I. About Rensselaer Institute of Technology
Rensselaer has 7,500 students and nearly100,000 living alumni, and is committed to meeting the global challenges facing the 2 1 century-changing lives, promoting social progress and changing the world. Today, Rensselaer is divided into six major schools, including 37 departments, with emphasis on science and technology. [10] Its degree courses in engineering, computing, business and management, information technology, science, design and liberal arts are widely recognized. According to the American News, Rensselaer University ranks 42nd among all American universities. World report. Rensselaer Institute of Technology's engineering and computing programs are also highly recognized internationally, and it ranks among the top six universities in the United States because of the highest median income of its recent alumni.
Rensselaer Institute of Technology has 7,500 students and nearly 654.38+10,000 students to meet the global challenges facing the 2 1 century, namely, changing life, promoting society and changing the world. Rensselaer Institute of Technology (RPI) is a private research university located in Troy, new york. The other two campuses are located in Hartford, Connecticut and groton. Founded in 1824 by Stephen Fahlens and Amos Eaton, the college is also described as the oldest engineering university in the English-speaking world for the purpose of applying science to life. Many American universities or applied science departments were established after Rensselaer Institute of Technology. Rensselaer Institute of Technology covers an area of 265 acres (107 hectares) and is built on a hillside overlooking Troy and Hudson River, which is a fusion of traditional and modern architecture. The Institute has a campus business incubator and Rensselaer Science and Technology Park with 1 0,250 acres (5 10 hectares). Today, Rensselaer has organized six universities and 37 departments, focusing on science and technology. Its degree programs in engineering, computing, business and management, information technology, science, design and liberal arts are recognized. According to American news rankings, Rensselaer University ranks 42nd among all American universities. Rensselaer Institute of Technology is also internationally recognized for its engineering and computing projects. Among the top six universities in the United States, recent alumni have the highest median. As of 20 17, Rensselaer's teachers and alumni include 6 national inventors, 6 national technology prize winners, 5 national science prize winners, 8 Fulbright scholarship winners and Nobel Prize winners in physics. In addition, 85 teachers or alumni are academicians of the National Academy of Engineering, 65,438+07 teachers or alumni are academicians of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 teachers or alumni are academicians of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and 8 teachers or alumni are academicians of the National Institute of Medicine. Research projects include astrobiology and astrophysics, biotechnology and life sciences, energy, environment and intelligent systems, nanotechnology and advanced materials, computing science and engineering, and cognitive engineering.
Second, the historical evolution
1. Overall development history
The first stage: 1824 to 1900.
Stephen van Rensselaer founded Rensselaer School on 182410/May 5th with a letter to the Reverend Dr. Samuel Blatchford, in which Van Rensselaer asked Blatchford to be the first principal. He listed several matters in his letter. He appointed A Moss Eaton as the first senior professor of the school and appointed the first board of directors. The school starts on Monday 1 3, 1825, located in the old bank square at the northern end of Troy. The tuition fee is about 40 dollars per semester (equivalent to 800 dollars for 20 12 years). This school attracts students as far away as Ohio and Pennsylvania, which is due to Eaton's reputation. After a successful trial of 14 months, this school was registered and established by New York State on March 26th. In the early days, Rensselaer College was more like a graduate school than a university, attracting many graduates from old institutions. 1890 established one of the first Latino student organizations in the United States in RPI. The Spanish-American Club was founded by international Latin American students who were studying in the college at that time.
