Dr. Gary L. Gentzler graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1960 with a B.S. in Engineering Science and in 1970 with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. In 1988, he received an M.B.A. degree from Xavier University. His published papers have appeared in the Journal of Food Sciences and the Transactions of ASAE. A Paper Award for exceptional merit was received for his research in the “Effect of Bound Water in the Freeze-Drying Process.” He served on the Industrial and Professional Advisory Council of the College of Engineering for The Pennsylvania State University from 1984 through 1986.

Dr. Gentzler has over 40 years of experience in engineering and business consulting with professional engineer registrations in several states. He served as President and Director of St. Onge, Ruff and Associates, Inc., a consulting engineering firm specializing in industrial refrigeration and low temperature facilities and processes; Vice President and Project Manager for A.M. Kinney, Inc., a national consulting firm with a focus on facility and process design for the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries; Founding Partner and Director of Camargo Associates, a design firm providing architectural and engineering services to industrial clientele; Vice President and Project Sponsor for Jacobs Engineering Group of Ohio, a publicly traded engineering, procurement, and construction company with national and international operations; Partner and Managing Director of Process Plus, which also serves industrial clients; and Founder and President of Gentzler Associates, an engineering and business consulting organization.

In retirement, Dr. Gentzler serves on the Board of Directors of the Mount Nittany Conservancy, performs construction work for Habitat for Humanity, tutors students, fly fishes, plays golf, and travels. He has been married to Ralphine for 46 years and their two children, Jodi Berkebile and Bradford Gentzler, are also graduates of The Pennsylvania State University.

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