| Robert
D. Hitch, P.E., Class of '54
Robert Hitch earned his baccalaureate degree
in civil engineering from Michigan Tech in 1954. Following
graduation, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force
and returned to Michigan Tech for graduate study in civil
engineering. He earned his masters degree in civil engineering
in 1956 and served as an instructor from 1957 through 1960
teaching in the area of structural analysis and design. In
1960, he joined Yalmer Mattila Contracting of Houghton and
became Chief Engineer and Vice President. During his eighteen
years with Mattila Contracting, Bob was involved in the construction
of many Michigan Tech buildings including the Noblet Forestry
Building and Daniell Heights.
He founded Hitch Incorporated in 1978 and
built the firm into one of the most successful civil and architectural
engineering consulting firms in the Upper Peninsula. Under
his leadership as President, the firm has gained a reputation
for thoughtful, innovative engineering in all aspects of design
and construction. He has been active as an engineering practitioner
in education and served as an Adjunct Lecturer in civil engineering
at Michigan Tech, teaching airport design. In 1995, Robert
became Chief Executive Officer of the firm concentrating on
corporate planning and project quality control. He is a Licensed
Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor and holds membership
in the National Society of Professional Engineers and Michigan
Society of Registered Land Surveyors. He is also a member
of the Executive Council for the Michigan Tech Civil and Environmental
Engineering "Partnering with the Future" Campaign. Robert
and his wife, Caroline, have four daughters and reside in
Hancock. |