Stephen Fansensler founded Rensselaer College on1824165438+15, and wrote to Professor Samuel Blacksford. Among them, Fansensler appointed Blacksford as the first president. In the letter, he confirmed several business orders. He appointed Amos Eaton as the first senior professor and the first board member. Rensselaer Polytechnic opened on Monday1October 3rd,1825,65438+in an old bank square at the northern end of Troy. The tuition fee per semester is about 40 dollars (equivalent to 20 12 years of 800 dollars). Because of Eaton's reputation, the school attracts students from Ohio and Pennsylvania. After 14 months of discussion, Rensselaer Institute of Technology was formally established in New York State on March 2 1826. In the early years, Rensselaer College was more like a graduate school than a university, with graduates from many institutions for the elderly. In Eaton, Rensselaer School was renamed Rensselaer Institute on 1832, which is a small and dynamic technology research center. The first civil engineering degree in the United States was awarded by the school at 1835, when many of the best civil engineers graduated from the school. Important visiting scholars include joseph henry, who studied at Amos Eaton before, and Thomas Davenport, who sold the world's first working motor to the Institute. Benjamin Franklin Green, an alumnus of 1847, became the new senior professor. Earlier, he made an in-depth study of technical schools in Europe to see how Rensselaer could improve. 1850, he transformed this school into a three-year science and engineering, with six technical schools. 186 1 was renamed Rensselaer Institute of Technology. On May 1862, 10, the fire, known as the fire, seriously damaged more than 507-story buildings in Troy and burned 75 acres (300,000 square meters in the city center). At that time, the kindergarten school building where the institute was located was destroyed in the fire. Columbia University proposed that Rensler leave Troy and merge with the campus in new york City. Finally, the proposal was rejected and the campus left the hillside in the crowded city center. The course was temporarily held in the Weill Building and the University of Troy Building until 1864, when the institute moved to the building on Broadway on Eighth Street, where this method is now located. One of the earliest Hispanic student organizations in the United States was founded in RPI, 1890. The Spanish-American Club was established by Latin American students currently abroad.
The second stage: 1900 till now.
1904, the institute was destroyed by fire for the fourth time, and its main buildings were completely destroyed. However, under the leadership of President Palmer Ricketts, RPI experienced a period of academic and resource expansion. After 190 1 was appointed as the president, Ricketts relaxed the curriculum, adding departments of art, science and business administration in addition to the graduate school. He also expanded the resources of the university, developed RPI into a real polytechnic, and increased the number of degrees from two to twelve; These subjects include electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, biology, chemistry and physics. During Richter's tenure, the number of students enrolled increased from about 200 in 1900 to a high of 1700 in 1930. However, with the completion of the East Campus Sports Village costing 92 million dollars and the opening of the new Blitman Commons residential hall in 2009, the campus construction continues to expand. By the end of 20 1 5, all the staff positions of the institute have been restored, and they have increased substantially from the pre-recession level, contributing more than 10 billion dollars to the economy of the capital region every year. In the same year, the North Hall, E-Complex and Quadrangle dormitories began to be renovated, which was later completed in 20 16 to accommodate the largest freshman class in Rensselaer's history.
However, under the leadership of President Palmer Ricketts, RPI experienced a period of academic and resource expansion. On 190 1, the president was appointed. In addition to graduate school, Ricketts has also opened departments of art, science and business management. He also expanded the resources of the university, developed RPI into a real institute of technology, and increased the number of degrees offered from two to twelve; These include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biology, chemistry and physics. During Richter's tenure, the number of students enrolled increased from about 200 in 1900 to 1930. After World War II, there was an expansion period, because veterans used geographical indications to educate and benefit college. The residential complex of University Hill was built in 1953, and the dining hall was built in 1954 * * *, and two more buildings were built in 1958, and three more buildings were built in 196 1 year, which was the academic year of the School of Architecture. The current student union building is located at 1967. In the next 30 years, many new buildings will continue to grow (see the campus below) and their connection with industry. Building H, formerly used for storage, became the website of the RPI incubator project, which was the first such project to be fully funded by the university. Soon after, RPI decided to invest $3 million in roads, water and electricity on about 65,438+0,200 acres (490 hectares) 5 miles (8.0 kilometers) south of the campus, thus creating Rensselaer Science Park. [3 1] 1982, the new York state legislature gave rpi $3 billion to build the George m low industrial innovation center, which is a research and development center initiated by the industry.
