John R. "Jack" Davis, Jr., BS '55, and Barbara J. Davis

In 2012, Mr. John R. “Jack” Davis, Jr., BS ’55, industrial engineering, and Mrs. Barbara J. Davis established a scholarship fund to show their appreciation to UB’s School of Engineering for preparing Mr. Davis for what has been a successful career. The Barbara and Jack Davis Engineering Education Endowment Fund provides scholarships for undergraduate engineering students , with a preference for those from Western New York who need financial assistance.

In 1964, Davis founded I Squared R, which is now the nation’s only manufacturer of silicon carbide and molybdenum disilicide heating elements. I Squared R products are used in high temperature industrial electric furnaces to manufacture ceramics, glass, powder metal products, aluminum die castings and high temperature research. In addition to his business career, Jack has been active in Western New York civic life, running four times unsuccessfully for New York’s 26th District congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. In recognition of his support, UB named the newest building housing the departments of engineering and computer science Davis Hall.