University of Idaho - Gem of the Mountains Yearbook (Moscow, ID)

Page 23 text:

The Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering In accordance with the provisions of the various acts establishing the Uni- versity, the Regents in June, 1901, established the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Little more than the assignment of quarters for the work was done during the following year. In August, 1902, Professor S. R. Sheldon, of the University of Wisconsin, was secured as Professor of the Department, and in September of that year a course was formerly organized with five freshmen, two sophomores and one senior registered. Equipment has been constantly added as the funds were available and the facilities are now quite adequate for the conduction of a thorough course in this department of technical training. With the erection of the Mining Labora- tory more floor space will be available for this department. The business world is constantly demanding men who have not only a practical knowledge of the construction and operation of machinery but those also who have a thorough understanding of the principles and laws governing machinery, If men are to cope with new problems they must have a thorough theoretical knowledge to supplement their practical experiences. Electrical Engineering especially is widening and reaching ever to the unexplored fields. The general plan of the course is to prepare the student for these require- ments. It aims to give the theoretical principles, and supplementing this, makes application of the principles in actual practice. The theorectical work is of prime importance in affording mental discipline. The practical broadens and makes more tangible the conception of the truths taught. With these considerations in view the course has been planned. Through- out the four years, the student applies in the shops, in the drafting room, and in the laboratories, the principles studied in the class room. 19

Page 25 text:

The Department of Civil Engineering One of the first departments included in the regular work of the University was that of civil engineering. At the outset the instruction was meager, due in great part to the lack of apparatus for the training in the work. Theoretical instruction was given, but this requires, in the courses of engineering, a supple- menting by practical work with the necessary field instruments. At first also there were no students prepared for the technical work. As the demand increased, and as the funds for this department became available, the department was supplied with equipment. At the present time the equipment is complete enough to illustrate the work of civil engineering in all its usual forms. This includes a full set of Field Instruments, Testing Laboratory, Drafting Room Supplies and equipment, books, etc. The work of the course is thorough, and the student is expected to do the work which is usually required at any of the recognized schools of the country, With this thoroughness on the part of the student there can be no difficulty to the graduate in making rapid advancement in their chosen profession. The first male graduates of the University were students of the Civil En- gineering Department. The total number of graduates receiving the degree B. C. E. is eleven. These are holding responsible positions throughout this section of the Northwest and are doing satisfactory work. 21