1999, Rensselaer Institute of Technology became one of the first universities to implement the compulsory notebook computer program. This is also the year of the president's arrival. Shirley Ann Jackson is the former chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Bill Clinton is the president. She formulated the Rensselaer Plan (discussed below), which is an ambitious plan to revitalize the Institute. The plan has made great progress, and Jackson has received continuous support from the RPI board of directors. However, her leadership style is not consistent with many teachers. On April 26th, 2006, Professor RPI scored 149 and 155 in Jackson's failed vote. In September 2007, the Academic Affairs Committee had a quarrel with the administrative department for more than four years. On June 3rd, 2008, 10, RPI celebrated the opening of a $220 million experimental media and performing arts center. In the same year, with the national economic recession, the staff of the institute decreased by 98, and Rensselaer Institute of Technology accounted for about 5% of the staff. However, with the completion of the East Campus Sports Village costing 92 million dollars and the opening of the new Blitman Commons dormitory in 2009, the expansion of campus construction continues. By the end of 20 15, all positions have been restored to the institute, which has made remarkable growth from the pre-recession level and contributed more than 10 billion dollars to the economy of the capital area every year. In the same year, the North Pavilion, Electronic Complex and Quadrilateral Dormitory began to be rebuilt and completed on 20 16 to accommodate the largest enrollment class in Rensselaer history.
2. History of campus development
The first stage: 1824 to 1905.
RPI covers an area of 275 acres (11hectare) [39] The campus is located on a hill overlooking Troy, new york and the Hudson River. Most of the surrounding areas are residential areas, and Troy is located at the foot of the mountain. The campus is divided into two parts by 15 Street, with most sports and housing facilities in the east and academic buildings in the west. A footbridge crosses the street and connects the two parts. Most of the campus features a series of colonial renaissance buildings built in the first 30 years of the 20th century. Generally speaking, the campus has experienced four periods of expansion.
Rensselaer Polytechnic covers an area of 275 acres (11hectare) [39] The campus is located on a hill overlooking Troy, new york and the Hudson River. The surrounding area is mainly residential, and Troy is located at the foot of the mountain. The campus is bounded by block 15. Most sports and residential facilities are in the east, and academic buildings are also in the west. A footbridge crosses the street, connecting the two parts of the street. Most campuses have a series of colonial revival styles built in the first 30 years of the 20th century. Generally speaking, there are four phases of campus expansion. Rensselaer Institute of Technology was originally located in the center of Troy, but gradually moved to the top of the mountain overlooking the city. Since then, these buildings have included the Winslow Chemical Laboratory and the National Register of Historic Sites. Located on the hill on the west side of the campus, there is currently a social and behavioral research laboratory.
The second stage: like the campus from 1906 to 1935.
Initially connecting RPI and Troy Union Railway Station, it once again became an important link between the city and the university. 1906 With the support of 1886 class, the stadium in 1986 was the home of the football team before 2008.
President Palmer Matteo Ricci supervised the construction of the Green Roof Colonial Renaissance Building in the school, which made most of the buildings on the campus unique. The buildings built in this period include Carnegie Building (1906), Walker Laboratory (1907), Russell Sage Laboratory (1909), Pittsburgh Building (19 12) and quadrangle dormitory (/kloc) Troy Building (1925), Amos Eaton Hall (1928), Green Building (193 1) and Ricketts Building (1935). During this period, a huge and gorgeous granite staircase-approach road (1907) was also built at the west end of the campus. Rensselaer Institute of Technology was originally connected with the Union Railway Station in Troy, which is also an important link between the city and the university. 1906 until 2008, the pot of the football team achieved the goal of grade 1886.
The third stage: the post-war expansion stage from 1946 to 1960.
