Roger Nordby believes the University of Minnesota has much to offer and is doing his part to ensure that the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology remains a top educational institution for producing future innovators.
“The world is getting sharper. Technology development in the world is becoming more competitive,” said Nordby, who earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1940. “It’s critical the United States stay ahead of many countries that are emerging—India and China for example—to maintain a leadership position. We need to encourage more students to go into the fields of science and technology.”
Contributing financially to the University is one way to support this goal, which is why he and his wife founded the Roger and Ruth Nordby Technology Scholarship Gift. “It’s tough for students today to finish in four years. Along with their studies, they often have to work to finance their education,” he commented.
Nordby is proud of the fact that he finished his education in four years, even while working part-time and participating in ROTC. During World War II, he served in the Army Signal Corps, and later became director of technical services for Zenith Radio Corporation. He also holds several patents.
Nordby recommends that students not stop at their bachelor’s degree, but continue their education. “Get a master’s. You’re smarter. You gain more in-depth knowledge and there’s that possibility of doing something really great in a particular field.”
Roger Nordby believes the University of Minnesota has much to offer and is doing his part to ensure that the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology remains a top educational institution for producing future innovators.