Delta Sigma Phi Foundation is proud to share that one of your Zeta Lambda Chapter Founding Fathers, David Yates, is receiving a career achievement award from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

After graduating, Brother Yates did a couple of rounds in general electric medical systems groups then felt the call to become the fourth employee in a start-up company making electronically-steerable vascular catheters. Next, he spent 27 years with various Johnson & Johnson companies in technology development and supported several large tech acquisitions to build their medical device business.

An out-of-the-box thinker, David invented a number of new areas and improved existing techniques and technologies. To date, he holds 312 U.S. patents with several hundred still pending.

Throughout his entire career, David used his electrical engineering skills, passion for music (as an audiophile and accomplished musician), and technology expertise to form several small businesses, all outside the bounds of the “day job.” Most notably among them were a mid-1980s tech company that made the cover of Computer Shopper Magazine with a device to improve the accuracy of long-range shooting and multiple pro audio-based companies focused on the world of the electric bass.

Improving the lives and outcomes of millions of patients and making the world of bass more fun mark the high points of David’s technical career.

Every day all around the world, someone is benefiting from the medical device technology that David developed. You can hear his designs on recordings, concert tours, and some of the live bands on late-night TV (SNL, Jimmy Fallon, and others).

David’s career took him to several start-up environments, and his experience with the other Founding Fathers provided an example and whet his appetite for building groups from the ground up.

In addition to having the largest family tree branch of Zeta Lambda, his son, Alan, is a legacy (and a family tree member) who graduated from Rose-Hulman in 2017.

David is an inductee in the Terre Haute South Vigo High School Hall of Distinction and was awarded the Hoffman Medal, the highest honor for technical achievement within Johnson & Johnson.

Delta Sig couldn’t be prouder of this Founding Father. He truly embodies the mission to Build Better Men who positively impact the world through their actions and influence.

“My experience with my Founding Father brothers showed me that what seems impossible can be accomplished by building relationships with others and finding ways where all parties benefit. The lifelong friendships and shared experiences from the ZL chapter are invaluable.” – David Yates