Though the sizes, capabilities, locations, names and philosophies have changes, The EMEC and The Foundry have enjoyed a long history here at CSU. In the book, A History of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Colorado State University: 1870 to 2004, that story has been painstakingly recorded by C. Byron Winn, PhD, a former Department Head of our program.
We are very proud to share an abridged version of Dr. Winn’s work with you.
1870 Agricultural College of Colorado was established.
1880 The First course in “Mechanical Engineering” was offered.
1880 James W. Lawrence, The first ME Department Head, established the “Mechanic Shop”. This was the first appearance of a machine shop to which the EMEC can trace it’s lineage. the Mechanic Shop was the first part of what would become the Mechanical Engineering Building to be built.
1890 Pattern Making and Foundry were added to the curriculum.
1892 Popularity of the Mechanical Course made it necessary to expand the Mechanic Shop. When the addition was finished, the building was renamed the Mechanic Arts Hall.
1895 The name of the program was changed the the Department of Mechanical Engineering
1896 Once again, an addition to the building became necessary and it was again renamed to the Mechanical Engineering Building.
1902 The first four year curriculum in Mechanical Engineering was established for the Department.
Winn, C. B., Dr. (2009). A History of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Colorado State University: 1870 to 2004. Greeley, Colorado: Anvil Graphics.