Revolutionizing Transportation: The Escalator
One of the most significant contributions by a Lehigh University engineering graduate is the invention of the first escalator by Jesse W. Reno, an 1883 graduate. Reno’s escalator was initially installed as an amusement ride at Coney Island, New York, in 1897. He later sold the patent to the Otis Elevator Company in 1899. This collaboration led to the production of the first commercial escalator, which garnered international acclaim by winning a prize at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Reno’s invention revolutionized the way people move within buildings and urban environments, showcasing the innovative spirit of Lehigh engineering alumni.
The Birth of the Ford Mustang
Lee Iacocca, a 1946 graduate of Lehigh University, played a pivotal role in the development and introduction of the legendary Ford Mustang in 1964. Under Iacocca’s guidance as the general manager of Ford Motor Company’s Ford Division, the Mustang became the first “pony car,” characterized by its affordable price, sporty design, and performance. The Mustang’s launch was a resounding success, with nearly 1.5 million units produced in its first two years across three Ford plants. This record-setting achievement solidified Iacocca’s legacy and demonstrated the impact of Lehigh alumni in the automotive industry.
Engineering the Panama Canal
Lehigh University graduates were instrumental in the construction of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century—the Panama Canal. The McClintic-Marshall Construction Company, founded by Lehigh alumni, was responsible for building the locks, while the Dravo Corporation, also founded by Lehigh graduates, manufactured the enormous lock gates. These contributions were crucial in the successful completion of the canal, which significantly shortened maritime travel distances and facilitated global trade. The involvement of Lehigh alumni in this project underscores their expertise and leadership in large-scale engineering endeavors.
Dominating the Indianapolis 500: Penske PC-23
Roger Penske, a 1959 Lehigh graduate, developed one of the most dominant open-wheel race cars in history, the Penske PC-23. This race car achieved remarkable success in 1994, winning the Indianapolis 500 and 12 out of 16 total races that year. Penske Racing, under Roger Penske’s leadership, has continued to dominate the racing world, with 16 Indianapolis 500 victories, more than any other team. Penske’s achievements highlight the excellence and competitive spirit nurtured at Lehigh University.
Advancing Cryptography: RSA Security Key Factorization
Lehigh University is home to Dr. Bruce Dodson, whose groundbreaking work in cryptography led to the factorization of RSA-140 and RSA-155 encryption keys. These achievements demonstrated that 512-bit keys were insufficiently secure, prompting the recommendation of 1024-bit keys for commercial encryption. Dr. Dodson’s contributions to cryptography have had a profound impact on digital security, showcasing Lehigh’s role in advancing critical technological fields.
Founding Tau Beta Pi Honor Society
Tau Beta Pi, the prestigious national engineering honor society, was established at Lehigh University in 1885. Known as the Pennsylvania Alpha chapter, it was the first chapter of Tau Beta Pi and aimed to recognize and honor outstanding engineering accomplishments. This society has since grown to become a highly regarded organization, celebrating academic excellence and professional integrity in the engineering community. Lehigh’s foundational role in Tau Beta Pi reflects its long-standing commitment to fostering excellence in engineering education.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
The achievements of Lehigh University engineering alumni across various fields, from transportation and infrastructure to cryptography and racing, illustrate the university’s legacy of innovation and leadership. These notable contributions have had a significant impact on society and underscore the excellence of Lehigh’s engineering programs. Lehigh continues to produce leaders who drive progress and make meaningful contributions to the world, maintaining its reputation as a premier institution for engineering education and research.