Robert E. Johnson, III is president of CIMCOR, Inc.

"I value Purdue Calumet's ability to consistently design and implement curricula that are very closely in line with the expectations and needs of the real business world."

Robert E. Johnson, III, 36 is president of CIMCOR, Inc., a company that develops and markets network security software that prevents cyberterrorism.

A Gary native and Crown Point resident, Johnson works on marketing, developing technical strategy, and business development. He earned a bachelor's degree in system programming in 1991 and a master's degree in management in 1996 at Purdue University Calumet.

"I value Purdue Calumet's ability to consistently design and implement curricula that are very closely in line with the expectations and needs of the real business world," Johnson said. "I have found that many Purdue Calumet instructors have a wealth of experience and are eager to share their experience and knowledge with students. Just as technology is a rapidly adapting field, I have noticed over the years that Purdue Calumet is a dynamic and fluid organization that is changing constantly to ensure that it is always providing a world-class education."

According to Johnson, he started CIMCOR when he was told by his former employer-a top engineering company, which employed some 40,000 engineers-to lay off the staff in a division that he used to manage. So, to preserve the jobs of some outstanding engineers, and prevent letting down customers in the middle of projects, Johnson started CIMCOR in 1997.

Johnson began his work as a teen. At age 15, he worked as a consultant writing custom software for various local businesses in northwest Indiana. For example, he developed a software program for ELKA Learning Center that helped teach children the alphabet. The program featured his mother saying, "A is for apple," etc. His consulting work took off after an article about him was published in a local newspaper.

According to Johnson, his grandfather, an engineer, served as his role model, as he was fascinated by his grandfather's mastery of technology.

"I have had an interest in technology my entire life. For me, my career was a natural progression that was focused around my personal interest in technology," he said. "Over the years, I have worked for some of the largest engineering companies in the world. Today, I primarily consider myself an inventor and have led the development of several patent-pending technologies."

An expert in such technology areas as security, industrial automation, artificial intelligence and mobile computing technology, Johnson has written numerous articles, is a leading contributor to books about technology, developed several commercial software packages, and made several television and radio appearances about information technology and security related topics.

"Over my career, I have been involved in multiple aspects of technology from software design, implementation, engineering, and management," Johnson said. 'My career in technology is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. I believe that a life-long interest in learning, a true passion for technology, and a clear set of personal goals, are the key factors that contribute to one's ability to meet career objectives."

Johnson is the 2005 recipient of the Purdue Alumni Association-Calumet's "Alumni Committed to Excellence Award" for the Department of Computer Informations Systems and Information Technology. He also serves on the advisory board for the Purdue Technology Center in Merrillville.