Retirement reception will honor Art Porter for 44 years of service
Porter began working for WSU in 1969, one year before the College of Health Professions, Martin A. Bush Outdoor Sculpture collection and Ulrich Museum of Art were established. He has seen five university presidents and the founding of NIAR in 1985.
In the machine shop, Porter has constructed hundreds of parts, projects and prototypes to aid faculty, staff and students in their research. His expertise and precision have been invaluable to many departments and laboratories, especially the Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel.
"His machining expertise, eye for sound engineering, attention to detail and artwork with wind tunnel models has greatly helped us and others succeed as a research laboratory here at Wichita State," said John Laffen, wind tunnel director. "For a long time, we've called wind tunnel models and other components made by him 'works of Art.'"
Porter was known for his craftsmanship in wind tunnel models, and his skills and knowledge were critical in the renovation of the tunnel in 2005.
Porter was hired by Bill Wentz, professor emeritus of aerospace engineering and director of NIAR, from 1989-1999.
"I remember very specifically when we hired him," said Wentz. "We picked him for two reasons: he had a degree in mathematics and his father had worked as a technician in mechanical engineering."
Wentz recalled Porter's hesitation many years ago when the machine shop was considering the purchase of its first computer-operated CNC milling machine.
"He took the new technology and ran with it. He's just such a pro," said Wentz.