Archibald (Archie) Alphonse Alexander was born in Ottumwa in 1888, one of eight children. His father provided for his family, working as a custodian. When Alexander was 11, his family moved to a small farm on the outskirts of Des Moines. His father was promoted to head custodian for the Des Moines National Bank, andContinue reading “Archibald A. Alexander”
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Dr. Philip G. Hubbard
Philip G. Hubbard was born in Macon, Missouri, but moved to the Des Moines area when he was four years old. According to his book My Iowa Journey, his mother gave up her career as a teacher to move north so that Philip and his three brothers could attend unsegregated schools. While the schools wereContinue reading “Dr. Philip G. Hubbard”
Dr. Lilia A. Abron
Dr. Lilia A. Abron was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 8, 1945 and grew up in the segregated South. She followed in her parents’ footsteps, attending LeMoyne College. Her college career did not begin well, with Abron losing her scholarship after her grades slipped and she lost her scholarship. During her sophomore year, sheContinue reading “Dr. Lilia A. Abron”
Fall in Love at the Engineering Library!
This week is the beginning of February, which means love is in the air! However, it is still winter, so going out to find love may be more difficult than expected. Instead, find love in a book all month long here at the Engineering Library with Blind Date with a Book. How it works: ComeContinue reading “Fall in Love at the Engineering Library!”
George Nissen and the Trampoline
George Nissen was born in Blairstown, Iowa, in 1914 and moved to Cedar Rapids as a child. It was at the local YMCA that he would learn both tumbling and diving. In 1930, 16-year-old Nissen attended a circus performance where he saw acrobats falling onto safety nets, finishing their descents with somersaults. Nissen considered theContinue reading “George Nissen and the Trampoline”
Welcome Back, Engineers!
We’re diving back into classes, so make some plans to dive into library events too! Here’s a sneak peek of what we’re up to this semester: Each month Research Scholars Workshops: Join us for monthly webinars on advanced research topics. Keep an eye on our website and social media so you don’t miss your chanceContinue reading “Welcome Back, Engineers!”
Snow Engineering
Now that we have entered the snowy time in the year, we might as well embrace the snow. Although we may not see snow as a positive thing, there are many cultures that take advantage of its unique properties. The Inuit peoples of North America and Greenland use snow to create igloos, also spelled “iglu.”Continue reading “Snow Engineering”
Coast into Winter Fun
You’re almost done with the semester, and soon you’ll have time to go outside and enjoy the snow. Have you ever thought about the history of sleds? Sleds have a very long history, helping us to work and play. You may have spent your snow days gliding downhill on a plastic saucer or an innertubeContinue reading “Coast into Winter Fun”
Gingerbread Engineering
Snow will soon be here and it’s time for wintertime traditions – which includes gingerbread creations! National Gingerbread House Day is December 12th. Early history of the recipe is hazy, and may range to as far back as Ancient Greece in 2400 BCE to France in 992 AD. Early on, gingerbread was used in religiousContinue reading “Gingerbread Engineering”
Happy Native American Heritage Month!
November is Native American Heritage Month, so let’s celebrate some Native American Engineers! Ely S. Parker (1828-1895) – Seneca, Civil and Military Engineer Born in 1828 on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, Ely S. Parker lived up to his Seneca name of Do-ne-ho-ga-wa, which means “Open Door.” When doors were closed to him because of hisContinue reading “Happy Native American Heritage Month!”