Frank S. Greene ’70 died Dec. 26, 2009. A pioneering technologist, he is one of 63 inductees into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame.

Hailed as one of the first African-American technologists, Greene developed high-speed semiconductor computer-mory systems at Fairchild Microconductor R&D Labs in the 1960s and started two technology companies and later founded NewVista Capital, a venture firm with a special focus on minority- and female-headed firms. He also launched the GO-Positive Foundation, which offers leadership progams for high school and college students. He was honored as one of the 50 most important African-Americans in technology in an exhibit at Palo Alto’s City Hall. He was the first African-American cadet to make it through the four-year Air Force ROTC program in 1961 and became a captain. He earned a master’s degree from Purdue University and after earning his doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science from SCU taught at five universities, including SCU.

In 2009 he told the Palo Alto Times, “Success in life is not about ‘me,’ but about what you can do to help others.” He put this philosophy into practice over the course of his life, launching the GO-Positive Foundation and his VRE (Vision, Relationships and Execution) Leadership Model, through which he mentored and served as an inspiration to high school students and young business professionals. For his many contributions to engineering and society, Greene was awarded the School of Engineering’s highest honor, the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award, and was inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame by the Silicon Valley Engineering Council in 1991.
Dedicated to fostering excellence through leadership training and education, Greene helped countless individuals realize their dreams by lending his time, his knowledge, and his support.

SCU alumnus Bob Ulicki M.S. ’72 writes: “Dr. Greene showed a genuine interest in all of us who attended his classes. Independent of his awards and accomplishments, Frank was a human being who cared about others.”

He sat on the board of numerous technology start-ups and was a trustee emeritus at SCU and a member of the Kenna Club’s board of directors. He is survived by three children.