RPI’s 200-year history is full of firsts, driven by the pioneering minds of alumni and educators.

This year, RPI is honoring four individuals who represent important firsts for the Institute and the world: Inventor Frederic J. Kahn, educator and student life leader Eddie Ade Knowles, hockey player Adam Oates, and Naval Admiral Ronald J. Zlatoper.

Each of these honorees exemplifies a significant element of the RPI spirit: The courage and resilience required to go first, to lead, and to push what you think is possible. Their achievements — inventing new technologies, pioneering educational opportunities, winning a national championship, and advocating for diversity and inclusion — inspire us to continue to go first as we forge ahead into our next century.

Frederic J. Kahn ’62 is an LCD technology pioneer and adviser to emerging businesses. At Bell Labs, Kahn invented some of the LCD innovations that are widely used today in flat-panel and projection TV. He then moved on to Hewlett Packard, where he led research and development for another innovation: digital displays on small and portable devices. In 1984, Kahn founded his own display and electronics company, Greyhawk Systems Inc., and he later founded Kahn International Inc., which continues today as a high-level business development adviser to small and large companies.

Over his more than 40-year career at RPI, Eddie Ade Knowles was known as an inspiring and dedicated professor, dean, and mentor who made a lasting impression on generations of students and colleagues. Stories of his advocacy abound, from leading campus-wide efforts to help students succeed to creating opportunities for students to explore their creativity through music. A particular focus for Knowles was programs for entering students, such as the Office of the First-Year Experience and the award-winning Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond program for freshmen. Knowles was a gifted percussionist and performed with the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. 

Adam Oates ’85 played hockey for the RPI Engineers from 1982 to 1985 and helped lead them to the school’s second national championship in 1985. He was named an NCAA All-American and was voted onto the ECAC first All-Star team. He signed his first pro contract with the Detroit Red Wings in 1985, but he continued to take classes at Rensselaer, earning a bachelor’s degree in management in 1991. He retired in 2004, after amassing the highest points and assists total for any undrafted player at that time. He is RPI’s first NHL Hall of Fame member. Oates went on to coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, and the Washington Capitals. 

Ronald J. Zlatoper ’63 received a Naval Reserve Officer Training Scholarship to Rensselaer, earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After earning master’s degrees in management and administration from MIT and George Washington University, respectively, he graduated from the Naval War College and flew combat missions in Vietnam and Desert Storm. As Chief of Naval Personnel, Admiral Zlatoper led the Navy through revolutionary changes, including groundbreaking efforts within naval aviation and the integration of women onto combat ships and aircraft. Following a decorated career in the Navy, Admiral Zlatoper served his alma mater as a member of the Rensselaer Board of Trustees and was appointed to emeritus status when he completed his service. 

The four new inductees will be recognized during our Bicentennial Reunion & Homecoming Weekend. The induction ceremony is set for Friday, September 27, at 2:30 p.m. in the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center.

In 1995, the Rensselaer Alumni Association, with the full endorsement of the Institute Board of Trustees, created the Rensselaer Alumni Hall of Fame to preserve and celebrate the exceptional heritage of alumni accomplishments throughout the years. Honorees are chosen by a selection committee based on reputation, professional achievements, service and career contributions, and uniqueness. Etched glass windows located centrally on our campus honor their accomplishments.