Mr. Donald Beall, an alumnus of the Davidson College of Engineering (’60 Metallurgical Engineering), received the 2008 SJSU Tower Award on Thursday, October 23, 2008, at the Tower Awards Banquet. The Tower Award is SJSU’s highest honor and is given to individuals who exemplify excellence in their life and work. Alumni who receive the award have made significant accomplishments and contributions to their community.

Mr. Beall was the former Chairman and CEO of Rockwell. In 2007, he established the Don Beall Dean of Engineering, the first endowed deanship at SJSU. Dean Belle Wei is the first dean to have the honor of holding the endowed position.

Dean Wei said, “His gift has enabled us to support projects in green engineering such as the Zero EMissions car, green electronics, wind turbines, and solar technologies. It will also enable our students to learn from the best minds we have in Silicon Valley so that our students will have the capabilities and aspiration to transform the world as he did.”


Engineering student Andrea Rios, who attended the banquet, said, “I have always thought it’s important to give your time to help others succeed and achieve their dreams. Meeting Mr. Beall has only reassured me of this. I am so honored to have had the privilege to have met such an accomplished person with an incredible determination to help his community and the young students that will forge new paths in the future.”