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

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. ...I Stevens s THE first college of Mechanical Engineering in this country, Stevens Institute of Technology was endowed by Edwin A. Stevens, who in his will provided for the establishment of an Institution of Learning. This was to be located adjacent to the Stevens Estate at Castle Point, Hoboken. In 1870, preparations were made for the formation of such an institution. Henry Morton, a chemist who had established a splendid reputation in his field of work, was chosen to be the first president. He, in turn, appointed as instructors seven men who were experts in their respective branches of engineering work. In 1871, the new college was opened to students. Despite the fact that the first Student Body consisted of but two Juniors, three Sophomores and sixteen Freshmen, Stevens Tech began at once to establish the enviable reputation that it now holds. The research work of the Faculty aroused nation-wide interest in the new technical college, and soon the accomplishments of the early Alumni proved the value of Stevens as an institution of engineering education. The first graduation occurred in 1873. After that time the enrollment increased rapidly, until at the end of Dr. Morton's administration there were two hundred and ninety students and twenty Faculty members at Stevens. V President Morton died in 1902, and Alexander C. Humphreys was called to become the next President of Stevens Institute of Technology. Dr. Humphreys- was the recognized leader of gas engineering in the United States, and his accept- ance of the presidency was accomplished at a great personal sacrifice. Dr. Humphreys' love for Stevens led him to relinquish to a large degree his private engineering interests., After his inauguration in 1903, President Humphreys set about to enlarge the Campus and to broaden the curriculum. During the first days of the college the classes were held in the Administration Building which at that time housed the entire college, Later, Recitation Hall was acquired from the Stevens Preparatory School. The Carnegie Laboratory of Engi- neering, the gift of Andrew Carnegie, was built and put into service in 1902. The aim of Mr. Carnegie was to provide facilities for instruction in practical engineering. Shortly after the inauguration of President Humphreys the Morton Laboratory of Chemistry was constructed. This modern building, containing exceptional chemical equipment, is a fitting memorial to Dr. Morton. Castle Stevens, the former home of the Stevens family, was added to the Campus in 1913. This building, having a very picturesque situation overlooking the Hudson River, is used as a dormitory and also forms a setting for most of the social functions of the college. The Williaiii Hall Walker Gymnasium, erected in 1916, helps to increase interest in both formal and informal athletics. . fir. 1 V R f cl, 1 71, 'TSE if LAM, , - 'ls Tm .ffl .- , fm' -X fx 'X 'll l' n vf-y--is-,M X--.g, ..,,., ,. - .,.. -..,..,,..L..,.-...-c,,.., .... .,,, ..., . . -,-..---,-.......-,..-..,,,.,,,, ,nity ' .W .. .....-H -Y-Y. ---- ......--.....,-,..-- . ,..-, fsffiff '

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During the World War the government conducted the United States Navy Steam Engineering School at Stevens. At the end of the war two fine buildings constructed for this school were purchased by Stevens Institute. One, now known as the Navy Building, contains the Electrical Engineering class rooms and laboratories. The first Hoor of this building is now used to hold the exhibits ofthe Engineering Museum which were but recently moved from the Library Building. The other government building is now the Library Building. It houses an excellent engineering library and also the offices of the various student activities. The Honor System, now a fixture at most ofthe leading colleges of the country, has long been in successful use at Stevens. At the request of the Class of' 1906 the Honor System was used in the conduct of their final examinations as Seniors. This was the first use ofthe system at any engineering college. By June, 1907, all classes had adopted this method for the conduct of examinations. Placing the student on his honor has proven to be very successful at Stevens and the Stute man of today is justly proud of this tradition. In order to bring about a better understanding between the students and the Faculty, student self'-government was established in 1908. This movement resulted Cin 19131 in the selection ofthe first Student Council. The object of the council is to represent the Student Body in all matters and to control the interrelations ofthe various student activities. In October, 1926, Dr. Humphreys tendered his resignation as President of Stevens Institute of' Technology to take effect in June, 1927. Dr. Humphreys will continue to serve. however, 'as President ofthe Board of Trustees. The college sincerely regrets that President Humphreys finds this step necessary, but it realizes that after twenty-five years of unselfish service he well deserves a rest. l -1 .... A .A .1.. . Elfwiz