Jim Karl

2015 Co-op Hall of Fame Inductee

Education

B.S. ’81, Materials Engineering, Purdue University
M.S. ’85, Materials Science, University of Vermont

Professional Career

Immediately following graduation from Purdue, Jim joined IBM at their Essex Junction, Vermont facility and continued to work out of that location until his retirement in June of 2011. During his 30-year career with IBM, Jim held numerous engineering and management positions throughout the Microelectronics Division’s development and manufacturing organizations. After retiring from IBM, Jim was principal consultant for Idea-Ore Consulting, providing consulting services for the US Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence communities related to secure development and manufacturing of semiconductor components.

Throughout his professional career, Jim maintained an active relationship with Purdue. For many years, Jim was IBM Microelectronics’ technical recruiting lead at Purdue. He and a fellow alumnus started the Purdue Alumni Club of Vermont. Jim was named Purdue’s Outstanding Materials Science Engineering in 1998 and has served on the Materials Science Engineering Advisory Board.

Currently, Jim serves as interim president and CEO of the Purdue Alumni Association, where he oversees all engagement, communication, membership, marketing & sales, and data management activities for the association. 

Co-op Advocate

While at Purdue, Jim was a 5-session co-op with General Electric.