable.” The marketing tour generated considerable interest in the Hushkit. According to a Stage III sales report, 14 sales are closable and 60 more could be sold within the first year. Although there is another company that produces a hushkit, “the superiority of our product will sell itself,” Presz says. ■ Winter 2006 Communicator 9
Page 1 and 2: The Winter 2006 A PUBLICATION FOR A
Page 3 and 4: Contents 4 COVER What Ever Happened
Page 5 and 6: Letters to the Editor Beverly Dwigh
Page 7 and 8: Have you ever wondered what ever ha
Page 9: Linda Peters, Ph.D. G’96 Program
Page 13 and 14: In Step with the Future Spending th
Page 15 and 16: STUDENT SPOTLIGHT MIGHTON, the foun
Page 17 and 18: LY LIGHT Rich Elliott ’96 protect
Page 19 and 20: Keeping Kids Safe Nationally-recogn
Page 21 and 22: Graduate Degree Programs for Teache
Page 23 and 24: spiration They even joke about putt
Page 25 and 26: ETICS B Y KEN CERINO in a healthy b
Page 27 and 28: nes on kend 2005 Legacy Gathering B
Page 29 and 30: GRAD to GRAD John M. O’Brien III
Page 31 and 32: Alumni Go Out to the Ballpark The e
Page 33 and 34: online retailer. She resides in Col
Page 35 and 36: JAMES SEEKELL (MSCJA) was recently
Page 37 and 38: NEW ARRIVALS Zachary James Mavlouga
Page 39 and 40: From the Archives Off-Campus Progra

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