A century of mechanical and aerospace engineering

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On August 2, 2016

Academic year 2016–17 marks an exciting time for mechanical and aerospace engineering at Missouri S&T, as it celebrates the department’s 100th anniversary.

Harold Shields Dickerson was chair when the department was formed in fall 1916. Before then, course work in the field was available, but it was called the department of shopwork and drawing.

The department grew rapidly after 1920, and new courses were added in refrigeration and air-conditioning in 1924. By 1938, aeronautical engineering came on board when aerodynamics and airplane structures were taught. In 1968, the department name was officially changed to mechanical and aerospace engineering.

During the coming year, MAE will celebrate the milestone with its alumni, faculty, students and staff and look toward the next 100 years. Here are a few of the MAE Centennial activities planned:

  • Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers induction dinner and annual meeting — The annual celebration will emphasize the milestone.
  • Centennial Open House — Held during Homecoming weekend, the event will feature lab tours in Toomey Hall.
  • Centennial Seminar Series — Throughout the year, leading alumni will present a series of seminars in addition to the graduate seminar series.
  • Endowments — The department will celebrate the centennial by creating opportunities for students and to add value to the department for the future. These opportunities include endowed professorships, endowed graduate fellowships and endowed seminar series.
  • Student activities — The four student organizations — the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Pi Tau Sigma and Sigma Gamma Tau — and MAE will provide many opportunities for students, alumni and friends to celebrate, including contests, trivia night, a picnic and many more activities throughout the year.

Watch for more information at mae.mst.edu.

Mechanical Hall, early 1900s

Mechanical Hall, early 1900s

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On August 2, 2016. Posted in Around the Puck, Summer 2016