Master’s degrees granted at graduate commencement, with address by Demetrios Lignos ’64

Muskingum University granted master’s degrees at its graduate commencement exercises, held May 5 in Brown Chapel on the campus. The address was delivered by 1964 alumnus Demetrios Lignos who is known as “the father of digital linear tape,” for his breakthrough invention of the medium while he was with Digital Equipment Corporation.

Degrees conferred were the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) and Master of Information Strategy, Systems and Technology degree (MISST).

Muskingum University President Anne C. Steele congratulated the assembled graduates and said, “You have worked hard, and we are very proud of you. What you have done here will have an impact on thousands of individuals, your communities and the world.”

In his address, Mr. Lignos told the graduates, “With your education at Muskingum, you have all the right credentials to excel in your field. Enjoy your career and your life to the fullest. Be open, be patient and be flexible.”

In recognition of his lifetime of achievement, the university bestowed upon Mr. Lignos an honorary doctor of science degree. It was presented by Dr. Steele and Muskingum University Trustee and alumnus Gordon E. Spillman.

Mr. Lignos is known internationally as the “father of digital linear tape” (DLT) for his 1984 breakthrough invention for Digital Equipment Corporation. DLT changed the nature of computer data storage and retrieval and quickly became the industry standard for backups of essential files. Today, it remains the standard for transferring original content to DVD format for commercial replication and distribution of motion pictures, music and other media content.

During his 40-year career, Mr. Lignos held principal roles in engineering design, technology and product development at industry-leaders Digital Equipment Corporation, Quantum Corporation, Maxtor Corporation and InPhase Technologies. He was responsible for the development of more than a dozen major computer peripheral and data storage products, guiding them through creation, testing, manufacturing, marketing, sales and adoption by customers worldwide.

Mr. Lignos has received numerous electronics design and engineering honors, including the coveted “R&D 100 Award,” recognizing the most technologically significant new products. He is a prolific author of technical articles and conference presentations.

He earned his bachelor of science degree from Muskingum in physics, with a mathematics minor, holds a master of science degree in engineering science from the University of Toledo and a master of business administration degree from the University of New Hampshire. In 2009, he received a Muskingum University Distinguished Service Award, its highest honor for alumni.. He and his wife, Raynette Lyons Lignos ’64, reside in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. They are the parents of Theodore (Ted) Lignos.

Candidates for master’s degrees were presented by Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Paul Reichardt. The degrees were conferred by President Steele, Muskingum University Trustee and alumnus Gordon Spillman, Dave Longaberger Distinguished Professor of Teaching and Learning Dr. Barbara Hansen and Dr. Raymond Rataiczak, director of the MISST program.

Faculty marshals were Professor of Education Dr. Linda E. Morrow and Professor of Communication, Media and Theatre Dr. Jerry L. Martin.

The graduate marshals were Anitta M. Jones and Aaron R. Sprague.