Rentschler Inducted into Connecticut Hall of Fame

Pratt & Whitney founder Frederick Rentschler was among six individuals inducted into the Connecticut Hall of Fame during a ceremony held last week in Hartford, Connecticut. Notable UTC inductees from previous classes include Igor Sikorsky and former CEO and Chairman Harry Gray.

Connecticut State Senator Joe Crisco noted Rentschler was "being recognized for his pioneering role in the development of revolutionary aircraft engines." Crisco also noted "[Rentschler] brought a vision and drive to the corporation that enabled Pratt & Whitney to build the best aircraft engines in the world."

Rentschler's contributions to the aerospace industry have been recognized numerous times through the decades. Once dubbed "Mr. Horsepower" in a TIME magazine cover story, he was enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1982. The company's former airfield in East Hartford was dedicated in his honor in 1931. Land from the now-decommissioned airfield was donated to the University of Connecticut for its football stadium, which is named … Rentschler Field.

In addition to Rentschler, the Class of 2014 includes Constance Baker Motley, David Brubeck, Judge John T. Downey, Frederick Law Olmsted and Stephen Sondheim. The Connecticut Hall of Fame is located in the state's Legislative Office Building and was created in 2005 to honor individuals from Connecticut who have distinguished themselves in their professions, domestically or internationally.