Great Professors
Walter Rautenstrauch, who founded the industrial engineering department, was the truly inspirational teacher of the School. His humane views towards the lowly of society, his respect for us—young, inexperienced undergrads—gave us desperately needed knowledge of the professional world of the engineer. Every first-year engineer had to take the course, "Power" given by the great man, Charles Lucke, then retired. It was three hours, once a week, in the largest classroom in the old Engineering Building. Three hours, steady with just two breaks, absolutely dominated by the diminutive Professor Lucke, sitting on his high stool, commanding attention with his famous yardstick banged on the table. All lecture, virtually no questions, and only by him. In the middle of the explanation of naval steam turbines, the great yardstick suddenly came down. He asked a serious design question. One intrepid student gave his answer. Prof. Lucke, "BANG! That was stupid." I could not believe that suddenly I found myself standing giving my answer. The great man spoke, "That man will be an engineer." This was my greatest moment at Columbia Engineering. The most important thing I've done for ARC, I think, has been at Trenton Central High. It is a inner city school with thousands,. A small, but significant number make the decision to go ahead. I have learned from them, and I believe that I've given worthwhile encouragement to them and to the school administers who have expressed their appreciation.