Richard Scott Reynolds

Richard (Dick) Reynolds, ’54, attended the Robert Down Grammar School and the PGHS from 1945 through 1954. He graduated 2nd in his class with academic strengths in science and mathematics. In addition he lettered in football, basketball and track, and had a strong interest in music.

After graduating from PGHS he attended the University of California, Berkeley and majored in Engineering Physics intending to go into the field of nuclear engineering. To help with the costs, he participated in the Cal student work-study. He graduated in 1959 with a BS degree in his major and went on to obtain an MS degree in electrical engineering at UCLA.

His first job was with Electro-Optical Systems (EOS) where he worked on research to determine the effects of radiation on materials being considered for the fledgling space program. During this time the LASER was discovered and the field of LASER research, design and systems development then became his lifelong career.

In 1964 he took a job with GTE Sylvania (now Verizon), a company developing a new electro-optics capability. During his 25 years with the Electro-Optics Organization within GTE Sylvania he helped to develop new types of lasers and laser-based systems for use in tracking rockets, aircraft and satellites and in advanced communications systems. In 1980 he was promoted to the position of manager of the Electro-Optics Organization where he stayed until his retirement. Shortly after retirement in 1990 Mr. Reynolds moved from silicon-valley to Grass Valley, CA where he is active in golf and woodworking. He spends his winters in the Palm Springs area.

Mr. Reynolds is married, has two children. His son, a graduate of Stanford, is an engineer in the telecommunications field and his daughter, graduate of UC Santa Cruz, is a grade school teacher.

“College at times can be very hard. But you have already demonstrated strong skills to work through any tough times. Remember to work hard, stay focused and set challenging goals for yourself. Just as important, learn to set dated, and measurable intermediate milestones needed to achieve each goal. This will lead to success not only in college but in your life after school. I wish you good luck and a great college experience.” – Mr. Reynolds