Distinguished Engineer
Hometown: Burlington, Kansas
Electrical Engineering,
William S. Lowe taught at Flandreau High School, South Dakota State College and the Bridgeport, Connecticut, Engineering Institute following his graduation from SDSC. During his career, he worked for General Electric and SKF Industries. He also was president of Winsted Hardware Manufacturing Co., Winsted, Connecticut. He retired in 1974 as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the A.P. Green Refractories Co., Mexico, Missouri, after 25 years of service. In 1972 to 1973, Lowe served as the 45th president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He served on the national board as well as the president of the Missouri Chamber Board. He received honorary doctorates from SDSU, the University of Missouri-Rolla, Bridgeport Engineering Institute and William Woods College for more than 20 years and was chairman of the board. He served on the governing boards of the Missouri Military Academy, the Cancer Research Center of Columbia, Missouri, Commerce Bank of Mexico and the M and M World Marketing, Inc. In 1973, he was recognized by Religious Heritage of America as the Business and Professional Leader of the Year in Manufacturing.