Columbia University School of Engineering - Yearbook (New York, NY)

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The 1934 COLUMBIA ENGINEER INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS AND FACULTY Gasstroilz F'l.SI167' W'iII1'a111s Kats dififchel Ratner - I I Ryan Reilly O'Ne1ll Ayars Livzfigsiolz Smith. 015132 il-Market late XNALTER RAUTENSTR.AUCII HE sUM ToT,xL of what is termed our national culture is derived from the composite of experiences in living, and the resulting patterns of behavior. These determine our point of view, or how We look at things, and judge them. If these experiences are well balanced, that is, give proper emphasis to all the needs and aspirations of mankind. then our behavior patterns result in an acceptable national culture. H, however, We emphasize some aspects of living more than others, our point of view becomes distorted, and We fail to understand the full and complete meaning of our experiences. The rapid development of our material resources in the past two generations, and the elaborate business processes dealing with these resources have demanded a considerable amount of human energy and attention. Thus the production of goods, and the many details of business concerned with goods, have been the major concerns of the majority of men. The Market Place has become the chief arena of lite experiences, and has established the patterns of behavior of mankind. Its standards have become the standards by which the issues of life are judged. The class of 1934 is about to take its place in this process we call civilization, and be absorbed in its activities. Its specific contributions will be to design, construct and operate the physical plant by which society supplies its material needs and comforts, and also to assist in the design, construction and operation of the economic system and business processes by which the products of manufacture are brought to effective consumption. In both these fields of profession service, Tlzirfy

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The 1934 COLUMBIA ENGINEER present-day needs and environment. l-lence the aggressive and forceful modifica- tion which Mr. Edison has given us. At first reading, the motto immediately arouses one's interest because of its paradoxical phrasingg the words wait and hustle connote such diverse courses of action that they seem to be inconsistentg thus causing one to puzzle over the phrase and thereby imprinting it firmly on the mind. The young graduate may find it most difficult to set his feet on the road which he has hoped to travel and for which he has prepared himself. In many cases he has to accept work with little or no technical interest and Mr. Edison's motto is particularly applicable and pertinent for this reason. But if while he is thus waiting he Works aggressively and enthusiastically at the job in which he finds himself he will prove his ability and worth and will build himself up as an outstanding candidate for any opportunities which the future will offer. Thus the motto is not inconsistent, but on the contrary, states in simple language a philosophyof life which is a powerful aid to success and happiness. Even after the graduate is in the line of work which he has hoped for, the phrase applies with even greater force. One might say that everyday life consists in doing the things which need to be done in the present and looking forward to, or anticipating the needs of the future. The first-mentioned activity consists of enthusiastic work, of 'fhustlefl while the second is anticipation, or waitingf' It should be kept in mind that hope and enthusiasm are important factors in waiting, and without these hustle may become drudgery. The words hustle While you wait thus contain the thought 'Kwork as enthusiastically and as ably as you can in the present, while looking forward to the futuref' Therefore, as each of you leaves the University to begin professional work, carry with you this advice of a great inventor, and you will have added appreciably to your potential success and happiness. MOTOR GENERATOR SET IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY Twenty-nizze

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The 1934 COLUMBIA ENGINEER the work of the engineer is judged by the test of the Market Place, and this test is: VVill it pay? If the result of the test is positive, the work is said to be successful,' and those who reap the rewards are known as successful men. Thus the Market Place sets the standard by which both the work and the workers of the world, including engineering and engineers, are judged. In fact. this influence has dominated engineering -instruction, and all problems in every field of engineer- ing teaching focus on the question, will it result in a satisfactory return on the capital invested: that is, will it pay? I Wonder sometimes if we fully realize what this test of the engineers work implies. Has the engineer been so absorbed in the techniques involved in obtaining a satisfactory answer to this question that he has failed to sense its implications? I trust every member of the class of 1934 will consider this question in the light of recent business conditions, and then ask himself: did it pay? P W, We J i.,ii. 2 Z 5 t Tlzirly-one Y'