Greenfield High School Class of 1957
A successful engineer, Ed Milbourn readily admits that in his early grade school years he really struggled with numbers and would have failed third grade arithmetic if it were not for a new math teacher, Bob Rodocker. Says Ed, “Mr. Rodocker patiently tutored me in the mental labyrinth of fractions, and I never turned back. Math became my favorite subject and led to my academic success in high school science and math classes.” He also credits teachers CO Griffith, Earl Moore, CA Sink and Gordon Gish for making a significant impact.
A student manager for several teams, Ed learned that the coaches’ concerns for students were less about the technicalities of the games, and more about how to best mold and grow the personalities and skills of the players into cohesive team units. This knowledge had a lasting impression and he utilized this insight in his career as a manager of several activities. He says, “I learned that much more can be accomplished when you ‘hunt in packs’ than individually.”
Ed attended General Motors Institute of Technology (now Kettering Institute), University of Cincinnati, and after a stint with the United States Air Force, he graduated from Purdue University with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Education. Ed worked at RCA Corp. and its successor, Thomson Multimedia from 1963 to 2001 – managing and participating in team programs involving color television, video disc, satellite television (DirecTv), and high-definition television. He retired as Manager, Advanced Television Systems Planning.
While at RCA, Ed was heavily involved in sales and technical training for 25,000 personnel. His designed educational program was efficient and resulted in the effective training of diagnostic and service procedures. Ed authored several technical textbooks regarding the complex electronic circuit operation. He credits his high school teacher, Mrs. Opal Binford, for her rigorous adherence to correct writing and speaking principles that instilled the necessary communication skills required.
Ed’s career accomplishments include defining and managing the product introduction of the world’s first High Definition Digital Television Receiver products and RCA’s initial multi-scan and wide-screen monitor/receiver television products. RCA’s position as a leader in the market were a result. Ed also received several awards and patents for his work at RCA, including a US patent on Automatic Color Television Picture Optimization. Ed represented RCA in several electronics industry technical activities. Ed was especially honored to be asked by his Purdue Electrical Engineering professor to give several lectures on consumer electronics design principles to his classes.
Ed’s nominators, Gary and Marcia Hunt, sing Ed’s praises for all of his accomplishments and his life-long learning focus. They tell us, “Among other things, Ed is an engineer, a registered pilot, a life-long tennis player, a canoeing enthusiast, a bicyclist and a music lover. He has always recognized the importance of mentors and has been one to many people. Ed continues to do all the good he can in his own quiet way.” Ed has demonstrated a willingness to continue to do good following his retirement by being a substitute teacher at G-CHS as well as being involved in helping teach an aviation class that partners G-CHS, Mt. Vernon HS and Ivy Tech.
Beyond Ed’s work experiences, he has been active with and honored by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA, now Scouts of America). It began when he joined Troop 230 in the early 1950s participating in many projects including the establishment of Nameless Creek Youth Camp and advancing to Eagle Scout in 1956. Ed has held several volunteer positions with BSA including District Chairman and proudly received the District Award of Merit. He has been recognized throughout Central Indiana for his service to scouting. Says Ed,
“The lessens BSA taught me as a boy, have meant more to me than any other single activity in my life. I promised to pay it back.”
Well done, Ed!