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C. Paul Stocker '26 BSEE, '74 LDD-ENGR (HON)
Paul Stocker was an inventive genius and an astute electrical engineer and businessman.
His devices were patented in 26 foreign countries. After his graduation from Ohio
University in 1926 with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, Paul
went to work for Bell Laboratories in New York City. During the Depression and mass
layoffs, he lost his job. Stocker invented many things but was best know for the Sub
Cycle static frequency converter, which was a revolutionary design for the telephone
industry. To market his invention, he started his own research and development company
in 1936; Lorain Products. The company developed and manufactured hundreds of products
for communications and industry and grew to over 1,000 employees and numerous plants in
northern Ohio, Canada and Mexico. To this day, the Sub-Cycle remains the longest
continuously manufactured part in the telephone industry.
Paul Stocker served on many boards including the Lorain Library Board, Mayor’s Committee
on Civic Improvement, and the Lorain National Bank. In 1965, he was named Lorain Man of
the Year. Stocker was a member of the Ohio University Board of Trustees from 1958-1972,
and served as Chairman. He received the Ohio University Alumni Medal of Merit and 1978.
Beth and Paul Stocker were the first couple to be named Alumni of the Year. He was an
original member of the College Board of Visitors appointed by Dean Taylor. In 1985, the
new building that currently houses the Russ College of Engineering and Technology was named
in honor of the Stockers for their generosity of commitment and support for the engineering
and technology students and faculty at Ohio University.
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