The IPC Hall of Fame and Its Namesake

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Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles about members of the IPC Hall of Fame.

IPC has been advancing our industry since the organization was founded more than 60 years ago, but it could not have been done without the volunteer efforts of so many members. Each year, some of those members are recognized for their significant contributions through awards such as the Rising Star Award, the Dieter Bergman Fellowship Award, the President's Award, and the Corporate Recognition Award.

As you would expect, those who are honored with these awards continue making valuable contributions that benefit the industry, and they receive even higher levels of recognition from IPC in the following years. Eventually, a select few are recognized with the highest level of recognition the organization offers: the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award (HOF). According to IPC, it is presented to “individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service to IPC and to the advancement of the industry, including the creation of a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC on a long-term basis.”

The award’s namesake is Ray Pritchard, who was hired as executive director by the six printed circuit board companies that founded IPC in 1957. In recognition of Ray’s enduring contributions to IPC and the industry, this award commemorates him and is offered as the highest honor an industry member can receive. The HOF is awarded most years and sometimes to more than one individual. The first Hall of Fame Award was presented in 1977 to William McGinley of Methode Electronics. Since then, 45 individuals, including Ray Pritchard in 1982, have been presented with the award.

To read this entire article, which appeared in the October 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.