# Walter J. Zable

> Walter Joseph Zable (1915-2012) founded Cubic Corporation in 1951 and served as its chairman, president and chief executive until his death. A physics graduate and four-sport William & Mary athlete, he built an electronics business serving defense and public transportation and, with his wife Betty, supported scholarships, university facilities and scientific research.

- **Role:** Deceased; founder and former chairman, president and CEO at Cubic Corporation (1951-2012)
- **Organizations:** Cubic Corporation, Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation, William & Mary, National Football Foundation, University of San Diego
- **From:** Los Angeles, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in physics, College of William & Mary, Master of Science in physics and mathematics, University of Florida, Honorary Doctor of Laws, College of William & Mary
- **Known for:** Founded and led Cubic for more than six decades., Earned honorable mention All-American football recognition and lettered in four sports at William & Mary., Received the 1980 National Football Foundation Gold Medal.

## Career timeline

- **1937** — Graduated from William & Mary with a physics degree; lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track.
- **1939** — Completed a master’s degree in physics and mathematics at the University of Florida.
- **1940s** — Held engineering and technical positions at firms including Sperry Gyroscope and Convair.
- **1949** — Started a garage business focused on microwave technology.
- **1951** — Founded Cubic Corporation in San Diego; its early product measured microwave power.
- **1959** — Took Cubic public.
- **1971** — Helped establish the National Football Foundation’s San Diego chapter.
- **1980** — Received the National Football Foundation Gold Medal.
- **1987** — Received the NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award.
- **1990** — Walter and Betty pledged $10 million from their estate to William & Mary; the stadium was named for Walter.
- **1992-2000** — Served on William & Mary’s Board of Visitors.
- **1997** — Established the Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation with Betty.
- **2012** — Died on June 23, aged 97, while serving as Cubic chairman, president and chief executive.
- **2013** — William & Mary announced a $23.9 million gift from his estate.

## Achievements

- Founded and led Cubic for more than six decades.
- Earned honorable mention All-American football recognition and lettered in four sports at William & Mary.
- Received the 1980 National Football Foundation Gold Medal.
- Received the NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award in 1987.
- Was inducted into the William & Mary Sports Hall of Fame in 1969.
- His estate provided $23.9 million to William & Mary, announced in 2013.
- Walter and Betty’s estate left more than $6 million for University of San Diego athletics and scholarships, announced in 2014.

## Latest updates

- **—** — William & Mary lists an increase in the Zable Graduate Fellowship for the fall 2025 cohort to $5,300 annually for the first two years, plus $500 annually for research expenses.
- **2022-08** — San Diego State reported a Zable Foundation gift supporting its Stadium Excellence Fund.

## Links

- Website: https://www.cubic.com/our-founder

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Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23