Brown engineers observe sesquicentennial with free talks, tours, exhibits

Brown University will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its engineering classes and activities Sept. 18-20, 1997. Events will include a job fair, academic convocation, symposia, laboratory tours and exhibits. All events are free and open to the public.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Brown University will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its engineering classes with three days of activities free and open to the public, including a job fair, academic convocation, symposia, laboratory tours and exhibits. Brown's engineering program is the nation's third oldest.

The celebration is designed to strengthen links between Brown and its engineering alumni. The festivities begin Sept. 18 with an Engineering Career Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. in Sayles Hall, located on The College Green. Representatives from more than 20 firms will be on hand to discuss careers in the multifaceted world of engineering.

As part of the 150th anniversary, several of the nation's leading engineers will present symposia on the latest in engineering trends, careers, education, research and policy. The symposia will begin 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19. Tours of seven engineering laboratories will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. All symposia and tours will be in Barus & Holley Building, 184 Hope St.

Six outstanding engineers will receive honorary degrees during an academic convocation at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19, in Sayles Hall. The convocation's keynote address will be given by U.S. Rep. George E. Brown Jr. [D-Calif.], ranking minority member of the House Science Committee. He will be introduced by Sen. Jack Reed.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, Anne Renzi Wright, the first woman to receive a bachelor of science degree in engineering at Brown, will speak about her experience as an undergraduate during World War II and as an engineer. Her talk will be followed by poster presentations of original research by female Brown undergraduates. The program will take place at 1:30 p.m. in Room 168, Barus & Holley Building.

Noteworthy achievements by Brown engineers began with the first graduate, Alexander Lyman Holley, Class of 1853. Holley is recognized for building the first American steel works that produced high-grade Bessemer steel.

Brown engineers have also helped develop new technologies and industrial spin-offs in Rhode Island. One example is Spectra Science Corp., a Providence-based firm, which transforms materials, such as liquids, into lasers for commercial use. The technology was devised by Nabil Lawandy, professor of engineering.

To highlight these accomplishments, Brown engineering exhibits will be displayed across campus. Those exhibits will include:

• "The History of Brown Engineering in Print," Rockefeller Library, 10 Prospect Street
  
  
• "Major Research Accomplishments of Brown Engineering Faculty and Students," Annmary Brown Memorial, 21 Brown Street
  
  
• "Important Engineering Related Accomplishments of Brown Engineering Alumni," "Current Research of Undergraduates," and "Brown Engineering Regional Technology Exchange," Prince Engineering Laboratory, 182 Hope Street.

Exhibits will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For a complete listing of sesquicentennial events, call Priscilla Young, (401) 863-2652.