Opus College of Engineering Award Recipients

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT aWARD

Ronald J. Schutz, Eng '78
Medina, Minn.

Ron found just what he was looking for in Marquette — an ROTC scholarship, an engineering program “infused with a rigorous Jesuit pursuit of truth and knowledge,” and his high-school sweetheart, Janet Jensen, Med Tech ’78. The two married after their junior year, have three children and will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this year.

Ron went on to the University of Minnesota Law School, then fulfilled his military obligation by serving four years in the U.S. Army JAG Corps with the 7th Infantry Division where he tried 20 jury trials. Now managing partner of Robins Kaplan LLP’s New York office, he also chairs the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology Litigation Group, which allows him to work with many distinguished inventor clients.

Bestowed numerous professional awards, when asked to define success, Ron replies, “A person is successful if they have lived up to their potential without compromising their values. Marquette gave me the rigorous intellectual training necessary for my career while at the same time reinforcing traditional values and virtues.”

Ron is a former chair and current board member of the Center of the American Experiment. Additionally, he is a member of the board of directors of the Guthrie Theater, the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities and of the advisory boards of the William Mitchell Law School Intellectual
Property Institute, and the University of St. Thomas Journal of Law and Public Policy. He also serves on the board of Tee It Up for the Troops, an organization that raises funds for wounded veterans — a priority for him since his son Erik served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Fun Fact:
Ron says Dr. Richard Gagioli, professor emeritus of mechanical and industrial engineering, had a significant impact on him. “He was brilliant and patient and taught me the importance of paying attention to detail.”