Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award
The Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award is awarded to a member of the alumni community who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the College of Engineering and Bucknell University, exemplary professional achievement, or noteworthy contributions to society.
2024 Recipient John Madison '81
John Madison, Bucknell Class of 1981, was hired at Corning two months after graduating with a chemical engineering degree and remained a key contributor to the company’s success in a wide variety of roles spanning many technologies for the next 42 years. He worked on optical fiber when it was in its infancy, Corelle dinnerware, color filters, photonic couplers and cellular ceramics. His leadership roles spanned engineering, manufacturing and development, although he considers himself a process engineer at heart.
Madison retired from his role as the Engineering Process Manager for Environmental Technologies in 2014. He then shifted to a part-time position at Corning teaching classes and providing coaching around the world for another nine years.
In 2012, Madison was recognized with Corning Environmental Technologies’ People Development Award, which is presented annually to a manager who has done exceptional work mentoring and developing others. During the award ceremony Madison’s manager noted that, “John is a proud graduate of Bucknell University. After nearly 32 years with the company, he continues to play a key role in recruiting new engineering talent from his alma mater to Corning.”
For many years, Madison and his wife, Karen, a member of Bucknell’s Class of 1980, supported and then led Bucknell campus recruiting for Corning. They also established the Grahn, Bell, Carey Scholarship in 2010 in honor of Karen’s uncle Harold “Bud” W. Grahn Jr., and in tribute to his lifelong friendship with Class of 1950 members William W. “Bill” Bell and William O. “Pat” Carey, to support students with demonstrated financial need.
Madison was a longtime member of the Bucknell Engineering Alumni Association (BEAA) Board. While a member of the BEAA’s Executive Committee, he chaired the Student Engagement Committee and spearheaded the creation of the Buddy Program, which provided alumni mentorship to students in the College of Engineering.
Now fully retired, Madison enjoys continued engagement with Bucknell, building with Habitat for Humanity, tennis, pickleball, water sports, and most of all, time with his family. He became a grandfather in 2022 and now has three grandchildren.