of Innovation in Engineering Education
In 1862 three students at the
Pennsylvania Military Academy (now Widener University) undertook the study of
civil engineering. So began a legacy carried on for 150 years.
Today, Widener University has 465 graduate and undergraduate students in
different fields of engineering – biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical,
mechanical, and engineering management.
On Saturday, November 3, students,
staff, faculty, and alumni joined together to celebrate the program’s past
while looking ahead to the future at the 150th Anniversary Gala at
the Franklin Institute.
The school has changed names, but
its commitment to engineering education has not wavered. There are thousands of
successful graduates who became leaders in all facets of engineering. This
year, the Widener University School of Engineering celebrates its past while
building on its rich history with a vision of the future – developing the
engineering’s of tomorrow.
In a room full
of entrepreneurs, authors, researchers,
and executives, one particular alumna – Sandra (Fay) Morgan, ’71, stood out. Morgan was honored
with the Widener School of Engineering’s 150th Anniversary Medal, as
she was the very first woman to enroll in the School of Engineering (then Penn
Morton College) in 1967.
Morgan was
surprised by the recognition. “I am honored,” she said. “This is just another
example of how forward thinking this university was even back then, they
offered me – a woman – a full scholarship.” Morgan recalled visiting campus for
the very first time. “When I saw Kirkbride Hall I felt like I was at a ‘real’
engineering school, compared to everything else I had seen at that time,” she
said. “That was the tipping point for my decision.”
A scholarship
recipient herself, Morgan strongly supports the new Anniversary Scholarship
Fund, which was launched during the sesquicentennial celebration. When fully
endowed, this fund will provide financial assistance to future generations of
engineering students. “I hope all the recipients are as appreciative as I was.”
Ray Jefferies,
the longest tenured faculty member at Widener, was also honored for his commitment
to teaching excellence and community service. Jefferies, who join the
Pennsylvania Military College in 1966, has developed number of courses in the
School of Engineering. He also holds two patents and over the past decade has
become an active volunteer for the Red Cross.
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