Robert Oelman, 97, ex-NCR CEO, Wright State founder dies
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A former CEO of NCR Corp. and founding member of Wright State
University died Wednesday in Delray Beach, Fla.
Robert Oelman, who began his career with NCR in 1933 as an advertising
copy writer, was 97.
His son, Bradford Oelman, said his father died as a result of
complications associated with Alzheimer's.
"The NCR family is saddened to learn of Mr. Oelman's passing, and our
thoughts are with his family at this time," said Bill Nuti, president
and CEO of NCR in a written statement. "Mr. Oelman presided over NCR
during a period of great change, and his exemplary leadership resulted
in an even stronger company for which our employees, retirees and the
Dayton community are all grateful."
Robert Oelman served as NCR's CEO from 1960 to 1974, leading the
company through its transition from mechanical to electronic cash
registers.
"The quest for truth and honesty in all his business dealings and
respect for others were his hallmarks," said Bradford Oelman of his
father. "Those hallmarks were particularly valuable to him during
(NCR's) transition.... There were thousands of layoffs at the time.
That was very difficult for him to deal with, but it had to be done in
order for the business to survive."
A graduate and trustee of Dartmouth College, Robert Oelman also helped
orchestrate the founding of Wright State University in 1967, serving
as the first chairman over the university's board of trustees.
He was born in Dayton in 1909, the son of William Walter Oelman and
Edith Schantz. In 1933 he married Mary Elizabeth Coolidge, also from
Dayton. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last
fall.
By Lisa A. Bernard
Staff Writer
Friday, May 11, 2007