Setting the Standard
ASME to celebrate Stevens’ leadership role in 125 years of ASME history

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has its roots at Stevens Institute, with more than a dozen Stevens alumni, honorary alumni or Stevens trustees having served as president of the venerable professional organization for engineers. So it’s no surprise that the ASME is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with ASME Heritage Day on the Stevens campus on April 7 and 8. ...

» see printed issue to read more

On Each Other’s Shoulders
Banquet honorees pay tribute to support of family and friends in Stevens community

By Beth Kissinger - Indicator Associate Editor
Michael Gigliotti ’42 couldn’t stop smiling. The boy from Hoboken High who became a pioneer in the plastics industry marveled at his standing ovation, as he received the Stevens Honor Award for 2004.
But instead of reflecting on his illustrious career—during which he developed the first plastic Coca-Cola bottle—he went back in memory to Hoboken High School. He thanked principal Arthur Stover ’14 and his adviser Thomas Gaynor ’32 for helping him pass the exam that got him into Stevens in the first place. He saluted his bosses of more than 50 years ago, Fred Abbiatti and Robert Mueller, who showed compassion for a widower with three young children by giving him a job that could help him better care for his family.
Mostly, he thanked his wife.
In an emotional speech before an audience of more than 350 at the Stevens Alumni Banquet in October 2004, Mr. Gigliotti recalled how, as a widower and busy father, he met Miriam Coombs, a professional ice skater. After one date, she was off to Brazil with the ice show. He called her a month later and asked her to marry him, and she did. ...

» more  |  » pdf

The Measures of a Man
Alumni Profile: John H. Mennie ’29
Late alumnus’s inventions are key tools in history of electronics breakthroughs

By Beth Kissinger – Associate Editor of The Stevens Indicator
For six decades and long past the age when most people retire, John H. Mennie ’29 labored, somewhat quietly, helping to lay the foundation for today’s computer and cell phone age. But he never sought recognition for his many contributions to the electronics industry, and for his innovations that are still being used today. But his family knew a pioneer when they saw him. ...

» see printed issue to read more

Support System
Stevens community offers vital support in life’s journey

By Donna M. Owen - Contributing Editor
On a crisp Sunday morning at a park in Ridgewood, N.J., Robin Wright stands before nearly four dozen Stevens alumni, friends and family members, rousing them like a cheerleader leading a high school pep rally.
“OK, guys,” she shouts cheerfully, her husky voice rising over the lively chatter of the crowd, many fellow graduates from Stevens’ Class of 1993. “Most of you have done this walk-a-thon before. And for those of you who haven’t, it’s pretty easy. Let’s have fun … and thanks!”
With that enthusiastic directive, they’re off. Walking in pairs and trios, some pushing tiny tots in baby carriages, this multi-generational group of men, women and children begin a two-mile trek through the leafy suburban enclave.
The collective mood is upbeat, bright as the sun that warms this April day. In typical fashion, Wright is the life of the party: grinning, cracking jokes, ensuring that everyone is having fun while managing not to eclipse the serious nature of the mission. ...

» more  |  » pdf