Nick Pinchuk ’68, ’69G, an accomplished engineer, industry leader, and inspiring mentor, has devoted his career to the betterment of American manufacturing and the millions of workers who keep it running. In recognition of his work, his impact, and his service to the country, Pinchuk is receiving the Davies Medal for Engineering Achievement, the highest honor awarded by the School of Engineering at his alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

The award ceremony and celebration are set for October 7 at 4 p.m. in the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center on the RPI campus. Register online.

The Davies Medal, named for renowned engineering alumnus Clarence E. Davies, class of 1914, is awarded to alumni who have made an exceptional impact on the engineering field through education, research, professional practice, or public service.

The 2024 Davies Medal is especially significant and timely, as it coincides with the yearlong celebration of RPI’s Bicentennial, which honors the Institute’s past, present, and future.  

“My engineering education at Rensselaer was transformative, with lessons both academic and informal enabling me throughout my career. In that regard, those insights still prove to be of great value in navigating the challenges of the current day. I feel quite fortunate in being able to have studied at RPI and am deeply humbled and greatly privileged to be honored with this special award in the 200th year of this extraordinary school,” Pinchuk said.

Pinchuk has been president and CEO of Snap-on Incorporated since 2007 and chairman of the board since 2009. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is an S&P 500 company and a leading global innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks, including those working in vehicle repair, aerospace, the military, natural resources, and manufacturing.

With Pinchuk at the helm, Snap-on has become a recognized trailblazer in practical innovation, U.S. manufacturing, and business efficiency and improvement. During this time, the company has also undergone significant expansion, both geographically and economically, adding 15 factory operations in the U.S. and across the world. With his international perspective, he has served as an authoritative commentator on the global economic scene.

“Nick Pinchuk’s leadership has led to impressive innovations in manufacturing, new tools and products, and set new industry standards. He is an intellectual giant and a tireless champion for engineering education, for upskilling of American workers, and the dignity of work – values that mirror RPI’s own commitment to engineering education and innovations,” said Shekhar Garde, Ph.D., dean of the RPI School of Engineering. “He is a mentor to so many, including myself, and I look forward to continuing to learn about leadership from his example.”

Pinchuk earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from RPI in 1968 and 1969, respectively, and went on to earn an M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1976. His career includes executive and management roles at United Technologies Corporation, Carrier Corporation, and the Ford Motor Company, and as an independent director of Columbus McKinnon Corporation. He also served as an officer of the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

Pinchuk is a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, the National Manufacturing Institute, the U.S. Manufacturers Alliance, and Carthage College. He has also served as chair of the Skills for America’s Future organization at The Aspen Institute.

“It is very fitting that we are honoring Nick Pinchuk with the Davies Medal during our Bicentennial year, a time for celebrating the RPI community’s 200-year history of changing lives for the better,” said Martin A. Schmidt ’81, Ph.D., president of RPI. “He represents the kind of visionary leadership that so many RPI alumni have demonstrated over the years. Not only has he helped advance technology and engineering, but he has also paid his success forward as a devoted mentor to the next generation and an outspoken advocate for STEM education, workforce development, and the people who drive the manufacturing industry.”

Through his speaking engagements across the country and frequent appearances in national TV, print, and digital media including CNBC, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal, Pinchuk has been a consistently strong voice for U.S. manufacturing and for upskilling the American workforce. In that regard, Pinchuk has received many honors over his career. Both the Career and Technical Education Foundation and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association have recognized his outstanding contributions to STEM education. Pinchuk is a member of IndustryWeek’s Manufacturing Hall of Fame for his pivotal role in the American manufacturing renaissance, and in 2019, SkillsUSA has named him Champion of the Year for furthering a skilled American workforce. In 2023, Chief Executive magazine commemorated Pinchuk’s critical contributions to American manufacturing with its Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership award. Also last year, the National Association of Manufacturers presented Pinchuk with the Manufacturing Icon Award, a distinction given to those who inspire Americans to promote and strengthen modern manufacturing in the U.S. 

Pinchuk is the twenty-first RPI alumnus to win the Davies Medal. The honor was first awarded in 1980 and is made possible through an endowment from Margaret and J. Erik Jonsson, class of 1922.