Lawrence Technological University
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Lawrence Technological University |
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| Motto | Theory and Practice |
| Established | 1932 |
| Type | Private |
| President | Dr. Lewis N. Walker |
| Provost | Dr. Maria J. Vaz |
| Students | 4000 |
| Location | Southfield, Michigan, USA |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Colors | Blue and white |
| Nickname | Blue Devils |
| Mascot | The Blue Devil |
| Website | http://www.ltu.edu |
Lawrence Technological University is a private university located in Southfield, Michigan. The school offers undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs in engineering, science, mathematics, architecture, and business.
Lawrence Tech was founded in 1932 as the Lawrence Institute of Technology and adopted its current name in 1989. The school mascot is the blue devil, and the school colors are blue and white.
Lawrence Tech has consistently been among the Top Tier for "Universities–Master's (Midwest)" by US News and World Report. It was ranked 37th out of several hundred Midwestern Universities in 2006 [1], and 47th in 2007. [2]
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[edit] History
It was a firm belief in the future that motivated Russell E. Lawrence to found a university in 1932 — in the midst of the economic chaos of the Great Depression. Russell Lawrence and his brother, E. George Lawrence (who led Lawrence Tech during its formative years from 1934 to 1964) turned a dream of preparing students for leadership in the new technical era into reality. Lawrence Tech continued to prosper and accelerate its growth under the guidance of Wayne H. Buell, president from 1964 to 1977, and chairman of the board and CEO until 1981.
Several new buildings, graduate degrees, and massive growth of computer facilities marked the presidency of Richard E. Marburger, who served as president from 1977 to 1993 and also served as chairman of the board of trustees and chief executive officer from 1981 to 1993. Charles M. Chambers served as president and chief executive officer from July 1, 1993 through June 30, 2006, and oversaw significant enhancement of the University’s international reputation as a distinguished center of technological education and research, through such efforts as the Pacific Rim scholars program, the national alumni service campaign, and the minority careers development initiative. A Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan was adopted to guide the University well into the new century, and other recent achievements include construction of the University Technology and Learning Center, Student Housing-North, establishment of a Faculty Senate, conversion of the computer system to a client-server model (from the previous VAX mainframe model) with full Internet connectivity and online library, Michigan’s first wireless laptop campus, an expanded bookstore managed by Barnes & Noble, as well as expanded dining and student activity facilities.
On July 1, 2006, Dr Lewis N Walker was named president and chief executive officer of Lawrence Technological University. Walker joined Lawrence Tech as provost, the University’s chief academic officer, in 1994. In 2003 he was appointed to the additional role of executive vice president, adding oversight of student services and business activities. [3]
The University was previously called Lawrence Institute of Technology until January 1, 1989, when the present name was approved by the State of Michigan, more clearly describing the undergraduate and graduate mission of the institution.
Lawrence Tech was founded on the principle that every person should have the opportunity for a college education. There were no restrictions on entering students relating to race, sex, color, creed or national or ethnic origin – only the requirement that students qualify for admission and have the desire to succeed. Working students could earn a baccalaureate degree by attending evening programs, day programs, or a combination of the two -- a feature unique in 1932 and still remarkable today.
Originally established as a College of Engineering with only a few hundred students and a handful of faculty, academic progress and growth of programs have led to a current enrollment of approximately 5,000 students and over 300 full- or part-time faculty.
In 1952 the College of Management was added, having its origins in an earlier industrial engineering curriculum. Masters programs in management were launched in 1989. The College of Architecture and Design evolved in 1962 from the former architectural engineering department, and in 1993 launched a M.Arch. program. The College of Arts and Sciences was established in 1967. Associate programs were added to Lawrence Tech’s baccalaureate offerings in 1950. Masters programs in engineering were begun in 1990 and in Arts and Sciences in 1997. Doctoral programs were inaugurated in 2002.
Concurrently, there has been an enormous expansion and improvement of facilities. The University’s first home was located in Highland Park, immediately adjacent to the huge manufacturing facility where Henry Ford perfected the moving assembly line. In 1955, the University acquired acreage and opened the first building in Southfield on what had been a General Mills research farm. The campus has since expanded to 120 acres and 10 major buildings, as well as the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Affleck House in Bloomfield Hills, donated to the University in 1978.
In 1977, Lawrence Tech shed its commuter classification by opening its first student housing structure. The 1980s and ’90s were distinguished by the opening of the Wayne H. Buell Management Building[4] and the Don Ridler Field House, numerous improvements to existing buildings, and a substantial increase in state-of-the-art laboratory and computer equipment.
The $20 million University Technology and Learning Center opened in 2001 and $12 million Student Housing-North opened in 2002. The $13.9 million A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center was dedicated on April 7, 2006.
