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Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.). Technological Institute

 Organization

Biography

On March 20, 1939, the Northwestern University School of Engineering, formed in 1908, became the Technological Institute through an agreement signed between Northwestern University and the Murphy Foundation. This event formalized Northwestern's receipt of the significant bequest of Walter Patten Murphy. The Technological Institute opened in 1942 and consisted of Schools of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The Technological Institute also integrated a science component to the curriculum in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences, thereby expanding the School of Engineering's previous focus on non-science based engineering.

From the start, the Technological Institute combined traditional classroom instruction with a work-study program (The Cooperative Program) that enabled undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable hands-on engineering work experience with participating firms. During World War II, the Technological Institute participated with the United States Navy in several important training programs, including the Naval V-12 Unit (Navy College Training Program). The Technological Institute was also involved with other military training and non-engineering activities, such as the Army Signal Corps Officers Training School. After the war, the Technological Institute enrollment was swollen with returning veterans under the G.I. Bill, and in 1946, a limit of 1,000 students was imposed to guarantee quality and manageable instruction.

Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:

College of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technological Institute Record of Degrees and Honors Awarded and Faculty Rosters

 Collection — Box 1
Identifier: 22/3/2
Abstract

This volume, spanning the years from 1910 through 1943, includes lists of recipients of degrees and honors awarded by Northwestern University's College of Engineering, School of Engineering, and Technological Institute.

Dates: 1910-1943

Harold B. Gotaas (1906-1977) Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 22/4/4
Abstract

Harold Gotaas came to Northwestern as professor of civil engineering and dean of the Technological Institute; he retired as dean in 1970 but continued to teach until his retirement in 1975.  The papers document Gotaas' academic career through course materials and publications, and include research and consulting files.

Dates: 1928-1977

Wallis S. Hamilton (1911-2001) Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 22/4/9
Abstract Wallis S. Hamilton Hamilton came to Northwestern University in 1943 as a lecturer in civil engineering, eventually becoming a full professor in 1953. Hamilton's research interests included velocity patterns around ship models, resistance of barges and spray characteristics and directional stability of taxiing flying boats. He also studied the effects of waves, damage from cavitation and the body forces and properties of the crust and mantle of the earth. His papers fill eleven boxes and span...
Dates: 1935-1984

Paul E. Klopsteg (1889-1991) Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 22/4/11
Abstract

Researcher, scientist and writer Paul Klopsteg's (1889-1991) papers include biographical materials, education files, correspondence, archery files, governmental organizations files, professional organizations files, publications files, religion files, speech manuscript files, and material relating to World Wars I and II.

Dates: 1905 - 1991

Jimmie E. Quon (1934-1981) Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 22/4/1
Abstract Civil Engineering Professor Jimmie Earl Quon was a prolific author and speaker primarily on the topics of sanitary engineering and air pollution. He consulted for cities, states, and the federal government, as well as for various private businesses in the area of environmental quality. Quon came to Northwestern as Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering. In 1963 he was promoted to Associate Professor and in 1967 to Professor. In 1976 he became chairman of the Department of Civil...
Dates: 1954-1980

Administrative Records of The Technological Institute

 Collection
Identifier: 22/3/6
Abstract

The Administrative Records of the Technological Institute, 1910-1955, fill two boxes. The bulk of the records date from the 1940s and consist of student enrollment and registration statistics and lists. These lists were compiled in several different formats, and are variously categorized as “Bulletin Lists” (prepared for publication in the University Bulletin), “Classified Student Lists,” “Scholastic Records,” and “Statistics.”

Dates: 1910-1955

Technological Institute Curriculum Committee Records

 Collection
Identifier: 22/3/5
Abstract In September 1958 the Undergraduate Curriculum and the Graduate Curriculum Committees were combined the Courses and Curriculum Committee. In 1961 the name was changed to Curriculum Committee. The work of the Curriculum Committee centered primarily on approving proposals for new courses and course changes, managing the process of submitting those proposals to the University Graduate School Curriculum Committee, formulating new curricula and approving changes in curricula, and dealing with...
Dates: 1952 - 1985; Other: Majority of material found within 1959 - 1975

Technological Institute Dedication Committee

 Collection
Identifier: 22/3/4
Abstract The records of the Dedication Committee of Northwestern University's Technological Institute consist of four boxes of materials relating to the opening ceremonies on June 15-16, 1942. The records reflect the work of an honorary committee and a working committee appointed to carry out the ceremony planning. The materials relating to the Honorary Advisory Committee include committee lists, letters of acceptance, letters of regret, and replies to the acceptance letters. An addition concerns the...
Dates: 1940-1943; 1962-1963; 1962 - 1963

Technological Institute Personnel Files

 Collection
Identifier: 22/3/1
Abstract The Personnel Files of the Technological Institute date from 1902 to 1963. The majority of records are for members of the faculty of the Institute. A file may include some or all of the following documents: vitas; forms for new faculty appointments, salary changes, resignations, payroll discontinuations and recommendations; correspondence regarding an individual's appointment or resignation; research questionnaires; and selective service affidavits. In addition some folders contain...
Dates: 1902 - 1963; Other: Majority of material found within 1940 - 1950