After World War II, the campus was expanded again on a large scale. Nine dormitories were built on the east side of the campus, next to Burdett Street, which was later called "Xinsheng Mountain". The Houston Yard House (1949) was reassembled after being moved to pieces from its original Rhode Island location. West Pavilion was originally built in 1869 as a hospital, and 1953 was acquired by the hospital. This ornate building is a model of the architecture of the second French Empire. It was listed in the national historical sites list on 1973. Subsequently, the university was not sure what to do with the church or whether to keep it, but decided to keep it and renovate it in 1979 to accommodate the computer laboratory and facilities to support the institute's calculation plan. Today, VCC is the backbone of the institute's data and telephone infrastructure.
After World War II, the campus experienced a large-scale expansion. There are nine dormitories on the east side of the campus adjacent to Burdett Avenue, which are called Xinsheng Mountain. The reorganization location is in Houston (1949), where Rhode Island is located after the original work was relocated. The west hall of the hospital originally built in 1869 was acquired by the hospital in 1953. Gorgeous architecture is a model of the architecture of the second French Empire. 1973 is listed in the national historical list. Another unique building is the Voorhees Computing Center (VCC). Originally St. Joseph Theological Church, it was built in 1933. The building was acquired by Rensselaer in 1958, and was renovated as the library of the Institute in 1960 until it was completed by folsom Library in 1976. Folsom library, located near the computing center, has a concrete appearance, which is designed to be in harmony with the light gray bricks of the church. Rensselaer Institute of Technology is a good example of modern barbaric style in architecture. Subsequently, the university was not sure what to do with the church or whether to insist on it, but 1979 decided to keep it and transform it to accommodate the computer laboratory and facilities and support the calculation scheme of the institute. Today, VCC is the backbone of the institute's data and telephone infrastructure.
The fourth stage: the modern campus of 196 1 year.
Modern campus has Jonson-Roland Science Center (J-ROWL) (196 1), Materials Research Center (MRC) (1965), Rensselaer Alliance (1967) and Cogsville Laboratory (/kloc-0). In August, 2000, a tenth dormitory named Barton Building was added to Xinsheng Mountain, which provided the largest room for freshmen.
The modern campus is characterized by Jonson-Roland Science Center, Materials Research Center, Rensselaer Alliance, Cogsville Laboratory, Darling Communication Center, Qiao Sen Engineering Center, low-industrial innovation center, a public school building transformed into a Academy of Sciences, biotechnology and interdisciplinary research center, tunnel connection low center, JEC and science center. In August, 2000, a tenth dormitory named Barton Hall was added to Xinsheng Mountain, which provided the largest room for freshmen. On June 3, 2008, 10, the university celebrated the grand opening of the experimental media and performing arts center in the west of the campus. The building is built on a cliff with the main entrance on it. Enter the back elevated walkway and enter 1, 200 concert halls. Most buildings are enclosed in a glass exoskeleton, and there is a space similar to an atrium between it and the internal buildings. Next to and below the main audience hall is a 400-seat theater, office and two black studios, with ceilings ranging from 35 feet (1 1 m) to 45 feet (14 m). In 2008, Rensselaer Institute of Technology announced the acquisition of the Best Western Rensselaer Hotel in front of Hill Base, and planned to transform it into a new dormitory. After a large-scale renovation, the dormitory was composed of Howard Braitman PE '50 residents on May 6, 2009 at 5438+05, with 148 rooms * * * about 300 students, including fitness center, restaurant and conference area. The new dormitory is part of a growing number of initiatives aimed at involving students in the Trojan community and helping to revitalize the city. Rensselaer Institute of Technology owns and operates three office buildings in the center of Troy, the Les River and Hurley Building, and the historic W&; Le Gurley Building Rensselaer Polytechnic also owns the Troy Proctor Theatre building purchased in 2004, with the aim of transforming it into an office space. By the end of 20 1 1, Rensselaer had signed an agreement with Colombian development company to acquire and redevelop proctor Theatre and Sasan Building in Troy.