Michael Steffenson 2005

Michael R. Steffenson

BS Chemical Engineering 1959
Davenport, Iowa

For 46 years Michael Steffenson has epitomized the spirit of the Iowa State alumnus. Hardworking, steadfast, proud, and giving are the ways in which Steffenson has served his local Quad Cities community, the scientific machinery industry, and the Iowa State University community. He has built his company into a worldwide leader, but he has never forgotten his roots as an Iowa Stater—in fact, one nominator describes him as “Mr. Iowa State wherever he goes.”

Steffenson, who began working for Parr Instrument Company in Moline, Ill., in 1962 upon the conclusion of three years on active duty for the U.S Navy, has served as the company’s chairman, president, and CEO since 1974. The company has grown tenfold under his direction, with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce recently honoring Parr Instrument with the “E” and “E-Star” awards for excellence in exports.

The list of community and professional boards to which Steffenson has been elected and appointed is numerous, and his service to Iowa State has included membership on the Department of Chemical Engineering’s Industrial Advisory Committee, the ISU Research Foundation’s board, the ISU Foundation’s board of governors, Order of the Knoll, National Cyclone Club, and 40 years as a lifetime member of the ISU Alumni Association with his wife, Jean.