2010

Society1865

Memhip Directory

§

Today the Institute stands solidly atop its rounded

hill, still overlooking the City and reaching

toward the sky. It stands there for more than

any other reason because—by some strange

and wonderful supply—there have always been

enough people who cared.

— From Two Towers: The Story of Worcester Tech 1865-1965

— by Mildred McClary Tymeson

A Special Evening Honoring

the 1865 Society

and

the Presidential Founders

October 28, 2010

Campus Center Odeum

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

§

§

3

With the vision and financial support of John Boynton

and Ichabod Washburn, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

was founded in 1865. Even then, however, John Boynton

knew that it would take a community effort to secure the

future of this innovative institution of higher learning.

Inspired by Boynton’s leadership and transformational

investment to establish “a scientific school in Worcester,

upon the condition that our citizens shall furnish the

necessary land and buildings,” the citizens of Worcester

and the city’s business community contributed to the

construction of the university’s first building, Boynton

Hall. Since then, students and faculty have benefited

greatly from the continuing generous investments from

our alumni and friends. The 1865 Society recognizes the

university’s most generous benefactors, those who have

contributed $1 million or more to carry forward the

community effort that created WPI. These alumni and

friends have long provided the support required to

advance the noble mission of this remarkable university.

Society1865

Celebrating Philanropy at WPI

Margaret A. and Michael M.Galbraith ’58

GE Foundation

Bernard M. GordonD. Eng. (Hon.) 2007

Dorothy and Roy G. Gullberg Jr. ’52*

Raymond E.* and Marion M. Hall*Sherman M. Hall*Clarence M. Hall*

Maurice W. Heinritz ’20*

Milton P. Higgins II*D. Eng. (Hon.) 1955

Hoche-Scofield Foundation

IBM Corporation

Marion* and Charles Kennedy ’31*

The Kresge Foundation

Stanley J. Kwolek Trust

Janet and Gordon B. LanktonD. Eng. (Hon.) 2010

Elizabeth A. Lufkin Trust

James H. Manning 1906*

Douglas B. Martin ’24*

MCAE, Inc.

Archie W. Merchant 1897*

Jean and John C. Metzger ’46*

Morgan-Worcester, Inc. andThe Morgan Family

Linda and John Nelson

Edna T. and Douglas G.Noiles ’44D. Eng. (Hon.) 1999

Norton/Saint-Gobain

Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC)

Robert S. Parks 1893*

Cecilia Sue PerreaultIna Perreault*Raymond J. Perreault ’38*

Maureen and Donald K. Peterson ’71

Tracy and Stephen Rubin ’74

Miriam B.* and Walter Rutman ’30*

Alena and David M. Schwaber ’65

Florence E. Seeley*

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

William B. Smith 1908*

Harry A. Sorensen ’30*

Stoddard Charitable Trust

Dorothea* and John N. Styffe ’24*

Mildred P. and Edward J.Sydor ’50*

Ruth P. and Donald Taylor ’49D. Eng. (Hon.) 1980

United Technologies Corporation

Viewlogic Systems Inc.

W. M. Keck Foundation

Dee M. and R. KingmanWebster ’54

The Whitaker Foundation

Ray H. WittD. Eng. (Hon.) 2003

Wyman-Gordon Company

§ §

4 5

George I. Alden Trust

Paul A. Allaire ’60D. Eng. (Hon.) 1994

Anonymous

Aries Division

AT&T

Avaya Inc.

Shirley V. and James L.Bartlett Jr. ’39D. Eng. (Hon.) 1998

Patricia A. and Robert H.Beckett ’57

S.K. and Paul R. Beswick ’57*

John A. Bicknell ’33*

Phyllis and Ross Chapin ’51*

Davis Educational Foundation

Digital Equipment Corporation

Marion S.* and ParisFletcher*D. Sc. (Hon.) 1967

Mary H.* and Gale E. Flint ’29*

Janet and Robert A. Foisie ’56

Esther and Howard Freeman ’40D. Eng. (Hon.) 1996

George F. and Sybil H. FullerFoundation

The 1865 Society recognizes Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s

most generous benefactors, those who have contributed

$1 million or more to advance the noble mission of this

remarkable university. Like our founders, members of the

1865 Society are deeply committed to educating future

generations of leaders in engineering and science who have

the knowledge and wisdom to make a positive difference

in the world.

