In Memoriam
We remember and honor those who shaped our SEAS community.
Edward Botwinick ’56CC, BS’58, Trustee Emeritus, died on January 24, 2025. A pioneer in time division multiplexing (TDM) and a visionary entrepreneur, Botwinick co-founded several influential technology firms, including Silicon Transistor Corp., Quantum Inc., and Timeplex, Inc., a leader in T1-based data networks later acquired by Unisys. He also founded VideoServer Inc. and led the Botwinick-Wolfensohn Foundation. A University Trustee Emeritus and former vice chair of the Engineering Council, he championed innovation and education throughout his career. In 1996, Columbia Engineering named the Botwinick Gateway Laboratory in his honor.
Robert L. Treadway MS’87, EE’01, 73, of Matawan, passed away on August 26, 2025. Robert was born in Jersey City in 1950 and raised in Riverhead, Long Island. After graduating from Riverhead High School, Robert attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Julliard. He attended City College before earning an MS in electrical engineering (1987) and a professional degree (2001), both from Columbia Engineering.
Guy S. Longobardo BS’49, MS’50, EngScD’62, of Bronxville and Amagansett, NY, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025. Dr. Longobardo was born in Brooklyn to Alfred and Rosaria Longobardo. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School before earning a BS in mechanical engi-neering (1949), an MS (1950), and a PhD (1962) from Columbia Engineering, where he would serve on the faculty. In 1963, as an assistant professor, Dr. Longobardo began work with Columbia Medical School on the application of engineering principles to medical processes. He would go on to teach Columbia’s first bioengineering course.
Elna Okin Robbins BS’51 MS’54, 94, passed away on June 3, 2025, in Basking Ridge, NJ Born in Brooklyn to the late Lily and Benjamin Loscher. She earned a B.S. in 1951 and an M.S. in industrial engineering in 1954. She and her dear friend were the fifth and sixth women to earn bachelor’s degrees from Columbia School of Engineering, where Elna was the first female instructor.
Sotirios Vahaviolos MS’72, PhD’76, 78, passed away peacefully in Princeton, New Jersey, on February 6, 2025. Vahaviolos earned his BS in electrical engineering at Fairleigh Dickinson University before earning MS degrees in both electrical engineering and philosophy and a PhD in electrical engineering, all from Columbia. Sotirios worked at Bell Labs and founded Physical Acoustics Corporation in 1978.
Stig Svenning Hansen BS’88, 58, passed away on November 10, 2024, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Born in Singapore and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, until moving to Port Washington, NY, at 16. Stig earned a BS in mechanical engineering from Columbia Engineering and an MBA in Finance from the Stern School of Business. He built a successful career in finance and shared his knowledge as a mathematics educator at the high school and MBA levels.
Russell C. Baccaglini ’62CC BS’63 MS’64 ENG’72, of Morris Plains, NJ, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025. He attended Columbia University on a scholarship from his father’s union, the IBEW. He went on to earn multiple degrees from Columbia, including a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, and a Master’s degree in Science and Engineering.
Ralph White BS’51, 98, passed away on April 10, 2025. Born in Watertown, Massachusetts, Ralph was recruited to Columbia by vaunted football coach Lou Little. Ralph later earned an award from Columbia’s post-war President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, recognizing Ralph as the top scholar on the football team.
David Peugh BS’76, 70, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, in Rockville, MD. He earned a BS at Columbia, where he co-captained the swim and water polo teams. He received his MBA from the University of Michigan (1978), coaching both sports while there. He retired from the coal industry in 2011 as VP-Business Development.