Russ Rosmait, FEF Key Professor at Pittsburg State University for 27 years, retired at the end of 2024. 

In 1983, Rosmait took a position with AFS as assistant director of education for the Cast Metals Institute. In this role, he helped employees hone their skills and introduce them to new processes, which resonated with his teaching aspirations and solidified his resolve to make a difference in the foundry industry. He worked at AFS until 1986 and then transitioned to a foundry process engineer position at Marathon Electric, a gray iron foundry in Wausau, Wisconsin. 

After one particularly challenging day at the foundry, Rosmait says he read an ad in Modern Casting for the FEF Key Professor position––he applied and began teaching a subject he loved.

“Witnessing the transformation in my students as they grasp the intricacies of the process and develop a deep appreciation for the craft is incredibly rewarding, said Rosmait. “Metalcasting is an art that blends science, engineering, and creativity. Seeing students evolve from beginners into skilled practitioners, especially when their faces light up as they successfully pour their first mold or achieve a precise casting, is priceless.” 

He added, “Teaching metalcasting allows me to share my passion for the field, inspire future innovators, and contribute to the advancement of the industry through education.”

When a retirement celebration was announced, many of his former students traveled to attend––one couple drove over 800 miles and a former colleague hopped on a plane from Germany. Some of his students are currently in the industry as presidents of companies and plant managers; others run their own companies.

“Russ influenced me through his actions that focused on the well-being of the student,” said Steve Sikorski, president of MAGMA Foundry Technologies and a former student of Rosmait who graduated in 1996. “Also, his passion for the metalcasting industry was and is second to none. If you were willing to put in the effort, Russ would put in 100X to help you in your journey.” 

Kane Rohrig, castings engineer at General Motors and a 2012 Pittsburg grad, said, “Russ opened my eyes to the world of metalcasting, of which I had no knowledge before coming to Pittsburg State,” said “He provided me with many opportunities including scholarships, internships, and a job while I was in school. Russ pushed me out of my comfort zone by talking me into taking an internship in Pennsylvania where I ended up meeting my wife and provided a path for me to start my career in metalcasting. Russ started as my professor, turned mentor, and is now a lifelong friend.”