Stevens Institute of Technology - Link Yearbook (Hoboken, NJ)

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-,gi-.+,. MNK -g Dr. Alexander C. Humphreys N THE daily grind of curriculum work we are apt to lose sight of the far-off goal of success and to focus our thoughts with dismay on the numerous obstacles which seem to render our pathway impassable. At such times it is well for us to consider the accomplishments of others under similar conditions. The achievements of Dr. Humphreys are particularly inspiring to us as technical students. Alexander C. Humphreys came with his parents to the United States in 1859. His early aspirations were maritime. At the age of fourteen he received an appoint- ment to the United States Naval Academy, but, although he successfully passed the entrance tests, he was denied admission becauseiof his youth. Thus his ambition was diverted, the result being his illustrious technical career. ' For twelve years he applied himself diligently to his various positions, and won respect and promotion because of his intelligence and splendid character. More and more clearly, however, he realized that he lacked the special technical training which he needed to achieve notable success. He learned by consulting Dr. Henry Morton,that by attending.Stevens Institute on the two forenoons a week when his company could spare him, he might possibly complete the course in six years. Dr. Humphreys, however, succeeded in graduating after four years under this arrangement, with such high honors that the Faculty passed a special resolution commending him for his remarkable accomplishments. The full significance of this achievement can be appreciated only when it is realized that he had been out of school for twelve years and had lost the habit of daily study' that he and his family were entirely dependent upon the modest salary which he drew from his responsible position as Superintendent of the Bayonne and Greenville Gas Light Company' and that he continued faithfully in the discharge of other duties such as Treasurer of Trinity Church Superintendent of its Sunday School Member of the Bayonne Board of Education and Foreman of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. After his graduation Dr. Humphreys reaped the fruits of his efforts in his wonderful success in the various' gas and electric-light industries with which he became affiliated. He is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on illuminating engineering. He is also the author of many valuable treatises on this and other technical topics. In 1902 at the age of 51 Dr. Humphreys was unanimously chosen President of Stevens Institute of Technology to succeed the deceased Dr. Morton. Unselfishly he answered the call and devoted himself to the service of his Alma Mater. During the period of his presidency the Institute has made great progress. Several new buildings and considerable land have been acquired. Without detracting from the original high-grade course, Dr. Humphreys has made additions which his wide practical experience convinced him were essential to the real success of a technical man Chief among these are the Course in Economics of Engineering and the Department of Structural Engineering Dr Humphrey s life has been one of many d1H'icult1es and illustrious successes His achievements before his selection as president and also as its chief executive have been such as to make him respected and cherished by all who know him 3 ! 9 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 18 l . . - , ,- ..4.?a 177 ... ,gg

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H-'HNK f2 , Ss N? , Y w 1 , F PRQN T view of the lfalker Gj'77HLll.fi'll771.. Presented to the Institute by Ilfzllzna-m Hall Ilfalleer in. 1916. The gym1za.vium ix very 'modern in ity conxtruelwn, eo-rztain-ing a ,vfw-imming pool, mee track, bruleetball and hand- ' ball eourtx. Adjoining flze gf5F77l7l!1J'iu?71. are the two athletic field: and the outdoor race track. X . X .q, Q 7 l -v QQ 'I -Bgifexk , ' 1i'iS2.b2?'5-r-'Ei e- ,QQAQX ,

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