1865 Society Members 2010

* Deceased * Deceased

7

§

6

§

Worcester Polytechnic Institute recognizes with special

appreciation and gratitude those benefactors whose level

of support equals or exceeds the $100,000 founding gift of

John Boynton. These generous alumni and friends, are

honored as Presidential Founders.

Presidential Founders 2010

(in alphabetical order)

Robert B. Abbe ’382002+

George T. Abdow ’531989

Dorothy andJames S. Adams ’491997

Gloria andDonald Adams ’522000

George I. Alden*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19261929

George I. Alden Trust1929

Phyllis E.* andAndrew Gustaf Aldrin ’15*1995

Paul A. Allaire ’60D. Eng. (Hon.) 19941998

Charles L. Allen*1941

Katherine Allen*1913

Eileen E.* andWilliam L. Ames ’42*1992

Virginia Clarke Ames*1988

William L. Ames 1882*1938

Arvid E. Anderson ’20*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19661987

Nancy W. andG. Albert Anderson ’511988

Seta and Diran Apelian1993

Joan andRobert C. Appenzeller ’462000

Herbert Asher ’441994

Eleanor C.* andPhilip G. Atwood ’37*1994

Axel F. Backlin*1957

Anna* andDavid C. Bailey ’25*1996

Bruce M. Bailey ’511999

Shirley V. andJames L. Bartlett Jr. ’39D. Eng. (Hon.) 19981990

Mabel K. Bass*

Eleanor W. Bateman*1991

Donald R. Bates ’40*1978

Joyce C. andPaul W. Bayliss ’601989

Karen L. Bean ’86 MBA2002

Robert W. Bean ’822002

Patricia A. andRobert H. Beckett ’571987

Mary E.* and Carl G.Bergstrom ’35*2006

Donald F. Berth ’571989

Rene R. Bertrand ’572006

S. K. andPaul R. Beswick ’57*1995

Carl W. Bettcher Jr. ’411991

John A. Bicknell ’33*2006

Emily and John Edward(Ned) Bigelow ’442005

William Warren Bird*1926

John R. Black ’532003

Meta S.* and Harold S.Black ’21*2006

Louis A. Blanchard ’57*2002

Anna HarringtonBoardman*1972

+ Year in which donor achieved Presidential Founders level of support equaling the founding grant of John Boynton

