Missouri S&T benefits from a family of generous alumni and friends. From responses to the annual phonathon to million dollar gifts, our alumni and friends provide support to many different areas across campus.

George and Martha Baumgartner

George and Martha Baumgartner

George Baumgartner, ME’56, MS ME’60, was a student, a teacher and an involved alumnus. Baumgartner, who retired from Ford Motor Co. after a 30-year career, attributed his success in the industry to Missouri S&T.

Baumgartner and his wife, Marsha, established the George R. and Marsha Baumgartner Endowment for Mechanical Engineering. Baumgartner’s mother Jenny added to this endowment by making a planned gift; leaving a portion of her estate to the endowment upon her death. The fund supports the mechanical engineering department in general. Having taught at the university for several years, Baumgartner knew that the department always needed support for scholarships, plant trips and equipment.

Baumgartner passed away in 2006.

“Missouri S&T’s a great place and it is a great institution," says Marsha Baumgartner. "We think it is important that all graduates understand that while they have received a tremendous education, it’s up to them to make sure the next generation receives one likewise. So the sense of giving back to that from which you have received is a value that we really want to fund.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from MSM, George Baumgartner went to work as a research engineer for Shell Oil in Wood River, Ill., until going into the U.S. Army. After his stay in the Army, he returned to MSM. He received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1960 and then began teaching. He joined Ford in 1966 and worked in a variety of supervisory positions in advanced design, powertrain, standards and vehicle engineering.

Baumgartner was active with Missouri S&T since graduation. In 1995, he became a charter member of the Missouri S&T Academy of Mechanical Engineers. He was also a member of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh and a past director of the Miner Alumni Association.