As a new E2CA2 board member, Dipert proves that retirement has nothing to do with slowing down. Dipert came to the U of I as the number-one ranked student from a Chicago community college. He changed majors several times going from physics to general engineering to electrical engineering. One semester, Dipert even applied to the U of I law school and attended classes for three weeks. After receiving his doctorate, he chose to remain at the U of I as an electrical engineering assistant professor.
Teaching is an interesting career that involves young people which makes the teacher young.
Never tempted to enter the industry workforce, though he received many offers, Dipert remained a professor in the ECE Department until he retired in 1992. At a time when most retirees are content to sit back and enjoy their much-deserved rest, Dipert embarked on a whole new career. After a medical scare, Dipert realized life is finite and there were many interesting things he still wanted to do. He entered the U of I School of Law and graduated in May 1995. After so many years of being a professor, Dipert found much pleasure in his role as a student.