* Deceased

98

Hellen* andCarleton F. Bolles ’21*2001

John Boynton*1865

Annabelle Howland Bragg*1987

Dorothy R.*and John R. Brand ’361990

Becky and Allen Breed ’462001

Rebecca E. Brenner2009

Lois E.* and William S.Brooks ’40*2005

Peter W. Brouwers 1913*1965

Catharine andJohn Lott Brown ’46D. Sc. (Hon.) 19841994

Harriet D. Brown*1912

Mae E.* and John J.Brown*2006

Raymond W. Burns ’16*1972

Phyllis* andArthur H. Burr ’29*2001

Harold D. Burt ’33*1992

Violet* and John K. Busada ’391999

Mary E. Butterick*1974

Curtis R. Carlson ’672008

James L. Carr Jr. ’742002

Elizabeth andBrian D. Chace ’692000

Harry F. Chapell ’541994

Phyllis and Ross Chapin ’51*2002

Robert G. Chaplick ’452001

Mary M.* andCharles N. Clarkson ’22*1981

Richard W. Cloues ’38*1987

Charles BertrandCoburn 1899*1951

Mary Jane andEdward S. Coe Jr. ’31*1992

William J. CoffeyWalter L. Goodwin*1995

Baujke and Noel L. Cohen2009

§ §

Daniel I. Coifman ’672000

George E. Comstock ’46D. Eng. (Hon.) 19821989

Emma B. Conant*1976

Ellen W. Coombs*1956

Dwight M. Cornell, PE, ’602009

Nancy andFrederick J. Costello ’591998

Joan and Paul A. Covec ’642000

Nancy andDonald G. Craig ’57*1992

Charles F. H.Crathern III ’522004

Gordon F. Crowther ’37*1991

Joseph F. Cullen 1907*1972

May I. T. Cunningham*1988

F. Harold Daniels*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19411962

Fred Harris Daniels 1873*1962

Fred Harris DanielsFoundation1962

C. Marshall Dann ’35*1987

Helen T. Davenport*2006

Richard A. Davis ’531990

Robert B. Davis ’462005

Charles H. Decater ’28*1993

Phillip R. Delphos ’26*1990

Betsy andWilliam A. Delphos ’741990

John F. Devaney ’31*1995

Jean andMichael A. DiPierro ’681991

Debora M. and Michael J.Dolan ’752009

Barbara Grant and IrvingJames Donahue Jr. ’44*1976

Sara A.* andE. Leo Douville ’392003

Josephine C.* andHenry Duckworth*1955

1110

Mabel* andDwight J. Dwinell ’34*2000

Diane A.* andGerald T. Dyer ’56*1996

Mary G. Ellis*1941

Warren A. Ellsworth ’22*1972

Ruth H. and Warren A.Ellsworth Foundation1972

Kathryn Y. andCornelius J. Enright Jr. ’60*2002

David Hale Fanning*1928

Alton Farrel Jr.*1969

Robert D. Fellman*1995

Robert H. Field ’38*1988

Neil A. Fitzgerald ’38*2002

Marion S.*and Paris Fletcher*D. Sc. (Hon.) 19671985

Mary andWarner S. Fletcher1999

Mary H. Flint*1999

Janet andRobert A. Foisie ’561990

Phyllis Follett*2007

Janet* andRaymond J. Forkey ’401988

Nellie Fors*1976

Howard S. Foster ’19*1985

Hugo P. Frear 1883*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19291956

Esther andHoward G. Freeman ’40D. Eng. (Hon.) 19961977

Walter Henry FreygangFoundation1999

George F. Fuller*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19441964

George F. and Sybil H.Fuller Foundation1964

Henry J. Fuller 1896*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19301928

Ingeborg* andEdward R. Funk ’46*2003

Leslie Boorky Gaffin andMichael A. Gaffin2004

Margaret A. andMichael M. Galbraith ’581999

Milton W. Garland ’20*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19951992

Richard T. Gates ’52*1989

Hazel M. Gay*1968

Thomas A. Gelormino ’681991

Shirley andIrving B. Gerber ’441996

Albert J. Gifford 1896*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19391966

