Robert Rutherford '74

Bob Rutherford ‘74 graduated from the University of Arizona in 1978, earning a degree in Aerospace Engineering. After a long, successful career in the Navy and aerospace industry, Bob is now retired and living in Coronado, CA. 

Bob served in the US Navy from 1979‐2008, holding the posiƟon of Fighter Pilot, Captain (O‐6). He specialized in carrier‐based naval aviation, operational light attack, and strike fighter aircrafts worldwide– and is a veteran of several Southwest Asia campaigns. As a former test‐pilot, he has also flown extensive developmental and operational flight tests, particularly for carrier suitability and weapons system integration.

After retiring from the Navy, Bob joined the private sector and worked in the defense aerospace industry for 10 years as a Program Manager at Northrop Grumman Corp. Here, his focus was mainly on military unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development, UAS airspace integration policy, and program management. He held leadership roles in Northrop Grumman’s Fire Scout, Triton and X‐47B UAS programs.

As an undergraduate, Bob was active in several student organizations including Primus, Sophos, Chain Gang, Bobcats, ASUA, and, of course, Tau Kappa Epsilon. His involvement with the university has continued throughout his life, with recent recognitions of the University of Arizona Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award (2019) and Wildcat Mentor Society Mentor of the Year (2020‐2021).

Bob remembers his time as a TKE fondly, and credits the chapter for bringing him his “life‐long friends.”