William C. Hittinger, a former chairman and 22-year member of the Board of Trustees, served as Lehigh’s interim president from 1997-1998, following the departure of Peter Likins. Hittinger, an ROTC student, received a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering. He served in the Army from 1943-1946, rising to the rank of captain.

His 40-year career in the electronics industry included positions at Bellcomm Inc., where he oversaw systems engineering for NASA’s manned spaceflight program, and at RCA, where he became executive vice president and was responsible for corporate technology, patents, licensing, and international business and marketing development.

Hittinger served on President Reagan’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee from 1982-86. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. While chairman of Lehigh’s Board of Trustees, the university completed the Ulrich Student Center, began building the Zoellner Arts Center, increased financial aid and completed the $305 million Campaign for Preserving the Vision.