Albert J. GiffordCharitable Trust1966

Lydia Gifford*1998

Stella Kilmer Gilbert*1955

Mary* and Earl W.Gleason 1912*1988

Esther Kisk Goddard*D. Sc. (Hon.) 1969 andRobert H. Goddard ’08*1984

Albert S. Goldberg ’482004

Miriam E.* andMoxie F. Goll*1993

Anne andBennett E. Gordon ’652005

Bernard M. GordonD. Eng. (Hon.) 20072009

George C. Gordon 1895*1964

Arthur E. Gorman ’17*1985

Edward F. Gould 1899*1969

Bette L. andRobert N. Gowing ’492000

Robert H. Grant ’421988

Edith* andFrank W. Green 1910*1993

Orilla H. Greenwood*1999

R. Reed Grimwade ’502005

William R. Grogan ’462006

Alfred L. Grout*2003

Dorothy and Roy G.Gullberg Jr. ’52*2006

§ §

1312

O. Vincent Gustafson ’29*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19851987

Michael S. Gutman ’581996

Weston Hadden ’22*1983

Joyce* andRaymond R. Hagglund ’561994

Eric A. Hahn ’80D. Sc. (Hon.) 19992000

Robert Hahn2005

Janice G. Hale*1999

Percy M. Hall 1907*1976

Raymond E. Hall ’31*1998

Patricia E.* andCaleb D. Hammond ’37*1994

Laura E. Hansen*1991

Marie andJohn P. Harding ’471998

Earl T.* andFlorence H. Harper*1973

Charles A.Harrington 1895*1964

Charles A. HarringtonFoundation(dissolved since gift to WPIof Harrington Auditorium)1964

Daniel J. Harrington Jr. ’50*1996

Frank C. Harrington 1898*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19451962

Frank C. HarringtonFoundation(dissolved since gift to WPIof Harrington Auditorium)1962

Robert D. Harrington*1989

Ralph E. Hartshorn 1904*1974

Julia M.* and Harold E.Hartwell 1911*1963

Margaret Hamilton Hatch*Helen Hamilton Hatch*1985

James N. Heald 1884*1989

James N. Heald II1995

Pauline W.* andRichard A. Heald ’20*1994

Elsa O.* andFred H. Hedin ’26*2006

Bonnie andDavid Heebner ’672009

Ray W. Heffernan ’19*1991

Maurice W. Heinritz ’20*2001

Lois and SumnerHerman ’50*2007

Mary* andLeonard Hershoff ’431999

Phyllis E. andRobert W. Hewey ’401994

Aldus C. Higgins 1893*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19311949

Clara Carter Higgins*1972

John WoodmanHiggins 1896*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19531962

Milton P. Higgins II*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19551966

William D. Holcomb ’38*1994

Frances B.* andCalvin B. Holden ’43*1997

Barbara V. L. andPeter H. Horstmann ’55*1990

Rosemary andDavid W. Hoskinson ’571995

John E. Hossack ’461993

Dorothy J. andWilfrid J. Houde ’59D. Eng. (Hon.) 20012000

Elinor andWilliam H. Hough*1995

Elmer P. Howe 1871*1924

Wilfred H. Howe ’22*1985

Earl C. Hughes 1914*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19631964

Flora Wheeler* and Clayton E. Hunt Jr.* ’342008

Diana andLarry Israel ’611993

Sydell andLeonard Israel ’442005

Joanne andIrwin Jacobs ’60*1998

Frances andM Howard Jacobson1991

Frances Jennings*2002

§ §

1514

George NathanielJeppson 1897*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19451977

Charles C. Johnston ’571998

Alba Y.* andAram Kalenian ’33*1994

Margaret N. Kalenian*2006

Diane and Albert J. Kaneb1966

Stephen J. Kaneb, PE, ’82and Andrea J. Kaneb ’842004

Virginia and John A. Kaneb1966

Helen M.* andMoses B. Kaven 1885*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19281937

Ellen and Stuart Kazin ’612009

Charlotte* andAugust C. Kellermann ’461995

Brian J. Kelly ’551996

Ann andDouglas O. Kendrick ’601998

Marion* andCharles Kennedy ’31*1998

A. Atwater Kent 1900*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19261952

Frances K. andNorman A. Kerr ’421997

Carleton F. Kilmer ’642004

George M. Knight*1938

Mary C.* andFrederick H. Knight ’28*1992

Christina andHans H. Koehl ’561998

Sylvia C.* andArthur R. Koerber ’40*1999

Carolyn andPaul Kokulis ’452000

Lenore andEugene V. Kosso ’461993

Alisa andErnest R. Kretzmer ’452003

Pauline F. Krull Trust2010

Stanley J. Kwolek*2007

Karen and Paul A. Lacouture ’722010

Erling Lagerholm ’441990

M. Stephen Lajoie ’642004

John L. LaMattina2006

Janet andGordon B. LanktonD. Eng. (Hon.) 20101988

Joseph E. Laptewicz Jr. ’712003

Robert E. Lazzerin Trust2008

Luther C. Leavitt ’34*1994

Eino O. Leppanen ’32*2003

William M. Lester ’28*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19941992

