Distinguished Alumni Award Winner Profile

James W. Birkenstock, '35BSC, a native of Burlington, joined the IBM firm directly following his graduation in 1935, and has risen from his first appointment as an assistant sales representative in St. Louis, Mo., to his present executive position held since 1958. In his career with IBM he has served as manager of the future demands department, as administrative assistant to the president, and was responsible, as executive assistant, for IBM defense contracts. In addition, he has served as director of product planning and market analysis for all divisions of the company, and as director of commercial development.

His Distinguished Service Award citation reads: "A director and executive committee member of the Business Equipment Manufacturers Association, a member of the Standards Council of the American Standards Association, now a trustee at Fairfield University in Connecticut, he has been a good citizen and servant of his industry, his government, his community, his Church, his University.." He and his wife reside in new Canaan, Conn., and have a daughter, Joyce Ann, who is presently a student at SUI.