Millennium Magazine_6th Ed

146 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine W ith encouragement from his father to pursue a career in engineering, Howard Shigeharu Mende was approached initially by Rockwell International with a job prospect subsequent to earning his bachelor’s degree. A native of Hawaii, Mr. Mende received a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Hawaii in 1969. He later achieved an MS is mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California in 1975. Since 1987, Mr. Mende has been a mechanical engineer with Defense Contracts Management West. He commenced his career with Rockwell International as member of the technical staff in Anaheim, California, from 1970 to 1971. At Rockwell International, he had the opportunity to work on defense projects, but more specifically the minute man missile. Mr. Mende then spent six years as a development engineer at AiRsch Manufacturing Company before returning to Rockwell as a member of technical staff IV until 1986. Additionally, Mr. Mende served as a lecturer at Pacific State University in Los Angeles between 1974 and 1975. Mr. Mende credits much of his career success to the numerous mentors in his life, including his father and Dr. George Robert Talbert, who took Mr. Mende under his wing. He also credits Dr. Dean Kihara, Dr. Gunkel, and other university professors for their substantial guidance. With the leadership of these influencers, Mr. Mende believers he will one day achieve a breakthrough. Although he has already contributed greatly to his field, Mr. Mende believes the absolute best he can offer is still yet to come. The lessons that Mr. Mende would pass on to the next generation of engineers is to approach the profession in a manner that will allow one to go about things in an efficient manner. To look at the overall picture and ensure that one is making progress toward achieving that goal is key. Mr. Mende is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and in his free time, he enjoys gardening and home improvement projects. HOWARD SHIGEHARU MENDE MECHANICAL ENGINEER Defense Contracts Management West Torrance, CA ENERGY, ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING