David Nittler
Dave Nittler graduated in 1965 with a BS in Civil Engineering, Construction Option, and in 1967 with an MS in IEM from OSU. Dave held multiple offices in ASCE, Chi Epsilon (Honorary CE Fraternity), Sigma Chi (Social Fraternity), and Engineering Student Council. He has been a member of Sigma Tau (Engr), Alpha Pi Mu (IE), and Blue Key (Men’s Honorary Service Fraternity), and received three awards while at OSU, including Engineering Saint Pat’s Salute. He also held three assistantships, including membership on the IE Boeing Research Team.
In 1967 Dave joined IBM Corporation in Tulsa as a Marketing Trainee; he took military
leave three months later upon receiving his acceptance to U.S. Naval Officers Candidate
School in Newport RI. where he was commissioned as Ensign in June 1967. He received
additional training Port Hueneme, CA at the Civil Engineer Corps Officers School in
public works maintenance, contract construction supervision, and Combat Mobile Construction
(“the Seabees”). He joined the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion as
a combat engineer in Dong Ha, Viet Nam. During his two tours to Viet Nam he served
as a Construction Company Commander charged with construction to support all combat
troops. He also served as a Security Company Commander for a portion of the Quang
Tri Combat Base perimeter during the TET Offensive. His third deployment was to Okinawa
as Supervisor of four companies building Camp Kinser. LTJG Nittler then went to Guam
to supervise four companies (250 men) remodeling U.S. Naval facilities. His CE and
IEM degrees were perfectly suited to his work. Dave is a 100% Disabled Veteran and
member
of American Legion Post # 111 in Edmond.
During his early years, David also had eight (8) summers of work, including State of Alaska Dept of Highways as Party Chief, Culvert/Fill/Grade Inspector, Estimator, Engineer, and Pile Inspector (3); Metropolitan Paving Co in OKC as Engineering Assistant, Surveyor, and Estimator (2); City of OKC as laborer (2); and Boy Scouts of America (1). Dave is an Eagle Scout and received the Silver Awd as an Explorer Scout.
When Dave returned from the Navy in 1970, he rejoined IBM to analyze small business prospects and market computers to improve accounting and technical functions. In 1973 he joined L.E. Smith Construction Company where he coordinated projects with subcontractors and superintendents.
In 1975, Dave enrolled in the University of Tulsa to complete three semesters of Pre-Dental coursework. He then attended the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and graduated in 1980 with a DDS. He was Class Treasurer for four years and received the “Removal Prosthetics Merit Award.” Dave then established a successful private dental practice in Edmond, OK. Throughout his dental career (27 years) he was a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA) and in 2007 became an Honorary Life Member of ODA and the American Dental Association (ADA). He also became a Clinical Instructor in Periodontics and Removable Prosthetics. Dr. Nittler has also served as a Board Member on the Medical Curriculum Committee at Francis Tuttle Technology Center in OKC when it was forming a series of courses in Pre-Dentistry and Dental Assisting.
Dr. Nittler will be honored this year by having two Dental Operatory’s named for he and his wife at the Univ. of Okla. College of Dentistry. Dave and Betty Nittler have three adult children and five grandchildren.