Barbara A. andAllen H. Levesque ’591999

Cis andC. John Lindegren Jr. ’391986

Jean* andLester N. Lintner ’32*1997

Linda A. andGeorge H. Long Jr. ’571997

Richard A. LufkinMemorial Fund1971

Otis E. Mace ’31*2000

Dorothy W.* andA. George Mallis ’38*2001

Frances B. Manning*1999

James H. Manning 1906*1973

E. Bruce Mannooch*1999

Burton W. Marsh ’20*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19611999

Douglas B. Martin ’24*1979

The Luther B. Martin ’25*Family1993

Randie and Bob Martin ’752007

Richard H. Martin Jr. ’462008

Shigeko Matsuo1997

Andrew Mayer 1901*1967

Thomas M. McCaw ’46*1995

Myles McDonough1990

Charles W. McElroy ’34*1979

§ §

1716

Sandra L. andThomas G. McGee ’642005

Sue E. McKinley*1990

Marjorie M. and Richard H.McMahan Jr. ’502000

Daniel L. McQuillan ’49*1993

Eileen* andHerman Medwin ’41*D. Sci. (Hon.) 19921994

Ida A. Mellor*1989

Archie W. Merchant 1897*2001

Priscilla andGeorge C. Messenger Jr. ’512005

John C. Metzger ’46*1987

Alfred A. Molinari Jr. ’631996

George M. Moore Jr. ’40*2006

Morgan Family, throughMorgan ConstructionCompanyPaul S. MorganD. Eng. (Hon.) 1995Peter S. MorganPhilip R. Morgan1958

Eleanor* andDavid M. Morley ’36*2003

Charles A. Morse Jr. ’452000

Joan M. andCharles F. Mulrenan ’511999

Ruth andDuncan W. Munro ’512000

Paul M. Murphy ’38*1992

Peter B. Myers ’461996

Hyman G. Nagirner ’42*1992

John M. Nash ’562006

Alexander L. Naylor ’28*1989

Linda and John M. Nelson1991

Bonnie J. andThomas B. Newman ’642004

Subbo Nikoloff 1897*1957

Judith Nitsch ’75,PE, LEED AP,and J. Anthony Magliozzi2009

Edna T. andDouglas G. Noiles ’44D. Eng. (Hon.) 19991994

David P. Norton ’622002

S. Bailey Norton Jr. ’431998

Henry W. Nowick ’561994

Louisa J. andFrancis J. Oneglia ’42*1999

Cindy A. andJohn G. O’Reilly ’751991

Emmanuel J. Pappas ’522010

Robert S. Parks 1893*1988

Marjorie andDuane D. Pearsall*D. Sci. (Hon.) 19961993

Ina* andRaymond J. Perreault ’38*1974

Barrie M. Peterson ’672006

Donald K. Peterson ’712000

Edward H. Peterson ’43*1993

Ralph W. Piper ’422010

Elizabeth Beard andF. David Ploss III ’702003

Shirley C. andDonald L. Poggi ’511999

Clark L. Poland ’481987

Janet H. andAlfred R. Potvin ’641997

A. Hamilton Powell ’37*2003

Julie A. andJohn W. Powers ’612000

Lois H.* andHenry B. Pratt ’32*1995

Windle B. Priem ’591992

Richard A. Prokop ’37*1993

Ann and Richard Prouty1994

Ann W. andWilliam W. Rawstron ’571996

Vonne* and William L.Raymond Jr. ’44*1994

Frances E.* andCharles S. Reasby ’32*1997

Sarah andJoaquim S. Ribeiro ’582003

Albert W. Rice*1964

§ §

1918

Eben H. Rice ’31*1979

Alice* andGeorge R. Rich ’19*2003

Joan* and James E.Rich ’51*2006

James A. Robertson ’26*1998

George I. Rockwood 1888*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19291966

