In Memory of CSULA Technology
Faculty James E. Ettaro

James E. Ettaro, 42, associate professor of technology at California State University, Los Angeles, passed away Thursday, November 3.

Recognized by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as 2004 Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the Year, Dr. Ettaro was the faculty advisor and guiding force for Cal State L.A.'s award-winning Super Eagle team. The Super Eagle is a student built, fuel-efficient vehicle that placed first in the nation at the 2004 SAE international Supermileage(r) competition, achieving 1,615 mpg.

A CSULA faculty member since 1997, Ettaro taught courses on power, energy and transportation and coordinated the University's Power, Energy, and Transportation Program. He had done extensive research on the study of alternative energy sources, alternative engines, fuels and vehicles. He was also the faculty advisor for the student chapters of SAE and NAIT (National Association of Industrial Technology). CSULA's College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology presented the Technology Professor of the Year Award to Ettaro in 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1998.

Ettaro was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Fluid Power Society, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, National Association of Industrial Technology, Epsilon Pi Tau (Industrial Education and Technology Honorary Society), American Hydrogen Association, and California Industrial Technical Education Association.

Described by his peers as a "wonderful human being," Ettaro will be deeply missed by the campus community. Ettaro, who resided in Alhambra, is survived by his wife, Jacinta ("Jay"); their expected daughter; and his parents, Donna Jean and James L. Ettaro of Santa Rosa, California. "His campus friends and colleagues will always remember his good-natured personality and his dedication to teaching students how to succeed in applying their academic learning to society's needs," said Kuei-wu Tsai, dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology. The College will coordinate a campus memorial dedicated to Ettaro's life on a later date.

Born in Santa Barbara on September 7, 1963, Ettaro received a bachelor's degree in industrial arts and technology at Humboldt State University in 1989, an M.S. in industrial technology from CSU Fresno in 1994, and a Ph.D. in industrial education and technology from Iowa State University in 1997.