Richard Grace, Peter Winchell

Professor with a strong background in materials engineering, William L. George is a distinguished figure in the semiconductor industry. He earned his doctorate in materials engineering from Purdue University in 1968, laying the foundation for a career marked by innovation and leadership. His tenure at Motorola was particularly impactful, where he was instrumental in the formation of the Motorola-Toshiba Alliance. This collaboration was pivotal in advancing microprocessor technology, leading to the development of the 6801, 6805, 6809, and 68000 microprocessor architectures, which have had a lasting influence on the industry. Following his success at Motorola, Professor George took on a leadership role at Sematech, a consortium dedicated to advancing semiconductor manufacturing technology. At Sematech, he was at the forefront of efforts to utilize all-American equipment for the production of semiconductor transistors at cutting-edge sizes. This initiative was crucial in helping the United States regain its position as a leader in the global semiconductor market. Throughout his career, Professor George has been recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between engineering principles and practical applications in the semiconductor field. His contributions have not only advanced technology but have also strengthened the competitive position of the U.S. semiconductor industry on the world stage. His work continues to inspire new generations of engineers and researchers in the field of materials engineering.