Still available online: James Franklin Sharp in videos for CGS and U of I

Professor James Franklin Sharp grew up in Chester, Illinois, and now works and lives in Manhattan.

He was a May 1950 graduate of Chester Grade School, when he gave a graduation talk as class president. Seventy years later, in May 2020, he was scheduled to give an in-person Chester Grade School graduation speech, but COVID-19 caused graduation to be canceled.

Instead, he made a virtual graduation speech. Unusual for its time, his virtual speech was mentioned in 17 articles in newspapers and magazines, all carrying a photo of him in his Purdue University doctoral cap and gown (he has a Purdue MSIE and doctorate), that he wore for his virtual graduation talk. This 2020 Video is still available on YouTube, by looking up "Professor Sharp 2020 CGS Graduation Talk" on your smartphone or computer.

Sharp graduated from the University of Illinois in May 1959, with a BSIE in Industrial Engineering (now part of the school of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering).

In May 2021, 62 years later, he was asked to make virtual remarks for a University of Illinois ISE Virtual Awards Ceremony. His task was to explain why he endowed the University of Illinois ISE Outstanding Graduate Student Award, and announce the 2021 winner.

He was also asked to explain why he endowed the University of Illinois ISE Outstanding Teaching Award, and announce the 2021 winner. The overall video was expertly edited, and includes a musical background.

This University of Illinois 2021 video is available on YouTube, by looking up "ISE Award Video 2021" on your smartphone or computer. Sharp's remarks start at the 8:44 point.