Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has a singular distinction on the campus of Worcester Tech. It is the only department housed in a dungeon with new stair- ways. The old physics lab in the basement was remodeled for the bookstore, but unfortunately the chemists pay as much as everyone else. Chemistry and chemical engineering are extremely important fields in modern industry. With the development of new plastics, rocket fuels, and synthetic materials, to mention a few, the role of chemistry is increasingly prominent. The chemist deals mostly with the discovery and improvement of materials. The chemical engi- neer is interested in the application and development of new materials to industrial uses. The chemical engineer also looks for facilities of production. At Tech, the courses in chemistry and chemical engineer- ing are constantly being revised to keep pace with the ever changing world of science. Facilities for experimental work are also kept abreast of changes with new equipment and the revamping of laboratories. Professor Wilmer LeRoy Kranich Head of Department 12 Seated: Prof. Charles W. Shipman, Prof. Frederick Butler, Prof. Maurice Smith, Prof. Harry B. Feldman, Prof. John Meader, Prof. Robert Wagner, Prof. Robert Plumb, Prof. Wilmer Kranich, Prof. John Petrie. Standing: Prof. Wilbur Bridgman, Prof. David Todd, Mr. Jean B. Letendre.

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IN MEMORIAM... Robert Oscar Carlson His life was concentrated on two opposites, adventure and quiet relaxation. To most, his outward manner spoke of a shy, quiet young man keenly interested in fine music, quiet and refined yet built on strength and progressiveness. Easy to get along with, he always knew his place and when to speak. Once having gotten to know him, you were friends forever And yet the quietness was hut a part of the man. Equally as strong, though rarely seen, was his adventurous spirit fueled by his love for the sea. The fulfillment of this drive took shape in his interest in boating, and the many hours spent on the water tended to bring him closer to that mother of men , the sea. When he dreamt, as all men do, his thoughts were of the open water and the freedom he found there. His knowledge, unlike that of the classical student, was gained primarily from his inquisitiveness and his searching into problems of technology that interested him. The subjects requiring a plodding, methodical approach were difficult for him but nevertheless he realized their value and gave them his time. Although he is no longer in our immediate company he will remain with each of us as we leave the Institute, for it is our remembrance which takes him with us. 11

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A.I.Ch.E. The student chapter of the American Institute of Chemi cal Engineers was organized at Tech in 1940. Since that time its purpose has been to aquaint the student engineer with the opportunities, problems, advances and techniques of the chemical and chemical engineering industries. To accomplish this, guest speakers are invited from industry to give talks and show movies and slides pertaining to their particular fields. The A.I.Ch.E. also conducts a social program at Tech, the. highlight of which is the Unit OP Hop. It is held each year in the Unit Operations Lab where students and their dates may dance among the various pieces of apparatus and enjoy refreshments served from test tubes, beakers, and flasks. The combined A.I.Ch.E.-A.I.E.E. picnic and beer party each spring provides an afternoon of enjoyment for both students and faculty alike. Finally, giving credit where credit is due, an important factor in continuing the success of the organization on campus is the efforts of its faculty advisor, Prof Robert Wagner who has devoted many hours of his time in search of interesting speakers, films, and literature for the students. Seated: P. Burgrel, R. Trotter, W. Thompson, H. Christopher, J. Ogorzalek. Satnding: J. Machonis, R. McGee, J. Virkus, J. Faucher, S. Rothstein. Skeptical Chymists On a predetermined Thursday every month a clandestine group of bottle washers meet in the musty halls of Salisbury to discuss the latest in detergents, emulsions, and Metrecals. These lusty pioneers of science enjoy taking part in seminars on the current developments in chemistry. Augmented by talks from eminent research men in the field, the program is well rounded and stimulating. The year ' s events are highlighted by a student-faculty Spring picnic, during which time the students find out how different the faculty are outside of class. Left to Right: Harry Rook, Irving Freeman, John Grocki, Charlie Wilkes. 13 Future grads? That ' s more like it!