The American Evolution of Mechanical Engineering

History

The Stevens family were pioneer engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs whose achievements molded American society and mechanical engineering.

Stevens Institute of Technology was founded in 1870 by a bequest in the will of Edwin A. Stevens, son of Colonel John Stevens III. The original trustees determined that Stevens should have a single, rigorous engineering curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree they designated "Mechanical Engineer." The undergraduate program encompassed most of the then existing and emerging engineering disciplines and was firmly grounded in scientific principles.

In a popup window, you can view a 1.3MB image of an early curriculum bulletin for "A School of Mechanical Engineering" .

Stevens first president, Henry Morton, was the founding president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and held the group's first meeting on Stevens campus in 1880.

Today, ASME International is a nonprofit educational and technical organization serving a worldwide membership of 125,000.

ASME Vision
To be the premier organization for promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical engineering throughout the world.

ASME Mission
To promote and enhance the technical competency and professional well-being of our members, and through quality programs and activities in mechanical engineering, better enable its practitioners to contribute to the well-being of humankind.