1881

The University of Connecticut is founded by an act of the Connecticut General Assembly and a generous gift of land, several buildings, and funds, donated by Charles and Augustus Storrs. By the late 1800s, the State of Connecticut has a rich and distinguished heritage of mechanical engineering endeavors. Among these are inventions (mass production techniques of Eli Terry and Seth Thomas, as well as the cotton gin by Eli Whitney), arms manufacturing (Colt’s Manufacturing Company and the Winchester Repeating Arms Company), and tool making (Pratt & Whitney and The Stanley Rule and Level Company). In keeping with this statewide activity, the new institution in Storrs offers courses in mechanical arts and technology from its first day of class in 1881.

1916

A four year program in mechanical engineering is established at the University of Connecticut.

1918

John N. Fitts is the first engineering professor. A graduate of the Class of 1897, Fitts is appointed professor of mechanical engineering, and during his tenure, a strong program in mathematics, physics and chemistry is instituted.

1919

The Division of Mechanical Engineering is established. John N. Fitts is named Dean of the Division.

1920

First bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is awarded to Earl R. Moore. Moore would later serve on the Engineering faculty until his retirement in 1954.

The Division of Mechanical Engineering moves from the basement of Whitney (Old) Hall to the Mechanic Arts building. The building had been constructed in 1909 for use by the mechanical engineering program, but had instead served as the Dining Hall for ten years.

1923

The State Chamber of Commerce, at the Legislature’s request, studies major problems of the College. Their report suggests that women no longer be admitted and “a limited number be sent with scholarships to Connecticut College for Women,” that mechanical engineering is “exotic” but tolerable, and that the School of Agriculture’s “Two Year Course be discontinued,” in effect dismantling the College. President Beach replies that the Chamber of Commerce report was written by a committee that had never been to the College and had never interviewed College officials. The Legislature does not implement the recommendations of the report.

1935

Division of Mechanical Engineering is renamed the Division of Engineering, and courses are now offered in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

1941

The Department of Mechanical Engineering receives full accreditation.

1942

The State grants the University $86,000 to complete the equipping of several mechanical engineering laboratories in order to keep its accreditation.

1943

The School of Engineering premieres its graduate program with an M.S. degree offering in three disciplines including Mechanical Engineering.

1952

A program in industrial-mechanical engineering (IME) is established. The program is offered as an option in mechanical engineering and never attains departmental status.

1957

Construction of Engineering II, authorized in 1955, is completed. It houses offices for chemical and mechanical engineering.

1964

Industrial-mechanical engineering program closes.

1964

The first Ph.D. in mechanical engineering is awarded to Paul J. Nemergut.

1972

The Aerospace Engineering Department combines with the Mechanical Engineering Department.

1987

United Technologies Engineering Building construction is completed.

1990

15 women graduate the program, the highest number to-date.

2023

Mechanical Engineering Department becomes the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacuting