Donald A. Jubel followed his late father, Henry, into Washington University and into the family business. The elder Jubel, after graduating with an engineering degree in 1940, founded Spartan Light Metal Products, a manufacturer of highly engineered aluminum and magnesium die cast solutions for the power train markets. During summer breaks, the younger Jubel worked in every area of the plant, learning the business from the ground up.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1973 from the School of Engineering & Applied Science and a master’s of business administration from the University of Missouri in 1974, Jubel became the initial project engineer for Spartan’s magnesium operation. He worked his way up to president in 1991, and was named chief executive officer in 1999. Today, Spartan’s 700 employees work in operations across Missouri and Illinois, and as far away as Tokyo.
As an alumnus, he serves the engineering school as a member of its national council, as chair of its Eliot Society and as a member of its Patrons Committee. Jubel also is a member and past president of the school’s Alumni Advisory Council and co-chaired the Class of 1973’s 35th Reunion. He is also a past chair of the university’s Alumni Board of Governors.
Both Jubel and his company sponsor scholarships for engineering students: Spartan Light Metal Products has endowed four scholarships and with his wife, Karen, sponsor two annual scholarships.
In addition to his service to Washington University, he is active in a number of St. Louis area community organizations, his church and professional associations.
In recognition of his efforts, Jubel received in 2008 both the School of Engineering’s Volunteer of the Year Award and the Alumni Achievement Award. His father received the latter award in 1997.