Memories of Columbia Engineering
Four years a graduate student starting in 1959; fifty as a Civil Engineering faculty member until 2013; and now, in the 150th year of the School, professor emeritus: What is it that stands out? A lifetime of memories, among them to name but a few: an introduction to, and graduate education in, a most collegial, top ranked Department of Engineering Mechanics populated by renowned faculty members under the leadership of Jewell Garrelts, remarkable as a person and chairman; a move in 1961 of the School from what is now the Mathematics Building to the new (and air conditioned) Mudd Building; a centennial celebration of the School in 1964; establishment of the Carleton Lab in Engineering Terrace and becoming its director in 1965; the campus disturbances of 1968; the Columbia graduations (seven times) of my four children; my one day workshop on the World Trade Center collapses held at Columbia in the month following the disaster with participation of key principals from designer to responders and city officials; and finally, my unforgettable retirement celebration with the participation of so many former students and colleagues.
What stands out most from my student days more than fifty years ago is people at Columbia: the faculty of that time and my fellow graduate students who went on to very distinguished careers as professors, deans, research directors, and practitioners. And what stands out in my memory of fifty years on the faculty is also the people: colleagues, alumni, and especially students at all levels, most of whom have gone on to remarkable and successful careers including many as presidents of well recognized firms. I deem it my exceptionally good fortune to have crossed paths with them, something made possible by my close association with Columbia Engineering.