The Kansas State University Carl R. Ice College of Engineering will honor nine alumni for significant early to mid-career success at its annual Seaton Society Celebration March 4. Recipients of the college’s Professional Progress Award were nominated by their respective department heads and confirmed by Matt O’Keefe, dean of engineering. Lincoln’s own Jonathan Feldkamp will be one of those nine recipients.
The award is named for Roy Andrew Seaton, the longest-serving dean in the history of Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at K-State, serving in that role from 19201949. During his tenure Seaton established the curriculums of architectural engineering, chemical engineering, landscape architecture and industrial arts; formed and organized Steel Ring; and began the tradition of the annual Engineering Open House. Seaton actively promoted the upgrading of engineering education that eventually led to the accreditation of engineering schools across the county, laying the foundation for the Kansas law that required those practicing as professional engineers to be licensed and registered as such. Seaton was the recipient of the prestigious Lamme Medal for Achievement in Engineering Education.
In Seaton’s spirit the annual Seaton Society award celebration recognizes exceptional individuals as well as those who have made extraordinary philanthropic contributions in support of the college.
Feldkamp, formerly of Lincoln and currently residing in Anderson, South Carolina, is a 2003 graduate of Kansas State University in computer engineering with a minor in computer science. Following graduation, Feldkamp worked for Castle Creations in Olathe, KS, a U.S. manufacturer of power electronics for the radiocontrolled hobby market. Starting as an entry-level engineer, he quickly rose to president of the company during his first eight years with the company.
Feldkamp started his own consulting service in 2017, Foundation Engineering, helping small companies quickly launch new products. Foundation Engineering focused on mobile apps, circuit board layout, embedded firmware and global sourcing.
Currently Feldkamp is the senior vice president of engineering for Techtronic Industries Power Equipment, leading the global outdoor products team of more than
600 engineers. In this role he guides the development of around 200 projects every year under the Ryobi and HART brands.
