University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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Dean Greene BY A. B. PRESCOTT. The life of Professor Charles Ezra Greene has made itself known to the members of nineteen hundred and four more perfectly if possible than to those of earlier classes. His services in administration, in teaching and in the engineering methods of the world stand out before us now with singular unity of effect and the nearness of per- sonal acquaintance. The new Engineering building appears on the campus as a sub- stantial token of labors in which he has held a steady hand, together with his colleagues, since his appointment as Profesor of Civil Engineering in 1872, at thirty years of age. Mr. Greene graduated from Harvard in 1862, turned first to manufacturing, en- tered the service of United States Volunteers in 1864, and was afterward commis- sioned first lieutenant, decided upon the profession of a civil engineer, studied in Mas sachusetts Institute of Technology and received its degree in 1868. He was at once engaged as an engineer and continued upon the construction of railroads and harbor improvements) declining a proposal for college teaching until he was called to succeed Professor De Volsen Wood in this University. The several elements of his education and experience fitted well his fine natural traits of mind for the duties then before him. As a contributor to the science of engineering Professor Greene has been well known for distinct productions, of practical merit and constant, use, especially for the invention and development of graphical methods of analysis as applied to frames, bridges and arches. These working methods have been applied to determine the stresses in such structures as the steel arch bridges across the great Niagara gorge, and the Washington bridge across the Harlem river at New York. To all who have heard Professor Greene in his presentation of a technical subject the clearness and directness of his style will always be a delightful remembrance. The perfection of his language was in itself attractive, while with even voice and quiet bearing he imparted his own interest in his theme to those who heard him. In set- ting forth notable achievements of engineering construction in this and other lands the deeper currents of his enthusiasm were revealed as he referred again and again to Michigan alumni, naming their classes, who had here and there surmounted diffi- culties and had accomplished what had been accounted the impossible in older coun- tries. Of his work in the University and the world the years ' to come will speak with more effect than anything said at present. But it is of the man himself that words would de desired, if they could portray the charm and strength of his character. Sin- cere and just, kindly and true, prompt and decisive with gracious dignity, faithful to his convictions, his personality has been dear alike to his students and his colleagues. 12

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Dean Greene

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