University of Toronto Engineering Society - Skule Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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Genuine Editorial Content We are, we are, we are, we are, we are the engineers. For we don ' t give a damn for any damn man who don ' t give a damn for us. This attitude which we get all the frosh enthused about has an appeal because it makes us feel like we are kings of something, technology perhaps, by virtue of understanding it while others do not. Engineering has, in the past seemed to be content with being concerned with the thing, and the users can give a damn if they feel like it. In recent years however, this has done nothing to improve the public ' s image of the engineer. Many people seem to live in awe, perhaps even in fear, of the creations of our predecessors and associates-to-be. They live in the shadows of tall buildings, are exposed to the risks and annoyances of such often ill designed products as stoves, cars, clothes, typewriters, and are hooked to the junk that gushes out of their T.V. set, delivered most efficiently by the wonder of thousands of tiny transistors, advanced antennas, and of course technicolor. And that ' s even without occupational hazards. This trend has to change, and to some extent it has already. It must be realized that all engineering is for people. In fact, people are the most important part of any engineering work. Yet no courses are even available within Engineering before fourth year, addressing this matter specifically, let alone as a core course. This matter to me seems especially important, in light of the attitude I have seen in many (by no means all) students in this faculty. They are not just indifferent, but positively unsympathetic toward others who are not necessarily so at ease with our field. In fact, for these people, the attitude that things are easier to understand than people is probably the reason they headed for engineering in the first place. However, there is no reason why we can ' t und erstand both and especially how the two relate. I am optimistic that the atmosphere will change. A new course was introduced this year, ' The Social Impact of Technology ' , which is attempting to deal with the affect we will, could, and should have as engineers. It certainly seems to be an area of concern with the teach ing staff, starring such distinguished lecturers as Deans Etkin and Jervis, and ex-Dean Ham, plus people from industry and government. It comes as a surprise however to hear some of these people tell how recently it was that they realized the importance of ' sensitive ' eng ineering. They wished they had discovered sooner , and perhaps will try to emphasize this to their future students. I hope the students will in turn welcome and feel more comfortable with this new point of view. SLR ' s at 40 paces. 4 Many of the local, national and global problems today are complicated combinations of social, economic, medical, environmental and technical matters. Gloomy predictions have been made as to when we will run out of various essentials. Engineers have to play a part in solving these problems, and attempt in bettering our world, not to create new trouble. There ' s always time to give a damn. Meanwhile, back to the yearbook, it has been a great experience. The reason is not just the weeks of hard work involved, but meeting all the people who revolve around the Engineering Society, and especially those whose attachment to the Engineering Society through the Yearbook and Toike Oike. In short, a large number of people who do give a damn. As a photographer for this book, I had a great excuse for going to all kinds of events I would otherwise not have time ' for. I was impressed by the co-operation and co-participation of the Nursing students this year in many events where guys and girls can meet in an atmosphere more informal and less demanding than ' The Date ' . On the otherhand, our Engineering women continue to be mistaken for Nurses and are alternately hustled, not taken seriously, or totally neglected by their classmates. Come on you guys, there ' s nothing wrong with ' just ' friends. Someday we ' ll get things straight around here. We hope you enjoy our efforts on the following pages, and good luck to all. Graham Wideman ( JYui ’ ■

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May Hanning Meeting On May eighth, the Engineering Society held a planning” meeting at Hart House Farm. Although only a hardy band of executive and hangers-on were smart enough to come, it was a great success. The beer supply was never quite exhausted, even despite the heroic efforts of Sweve Swigger who wandered off into the unexplored wilds with a friendly tree over his shoulder and a case under his arm. The cat and the Skipper had a sizzling relationship, ideas for capers and the year s events were discussed, and then everyone started drinking. Ellen had ' two wallbangers and Jim started playing with his weiner and Ellen (at the same time, too!). All those present would like to thank the Women ' s Committe for doing the cooking. 6