Louise P.* and Eli B.Romanoff ’34*2005

David A. Rosato ’812005

Prue andDonald E. Ross ’541992

Dorothy* andMilton E. Ross ’402001

John T. Rushton ’39*1992

Miriam B.* andWalter Rutman ’30*1983

George S. Ryan ’22*1986

Judith andPhilip B. Ryan ’652009

Carl E. Rylander ’31*1993

Stephen Salisbury II*1873

Stephen Salisbury III*1887

George E. Saltus ’512008

Trueman L. Sanderson ’31*1989

Carleton R. Sanford ’27*1975

Leonard Satin1982

Charlotte andMichael R. Scaviola2001

Paul C. Schmidt ’28*2005

Gloria andDonald J. Schulz ’612000

Alena and David M.Schwaber ’652007

William B. Scofield*through the Hoche-ScofieldFoundation1982

Robert E. Seamon ’61*2008

Achsa Brown Searle*1978

Russell M. Searle 1915*2006

Amy and Sean Sebastian ’832008

Florence E. Seeley*1999

Robert F. Shannon ’50*1999

Elizabeth Shattuck*2000

Gordon A. Shaw*2002

Mabel A.* andNorman L. Shaw ’30*1997

Tarek M. A. Shawaf ’552005

Norma andKenneth W. Shiatte ’53*1990

John J. Shields ’69 (SIM)D. Eng. (Hon.) 19891991

Raymond B. Shlora ’40*1992

Dorothy M. SimonD. Sc. (Hon.) 19712000

S. Merrill Skeist ’40*1991

Elizabeth* andWalter A. Skers ’47*2004

Gaby andPaul S. Sledzik ’612003

Frances andArthur E. Smith ’33*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19691978

George W. Smith Jr. ’15*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19611987

Isabel Hood Smith*1958

James E. Smith 1906*D. Eng. (Hon.) 1969and his sonJ. Morrison Smith ’37*through the MacamorFoundation1973

James N. Smith*1957

Leroy P. Smith*2010

Dr. Stedman W. Smith ’36*1993

William B. Smith 1908*2007

Harry A. Sorensen ’30*1997

Raymond W.Southworth ’43*2001

Lora E. Spaulding*1989

Seth Sprague Educationaland Charitable Foundation1980

Patricia andRobert C. Stempel ’55D. Eng. (Hon.) 19771990

William R. Steur ’35*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19761976

§ §

20

Henrietta D. Stewart*1999

Stoddard Charitable TrustEstablished byHarry G. Stoddard*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19411969

