Back from D.C. and Michigan

On Sunday, September 19th, I left San Diego for a trip to the Washington D.C. area and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Joining me were my wife Betty, daughter Mary Ann, assistant Ralph, and caregiver Chris. We flew to Dulles Airport, then headed to the Ritz Carlton in McLean, where we stayed through Wednesday the 22nd.

We had most of our meetings in my suite, and most of our lunches and dinners in the hotel restaurant. Despite that, my first misfortune of the trip was when I fell in the elevator and banged my head. I was taken to the emergency room at Fairfax Hospital and patched up. After that, my primary method of conveyance was by wheelchair to avoid a repeat performance.

I had many enjoyable meetings and meals with many different people while I was in McLean, including Ty Grigsby, who has been an important contributor to the new book, Jay Killeen, George Otchere, Matt Tobriner, Walt Havenstein, David Binns, Jim Russell, George Ullrich, Gif Munger, Billy Bingham, Bill Chadsey, and Steve Fisher.

Wednesday morning we flew to Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was a pleasant thing for me to return to the University of Michigan and meet with the people who are working on the FED-sponsored entrepreneurial ownership program there. The University is magnificent, and the architecture is very distinguished and well-planned. I spent a lot of time in the Engineering Department, where I saw some student robotics demonstrations and visited their particle accelerator. This excited me since I used to run an accelerator at General Atomics.

The visit to the University was capped off by a reception at President Coleman’s home, followed by dinner at the historic Clements Library.

Although I had an enjoyable trip, I was ready to return home on Saturday, September 25th. My plans are to repeat this circuit once a year as long as I can.

I also took some time to see my old house in Grosse Ile. The present owner and I are corresponding now by email. I hope to spend a little more time visiting my childhood haunts in future trips. I won’t at all mind returning to the University of Michigan next year. I took many photos during the trip and I will post some soon.

– Bob


4 Responses to “Back from D.C. and Michigan”

  1. 1 Jean Nagle Sumi

    I will look forward to seeing any pictures you took in Grosse Ile. I haven’t been back there for 30 years. It would be interesting to know how the lives of people we went to school with turned out. Must admit I would like to see our home but I’m not a big believer in going back. It’s never as one remembers. Will also be interested in photos of the University. Jean.

  2. 2 Dr. Beyster

    Jean: We did indeed visit Grosse Ile a couple of weeks ago, and I took some photos which I am posting on this blog. The photos included some of my old home on Grosse Ile and of the University. — Bob

  3. 3 Frederick Smith

    Hello Dr. Beyster,

    You may not know that one of the “SAI Alumni” companies is still based in Ann Arbor, OptiMetrics Inc. I am now the CEO having taken over the position when Bob Meredith died in 2000. We’ve continued to do interesting work for the military, currently doing LADAR research for AFRL and Chem-Bio software and analysis for the Army. We currently have about 80 employees (most not in Ann Arbor) and do about $12M per year. We’re also 100% employee owned and have an ESOP that owns about 25% of the company.

    It’s nice to learn you’re still busy and active in science and technology.

    Fred

  4. 4 Dr. Beyster

    Frederick: Thank you for your post on my blog. I’m very sorry to hear that Bob Meredith died in 2000. Us old guys have got to watch out what we do or we might end up in the same boat. You are doing a commendable job with your company OptiMetrics, Frederick. I will be watching to see how far you can carry it. When I come back to Ann Arbor this year, should I contact you? — Bob


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