The Richard W. and Elizabeth A. Henes Chair Professor in Mechanical Engineering was established in January 2002. Richard, a Menominee, Michigan native, graduated from Michigan Tech in 1948 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and in 1951, earned a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Elizabeth is a native of Peshtigo, Wisconsin.

Richard Henes started Henes Stamping Inc. in 1958 in Phoenix, Arizona. He also served as president of Henes Manufacturing Company and the Henes Products Company. Residents of Arizona since the early 1950s, Richard and Elizabeth are valued long-time Michigan Tech supporters.