David Thompson

David A. Thompson (Engr ’51 CM) writes: “Just checking in on the 70th anniversary of my UVA graduation. I received a BME in mechanical engineering in June 1951. I was in the Naval ROTC Squadron that graduated that yaear and was launched into the active Navy upon graduation and sent to sea to fight the Korean War. I found my UVA engineering training very valuable in my service as a Naval Officer, both in gunnery operations and in command and control duties. Upon return from wartime operations, I put my GI Bill credits toward advanced graduate work, earning a PhD from Stanford University, and was awarded and emeritus professorship in the management sciences and engineering department. As i went through my active military involvement in the Korean War, graduate work and a 27-year professorship at Stanford, I would find problems similar to and extensions of my UVA training, and appreciated the timely assistance of that earlier training. So, thank you again, Virginia, for a great start in a very complex world.”

David Thompson (Engr ’51 L/M) retired last year at the age of 86. He was a professor at Stanford University and served as a forensic consultant in court cases involving death and injury incidents. In retirement, he is enjoying living on the California coast and taking river cruises around the world. He enjoys following UVA from afar, not having been back to Grounds since his 50th Reunion in 2001.

David Thompson (Engr ’51), an emeritus professor of management science and engineering at Stanford University, attended the Australian & New Zealand Forensic Science Society symposium in Sydney in September, making a presentation on causes of serious injury and death in accidents. He still practices forensic engineering for attorney clients and was recently certified as a diplomate in forensic engineering science.