Muskingum News

Muskingum University granted master’s degrees at its 2011 graduate commencement exercises, held on May 5.  The address was delivered by 1964 alumnus Demetrios Lignos who is known as “the father of digital linear tape,” for his breakthrough invention of the medium while he was with Digital Equipment Corporation.

In recognition of his lifetime of achievement, the university bestowed upon Mr. Lignos an honorary doctor of science degree.

Demetrios Lignos has changed the world through his pioneering technological innovation and has enhanced the lives of others through his dedication to service.  He is known internationally as the “father of Digital Linear Tape” (DLT) for his 1984 breakthrough invention for the Digital Equipment Corporation.  DLT changed the nature of computer data storage and retrieval, opening new opportunities for technological applications and economic growth.  It quickly became the industry standard for backups of essential files and remains the standard for transferring original content to DVD format for commercial replication and distribution of motion pictures, music, and other media content.

During his distinguished forty-year career, Mr. Lignos held principal roles in engineering design, technology, and product development at industry-leaders Digital Equipment Corporation, Quantum Corporation, Maxtor Corporation, and InPhase Technologies.  He was responsible for the development of more than a dozen major computer peripheral and data storage products, guiding them through creation, testing, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and adoption by customers worldwide.

Mr. Lignos has received numerous electronics design and engineering honors, including the coveted “R&D 100 Award” recognizing the most technologically significant new products.  He is a prolific author of technical articles and conference presentations.

He earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with a Mathematics minor, and received a Muskingum University Distinguished Service Award in 2009. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering Science from the University of Toledo and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of New Hampshire.

An accomplished boater, he holds the highest level of boating education certification from the United States Power Squadron and teaches marine electronic courses to fellow boaters.  He is a visitor guide at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, and is active in many church, civic, and cultural organizations.

He and his wife, Raynette Lyons Lignos ’64, reside in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. They are the parents of Theodore (Ted) Lignos.