Murray McCreary:
CLASS OF 1969
Lake Central High SchoolClass of 1969
St. john, IN
University of Chicago - Graduate SchoolClass of 1985
Chicago, IL
Purdue Calumet UniversityClass of 1979
Hammond, IN
Murray's Story
Life
58 years old, divorced but happily re-married, 2 children and 4 grand children. Work as director of service operations for semi-conductor equipment manufacturer (Japanese) in Vancouver, Washington (office). Current hobbies include dancing and golf. Dancing (West Coast Swing) is a passion! Competed, somedwhat successfully, for several years at a national level (6 - 10 competitions a year, all over country). Was on board of directors of local swing dance club several years.
After my time in Japan, this is the best time of my life (although the rest not so bad). Job/career great, girlfriend (now wife, just got married Dec 27, 2009!!!) the absolute best. Grand kids are better than kids(except they live to far away, Orlando and Albuequerque), and my ongoing experience in dancing!
School
Was shy, lacked confidence, kind of out of it in high school. Best part of high school was band. Wish I had been more outgoing and involved at Lake Central.
While I am still shy, I suspect few of my high school classmates wouldn't recognize me today. I now tend toward leadership roles (unheard of in high school)(although getting tired of this, work offers enough pressure). Feel like I've been above average successful in most life endevors.
College
Started my college career at Purdue Calumet in EET. Didn't care for the program, couldn't see a future, so dropped out after 2 years and an associates degree to join the Air Force. Didn't perform well, didn't see the purpose.
After 3.5 years in the Air Force, returned to school in classical engineering. Performed much better. Greater confidence (gained in service), more mature, better idea of where I wanted to go in life.
After BS from Purdue, University of Chicago for MBA. Thought good complement to engineering degree. Was right!
Both engineering and MBA have helped in my career, like the business/managemet/leadership aspects better than the technical (I have been very supprised at this fact).
Didn't care for high school (lack of confidence, didn't know myself), or the first 2 years ...Expand for more
of college, after that started to figure things out really enjoyed school. Took college level courses for over 17 years, continuously (every semester).
Workplace
After 17 years with Inland Steel (how many of us from Lake Central worked there after H.S.?), left in support of my wifes education, medical school. After medical school, moved to Oregon, where I've had two great jobs. Primary focus has been in facilities and maintenance. Known as a problem solver and a person who can straighten out a problematic organization. Really enjoy the mangement/business/leadship part of the job better than the technical/engineering part of the job. However, both educational focus's have contributed to my success.
Additional positions have included:
- Design engineer for alternative fuel power plants
- Project engineer, constructio manager
- Key American staff for Japanese engineering/construction management firm in US.
- Director of Facilities/maintenance major hi-tech company.
- Director Manufacturing, major hi-tech company. (same company as above, total 13 years)
- Director operations, major hi-tech manufacturing equipment company.
Would like to retire young, may be able to around 55 (didn't happen, now 58 and can't see retirement yet, maybe 60???). Actually, don't really want to retire, just change the balance between work and fun. My new wife and I have started a real estate investment company and intend to make that my next career. Currently have 5 properties and looking for the next!
Military
After tech school, spent the rest of my Air Force time in Japan. Loved it! Until "Life After Divorce", considered my military time the best time of my life.
Being in the service gave me confidence in myself (graduated fist in class, intelligence, very intense, learned Japanese lanuguage). Learned new culture. Most significant relationship until that time, beautiful Japanese woman! Great friends, great times. My Air Force unit from Japan has a reunion every year now. Would be great if LC class of '69 could have another!!!
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