The School of Materials Engineering at Purdue University mourns the passing of Dr. Richard E. Grace, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 95. A visionary leader, dedicated educator, and lifelong Boilermaker, Dr. Grace’s legacy spans over four decades of impactful service to Purdue and generations of students.

 

Born on June 26, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Richard Grace grew up in the city’s steel-mill district near 79th and Stony Island and graduated from South Shore High School. He earned his B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue in 1951 and a Ph.D. from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1954. That same year, he began his distinguished Purdue career as an assistant professor in the School of Metallurgical Engineering.

 

Over the next 46 years, Dr. Grace held an extraordinary number of leadership roles across the university. He served as Head of the School of Metallurgical Engineering and later led its evolution into the School of Materials Engineering. He guided a name change that reflected the growing breadth and interdisciplinary future of the field. He founded the Division of Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies in 1970 and served as its head until 1982. He also led the Department of Freshman Engineering and was appointed Assistant Dean of Engineering.

 

In 1987, Dr. Grace was named Vice President for Student Services at Purdue. In this role, he created and implemented programs that reshaped the undergraduate experience at Purdue. He served in this role until 1995. Upon stepping down from the VP role he then founded and directed the Undergraduate Studies Program (now called Exploratory Studies) until his retirement in 2000, which serves students across the university.

 

Throughout his career, Dr. Grace was an influential voice in national engineering education. He held leadership roles with ABET, ASEE, ASM, and TMS, and was named a Fellow of ABET, ASM, and ASEE. His many honors include the Bradley Stoughton Young Teacher Award from ASM, the ASEE Centennial Medallion, the Linton E. Grinter Distinguished Service Award, Purdue’s Special Boilermaker Award, and the Sagamore of the Wabash, among others.

 

He also left a deep and lasting impression on students. Known for his personal warmth, sense of humor, and genuine concern for student well-being, Dr. Grace mentored countless individuals who credit him with shaping their lives and careers. Even after retirement, he remained a trusted advisor and continued to support the Purdue community. His 2002 book When Every Day Is Saturday was born out of his passion for helping others navigate life transitions with intention and joy.

 

Dr. Grace married Connie C. Fotos of West Lafayette in 1955. Together they had two children, Virginia Louise and Richard Cummings (d. 1978). In later years, he continued to be active in the Lafayette community, particularly with the Lafayette Art Museum and the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, and with many Purdue and student initiatives.

 

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Grace’s extraordinary service and lasting contributions to the School of Materials Engineering, the College of Engineering, and Purdue University. He was a scholar, builder, mentor, and friend, and his legacy will endure for generations to come.

 

Obituary: https://www.tippecanoememorygardens.com/obituaries/Richard-Grace?obId=43748309