Virgil William Eveleigh

Background

Eveleigh, Virgil William was born on August 20, 1931 in Dexter, New York, United States. Son of Malcolm N. and Doris M. (Gilmore) Eveleigh.

Education

Biosystems Engineering.E., Purdue University, 1957. Microsoft Security Essentials.E., Purdue University, 1958. Doctor of Philosophy, Purdue University, 1961.

Career

Technician, General Electric, Syracuse, New York, 1953-1954;

engineer, General Electric, Syracuse, New York, 1961-1964;

professor electrical and computer engineering, Syracuse University, 1964-1995;

professor emeritus, Syracuse University, since 1995;

department chairman, Syracuse University, 1979-1983;

director continuing education, Syracuse University, 1987-1995;

vice president engineering, JDR Systems Corporation, Syracuse, since 1978;

president, treasurer, Data Functions Corporation, Syracuse, since 1974.

Achievements

• Virgil William Eveleigh has been listed as a noteworthy electrical and computer engineering educator by Marquis Who's Who.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Solutions manual to accompany Introduction to control systems design
  • Adaptive control and optimization techniques (McGraw-Hill electrical and electronic engineering series)
  • Adaptive Control And Optimization Techniques

Membership

Served with United States Air Force, 1949-1952. Member Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Association of University Professors, Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, Eta Kappa Nu, Phi Beta Delta.

Personality

It's a privilege to add notes on Dr Virgil William Eveleigh's personality.

I met him as a former SU undergrad student. His kindness literally saved me from academic catastrophe. Here is an account that illustrates the kind of man he was. I apologize that this is a bit of a diatribe, but I have to lay a foundation to understand what this man did for my family and I.

I entered SU out of Vietnam Era Army Airborne service. Given that Vietnam era soldiers then were generally despised pariahs on US campuses, plus I was married with a baby, all very non-traditional, the financial aid office decided we warranted $0 in aid. Not even NYS Tuition assistance- they managed to determine I didn't deserve that either- and EVERYONE got that! Not a dime for 3 years. After demonstrating acedemis excellence , in my senior year, they finally relented and yielded about $900. Wow..

We were accumulating a mountain of debt but worse, went hungry many days even though I worked full time. We made sure the baby was fed, but we often shared a PBJ for the day's meal. Then I got laid off.

I went to my faculty advisor , a Dr Schwartz with the story, who, and I remember this even today, told me "son, college isn't for EVERYONE", and he sent me packing.. Between him and Financial Aid, something told me I was not wanted at SU!

Family had contributed $0, so , after 3 successful years at SU in EE, almost all Dean's List, things were on the verge of collapse. It appeared I was not going to get my degree. Not for lack of trying, working, or studies, but for the lack of any faculty or administrative support.

Then, I thought perhaps I could plead my case with Dr Eveleigh. I'd never met him, since he taught 400 level courses mostly. But I figured there was nothing to lose by asking the EE Dept chair for assistance.

I told him the same woeful tale; he listened patiently. At the end, he paused a bit, then said "there are graduate-student positions, in fact I have some to fill at RADC. But nothing for undergrads.". I'm sure my look said it all. But unlike my advisor, Dr Eveleigh was compassionate. He said "tell you what- let me see if I can find anything. Give me a few days".

I didn't have much hope since I was an undergrad, but he did sound like he would try. About a week later, I got a message to come see him, which I did straight away. He said he had spoken to EE and RADC officials, and they had agreed based, on his recommendation, to hire me into a grad position!

I was at a loss for words. When every other SU faculaty was glad to be rid of us, the kind Doctor Eveleigh spent what was likely significant time and energy to convince others to hire me, despite the requirements. He didn't have any obligation; he didn't even know us.

A Saint! We could EAT again!

Now forty years later, and through the years, I'm reminded of Dr Eveleigh when I see another act of selfless kindness. I often question my own responses- WWVD?

There are many smart people at universities. There are many effective speakers and administrators. But in my experience after 8 years of undergrad and graduate work, I can testify there are precious few I would call "kind". Or even attentive. I have no other memories, nor have I heard other accounts, of any university employee rendering assistance as Dr Eveleigh had for us. He was a Syracuse University treasure. A caring man in a sea of busy, uncaring academics.

I don't know of a way to say more about what a person he was, except now, forty years later, he lives in our memory as a gentle, caring, compassionate, and yet very astute and capable gentleman.

Connections

Father:

Malcolm N. Eveleigh

Mother:

Doris M. (Gilmore) Eveleigh