Spitzer to be honored as ‘Distinguished Citizen’

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Editor

For many years, Robert Spitzer has given of himself – and his time.

On Tuesday, he will be honored for that lifetime of dedication.

Spitzer, President Emeritus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, will be named the 2013 Distinguished Citizen award winner at Veterans Terrace. A reception is at 6 p.m., with dinner and a program to follow at 7 p.m.

Spitzer was president of MSOE from 1977-1991.

Prior to leading at MSOE, Spitzer spent 28 years at Murphy Products Co. in Burlington. He served as director of research, executive vice president and CEO, and also as chairman of the board.

The old feed mill for that company was finally torn down this past spring, and the land – located near what is now Richter’s Marketplace (formerly Sentry) – is up for sale.

After retiring from Murphy, Spitzer was coordinator of the U.S. State Department’s Food for Peace program in Washington, D.C., and also participated in the World Food Program in Rome as a citizen advisor and delegate of the United States.

Spitzer remains active in the community to this day. He helped at the recent installation of the “Born Learning” trail at Echo Park, and is a 60-year member of Rotary International. He is a past president of the Rotary Clubs in Burlington and Milwaukee.

In addition, he currently serves as director and senior mentor at Kikkoman Foods in Walworth.