Helen E. Stoddard*1999

Robert W. Stoddard*D. Eng. (Hon.) 19521982

Charles G. Stratton 1875*1941

Jean A. and Jon C. Strauss1991

Henry S. Sturtevant ’16*1958

Dorothea* andJohn N. Styffe ’24*1992

Philip W. Suomu ’762002

Marguerite andJohn W. Sutcliffe ’38*2005

Mildred P. andEdward J. Sydor ’50*1992

Joan B. Szkutak ’79 andDavid E. Szkutak ’792005

Ruth P. andDonald Taylor ’49D. Eng. (Hon.) 19801987

Forrest W. Taylor*1952

Mary U.* andRobert B. Taylor ’35*1997

Florence Scofield Thayer*1936

Mary P. andJ. Headen Thompson ’361993

Honor andJohn M. Tracy ’521998

Anne and Alden Tucker ’522002

Wallace H. Tucker ’26*1976

James S. Tyler ’592001

John G. Underhill ’44*1997

Sandra andDavid T. Van Covern ’532009

Richard Walberg ’23*1988

Rachel B. Walker andCurtis John2005

Katherine D.* andOakley C. Walker ’18*1991

Janet Wallstein2005

§

21

Judith A. andGordon E. Walters ’541996

John C. Ward*1973

Henry Ellis WarrenBenevolent Trust1981

Ichabod Washburn*1870

Pamela Weathers andStephen Dungan2009

Dee M. andR. Kingman Webster ’541991

Inez* andCarl R. Weidenmiller 1911*1986

Katharine Wellington*1992

Axel H. Wendin ’26*1987

Ann* andLeonard H. White ’41and the White Family1986

Frank OrmondWhitney 1871*1936

Carla and Philip A. Wild ’502010

Jean L.* andPlummer Wiley ’35*2001

Lorraine C. andJohn H. Williams ’491997

Patricia andJohn T. Wilson ’652009

Richard B. Wilson ’392007

Ray WittD. Eng. (Hon.) 20032000

Ruth C. Wood*1981

Amy and Glenn Yee ’742005

Harry C. Young*1999

Joy P.* andLeonard A. Young ’37*1993

George M. Yule Jr. ’612002

Ronald L. Zarrella ’71D. Eng. (Hon.) 19981990

Michael P. Zarrilli ’712005

Charlotte andEdward R. Zieve ’452004

§

In early May of 1865 the Massachusetts Legislature ap-

proved a charter granting to the Worcester County Free

Institute of Industrial Science the status of a legal corpo-

ration. In short order the governor affixed his signature

to the bill and, on May 10, the charter itself, a simple,

hand-engrossed document, became official with the sig-

nature of the secretary of the commonwealth. And so it

was, 145 years ago, without fanfare and with little cere-

mony, that a new era in higher education began. The vi-

sion that led to that momentous day belonged,

principally, to one man, a

prosperous tinware manufac-

turer from Templeton, Mass.

Although he had achieved

success in business, politics,

and banking, John Boynton

always regretted that in his

youth he had been denied the

opportunity for a college edu-

cation. In the latter part of his life he saw the impact the

expanding industrial revolution was already having on

life and work in New England and realized that the re-

gion would need educated people to assume positions of

leadership in manufacturing and commerce.

The Founders of WPI

John Boynton

2322

§§

Boynton pledged his life’s savings of $100,000 to endow a

new school in Worcester to educate those new leaders. He

asked only that the citizens of that city erect a building for

his college. Stephen Salisbury II, Worcester’s most promi-

nent business leader, gave the land for the school and

headed the list of contributors to the building fund.

Worcester’s Ichabod Washburn

did much to provide substance

to Boynton’s dream and to de-

termine the character of the

institution. Washburn had

begun his career as a black-

smith; by 1865 he was the

owner of the world’s largest

wire factory. He, too, had

dreamed of a new type of school, one that would replace

the age-old apprentice system with a formal educational

program for tradesmen. He offered to build a model man-

ufacturing facility on campus to provide the practical expe-

rience that would augment classroom instruction.

The trustees accepted Washburn’s offer, but only after deli-

cate negotiations that modified his original objective from

training trade apprentices to providing hands-on shop ex-

perience for future engineers. The combination of class-

room, laboratory, and shop experience became the

hallmark of a WPI education. As the nation’s third-oldest

university of engineering and applied science, WPI would

serve as a model for a number of other engineering schools

established in the latter part of the 19th century.

Ichabod Washburn

24

As the president of the board

of trustees, Stephen Salisbury

accepted the challenge of

bringing to fruition the

dreams of Boynton and

Washburn, both of whom

died before they could see

their new school send its first

graduates into the world. Sal-

isbury was 70 years old when WPI admitted its first class

on November 11, 1868. He gave almost daily attention

to the affairs on Boynton Hill for the next 16 years until

his death in 1884. Salisbury supported WPI generously.

His gifts of record totaled $132,000, although his finan-

cial support was substantially higher. It was he who regu-

larly and quietly made up the deficits that plagued the

school during its formative years.

During WPI’s first century and a third, Boynton, Wash-

burn, and Salisbury have been joined by many other men

and women of similar vision. Their faith in the mission

and progress of this institution has inspired their gener-

ous support of the university.

Stephen Salisbury II

§

Society1865