This state-of-the-art A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center facility brings together all the services Lawrence Tech students require to succeed. From admissions to academic achievement assistance, through computer services and career services. Designed to address the needs of the whole student, academic, emotional, physical, technological, and financial. This one-stop center will help increase student productivity, create a sense of community, provide opportunities for collaborative learning, and foster peace of mind. The Taubman Student Services Center will be a living laboratory for the study of renewable resources and alternative energy. It also will utilize the latest in energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly designs and technologies to qualify for the coveted LEED green building certification.
Lawrence Technological University has established the Center for Innovative Materials Research ,a national resource for the development of innovative materials for defense, homeland security and infrastructure applications. Made possible by an $11 million cooperative research agreement with the Army Research Lab (ARL) and the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) – an unprecedented federal partnership with a private Michigan university – this new Center is a state-of-the-art laboratory for the research, development and testing of carbon fiber composite materials for defense applications. Chaired by Dr. Nabil Grace, CIMR is the first building on Lawrence Tech's campus funded completely with federal dollars. The Department of Defense and Department of Housing and Urban Development have provided the funding, and the Center is functional since 2006.
More recently, the school has also begun to expand its athletic program by offering 3 official team sports which compete both locally and nationally. The University helps to fund a soccer team, a curling team, and an ice hockey team.
[edit] Notable Alumni
Notable alumni include John DeLorean and Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. The following is a list of other notable alumni presented in alphabetical order of the last name.
- Steven A. Ballmer, while still simultaneously enrolled in high school, participated in Lawrence Tech’s Summer Science Institute, then spent a year at the University, excelling in six of Lawrence Tech’s top mathematics classes. Ballmer is now CEO of Microsoft.
- Bennie L. Benjamin, B.S. Civil Engineering 1955 - retired director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, which serves nearly half of Michigan’s citizens and is one of the nation's largest water and waste treatment organizations
- Wayne Buell, B.S. Chemical Engineering 1936 - Lawrence Tech’s president in 1964. Was a member of the first class to attend Lawrence Tech for four years from 1932-1936. The Buell Management building was named in his honor.
- John Buffone, B.S. Architecture 1974, B. Architecture 1975 - Little Caesar’s Vice President of Architecture, oversaw design of Comerica Park. He managed a team of hundreds of architects, artists, and designers to develop the ballpark, which features a carousel, Ferris wheel, and 150-foot wide fountain.
- Donald W. Date, B.S. Architectural Engineering 1949 - The late chief architect for the United States’ Panama Canal Co. His Canal improvements and modernizations significantly increased efficiency and tonnage transported through the Canal.
- John DeLorean, B.S. Industrical engineering 1948 - Former GM executive who created the first “muscle car” and an American businessman who founded the De Lorean Motor Company based in Northern Ireland.
- Ed Donley, B.S. Mechanical Engineering 1943 - Former president of Air Products & Chemicals and Lawrence Tech’s largest benefactor, and former Chairman of the United States Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s.
- Ronald Knockeart, B.S. Electrical Engineering 1963 - inventor of the laser bar code scanner and pioneered keyless entry door locks on cars.
- John W. Laister, B.S. Aeronautical Engineering 1938 - During World War II, developed the revolutionary high wing/rear door cargo plane design still used in cargo aircraft worldwide.
- Thomas S. Moore, B.S.EE 1986- general manager of Daimler-Chrysler's advanced vehicle research and development program, called Liberty and Technical Affairs. He oversees development of all future Chrysler products, working with a five to 10 year lead time.
- James P. Ryan, B.S. Architectural Engineering 1966 - owner and principal of one of the nation's leading architectural firms that specializes in commercial and shopping center development. Highly acclaimed designs include the Somerset Collection and Great Lakes Crossing malls.
- George W. Sierant, ME 1947 - engineered the first viable rear-facing child safety seat in 1966. The six-way seat adjuster was another of many driver comfort and safety innovations Sierant developed during his 34 years with General Motors.
- Alfred Taubman, former Lawrence Tech architecture student - one of the nation's leading real estate developers, innovators, and owners of shopping malls throughout the U.S. He also owns Sotheby's auctioneers and until recently owned the A&W restaurant chain.
- Lewis C. Veraldi, B.S. Mechanical Engineering 1968 - late “father” of the original Ford Taurus and Sable. As Ford Motor Company vice president in charge of car development, Veraldi pioneered cross-disciplinary personnel teams that led to the launch of these cars. The "team" development process he innovated has become the industry standard.
[edit] Notable faculty and staff
- Don Ridler - Before coming to Lawrence Tech in 1932 to build an athletic program, coached Michigan’s first professional football franchise.
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