Andrew Michael Erdman received his B.S. in Engineering Science (1969) from Penn State, his M.S. degree from the University of Southern California, and continued his life-long learning with graduate courses at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Union College, UCLA, UCSB, MIT, and Dartmouth. In his initial position for Advanced Projects at Rocketdyne (Boeing), he contributed to the proposal for the Space Shuttle Main Engine. As Manager of Reactor Safety Analysis, Experimental Engineering, and Fulid Dynamics Technology at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (Lockheed Martin), he conducted research and development in two-phase flow for Naval Reactor applications.

While at Penn State, Mike enjoyed extracurricular involvement with membership in Phi Eta Sigma and Tau Beta Pi and leadership positions in the InterFraternity Council, Theta Delta Chi, and Parmi Nous. He carried this passion for involvement to leadership positions in the community, as well as at work, chairing the Schenectady Jaycees, Department of Social Services Advisory Council, GE Share Board, and the Curling Club; as well as other leadership positions on the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Human Services Planning Council, and Capital Fund Drive Boards of Directors and providing leadership training at the RPI Archer Center. He has been a Penn State Engineering recruiter (25 years) for GE and Lockheed Martin, and has served on the Penn State College of Engineering Industrial and Professional Advisory Council, serving as chair of the ESM council for the past two years.

Mr. Erdman met his wife, Donna (Laning), at Penn State (Education). They live in Saratoga County and operate Nicker Barker Farm where they raise Thoroughbreds and Golden Retrievers and look forward each fall to enjoying their season football tickets. Their children, Heather and Greg, are Penn Staters. All are looking forward to grandchildren Alex, Cameron, and Olivia following their grandparents and parents to PSU!

NOTE: Two of our Centennial Fellows are spotlighted each week.