Introduction
In 1998, the College introduced the annual Oregon Stater awards to honor outstanding alumni and friends for their contributions to the engineering profession and to Oregon State University. This year's winners from the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering are Robert Yüksel Yildirim, Ronald Sarazin, Daniel Wachs, Jason M. Culp, and Todd Gerlach.
Robert Yüksel Yildirim: Engineering Hall of Fame – 2019
Graduation Year: 1989
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1989
President and CEO
Yildirim Group of Companies
Istanbul, Turkey
Most people believe that it takes a certain amount of luck to succeed in business. Robert Yüksel Yildirim does not agree. He will tell you that the secret to prosperity is a lot of hard work. He uses intuition, lessons learned in childhood, experience gained from numerous business deals, and the engineering education he received from Oregon State.
Today, he is president and CEO of Yildirim Group of Companies, a vertically integrated industrial conglomerate based in Istanbul, Turkey. Business operations range from mining and fertilizer production to port management and shipbuilding, to real estate and construction, with offices in 50 countries that employ more than 12,000 people.
Yildirim’s journey to becoming one of the most influential people in the global mining and shipping business is rooted in humble beginnings. He was raised in Samsun, Turkey, a seaport city located on the north coast of the Black Sea.
His father owned a small business trading building supplies and construction materials. He and his two brothers grew up working in the shop. He has never forgotten those days because they helped him understand the value of money and hard work.
Yildirim earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Istanbul Technical University. He later came to the United States to study English and complete a master’s degree, beginning his studies in San Francisco before attending Oregon State University in Corvallis.
After completing his master’s degree, he worked in the shipping and engineering industry before returning home to grow his family business. Over time, the company expanded into mining, shipping, and global industrial operations.
The company also supports educational and philanthropic initiatives, including schools, scholarships, and community programs in Turkey and beyond.
Yildirim continues to focus on long-term growth and strategic expansion across global industries.
Ron Sarazin: Academy of Distinguished Engineers – 2019
Graduation Year: 1976
B.S. Industrial Engineering, 1976
President
Olympic Performance, Inc.
Sherwood, Oregon
Ron Sarazin helps people and companies solve problems through consulting, coaching, and training focused on leadership and performance improvement.
He has worked in multiple industries including manufacturing, utilities, and consulting, eventually founding his own company, Olympic Performance Inc.
His work focuses on helping individuals and organizations strengthen fundamentals and improve long-term effectiveness.
He has also been active in community service and advisory roles, including involvement with Oregon State University.
Daniel Wachs: Academy of Distinguished Engineers
Graduation Year: 1995
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1995
M.S. Mechanical Engineering & Nuclear Engineering, 1997
Lead for Fuel Safety Research
Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Daniel Wachs comes from a family of nuclear engineers and was influenced early by their work in the field.
He studied mechanical and nuclear engineering at Oregon State University and credits his professors for shaping his career.
After an internship at Argonne National Laboratory, he began working in nuclear research during a period of reduced federal investment in the field.
He now works in nuclear fuel safety research and contributes to national energy programs focused on advanced reactor safety and development.
He also mentors young engineers entering the field.
Jason M. Culp: Council of Early Career Engineers
Graduation Year: 1999
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1999
Engineering Design Manager
A-dec
Wilsonville, Oregon
Jason Culp is an engineering manager focused on product design and innovation in dental equipment manufacturing.
He leads teams responsible for designing engineered products and supports global manufacturing efforts.
He credits internships and early engineering experiences at Oregon State for shaping his career path.
He is also involved in STEM outreach and mentoring programs for students interested in engineering.
Todd Gerlach: Council of Early Career Engineers
Graduation Year: 2000
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2000
Director of Engineering, Concrete Cutting & Finishing
Blount International, Inc.
Tualatin, Oregon
Todd Gerlach has been interested in mechanical systems since childhood and developed his skills through hands-on engineering projects.
At Oregon State University, he engaged in engineering design work that helped launch his professional career.
He now leads engineering and product development for industrial cutting and construction tools.
His career has included roles in product design, business development, and engineering leadership.
He is also active in mentoring young engineers and supporting academic industry partnerships.
