Nationality American Spouse(s) Ruth M. Tucker Known for Founder of Belcan Education University of Kentucky | Years active 1950–2010 Name Ralph Anderson Occupation Entrepreneur Children Candace McCaw | |
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Born 19 July 1923 ( 1923-07-19 ) Harrodsburg, KY
USA Died February 13, 2010, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States | ||
Organizations founded Belcan Corporation | ||
Ralph G. Anderson Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Induction
Ralph G. Anderson (July 19, 1923 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky - February 13, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio) was an engineer, farmer, and the founder of Belcan, one of America's largest engineering firms. He was also a well-known philanthropist.
Contents
- Ralph G Anderson Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Induction
- Early life and education
- Professional life
- Personal life
- Philanthropy
- Death
- References
Early life and education
Anderson was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky in 1923. He served as a B-29 Flight Engineer in the United States Air Force during World War II. He earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1950.
Professional life
After earning his degree, Anderson began work as an engineer for General Electric, General Motors, and the Kett Corporation. He founded Belcan, an engineering services corporation, in October 1958.
Personal life
Ruth and Ralph Anderson had one daughter, Candace McCaw of Cincinnati. They had three grandchildren. When away from Belcan, Anderson spent much of his time curating Anderson Circle Farm, an Angus cattle farm in Mercer County, Kentucky.
Philanthropy
Anderson was an ardent supporter of engineering education. In addition to donating funds for the Ralph G. Anderson Mechanical Engineering Building at the University of Kentucky, he was also a perennial sponsor of the University of Kentucky Solar Car Team, and provided a scholarship for engineering students at the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Anderson also contributed significantly to his home community of Harrodsburg, Ky., including state park development, historic building renovations, community development, and upgrading site knowledge of an important Shaker village including satellite mapping.
Death
On February 13, 2010, Anderson died in Cincinnati, OH at the age of 86.