Sam Iacobellis

Citation for

Sam F. Iacobellis

Doctor of Science

California State University, Fresno

May 20, 2006

Sam F. Iacobellis served as executive vice president and deputy chairman of major programs at Rockwell International and served as president of Rockwell’s North American Aviation Operations. Rockwell International is a diversified high-tech, global corporation engaged in the research, development and manufacture of a wide range of products for commercial and government markets. He is internationally recognized as a pioneer in aerospace technology.

Mr. Iacobellis went from working on his parents’ ranch in rural Fresno County to earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1952 at Fresno State. At Rockwell, he became the ‘Father of the B1B’ the U.S. Air Force’s premier strategic bomber. He holds patents on original concepts in engine design and turbo-molecular vacuum pumping.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan commended Mr. Iacobellis and Rockwell for their teamwork in coordinating the efforts of 5,200 suppliers and subcontractors and 55,000 workers nationwide to build the B-1B. “Yours is the work of peace,” President Reagan told Mr. Iacobellis. “The B-1B strategic bomber will keep America prepared for peace.”

Sam Iacobellis completed a distinguished career in 1995 with numerous honors including the 2001 Howard Hughes Memorial Award. He is a registered professional engineer in the fields of mechanical and nuclear engineering. He reports his Fresno State experience was ‘excellent preparation for launching an engineering management career with a major high technology diversified corporation.”

In 1997, he was elected president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has served on the U.S. Space Foundation, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the California Chamber of Commerce, the California State University Foundation, and the California Business Roundtable.

In recognition of his achievements, his leadership, and his civic commitment, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Fresno are proud to confer on Sam F. Iacobellis the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.