Paper Science and Education through the years.
In 1995, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) celebrated the 75th anniversary of “paper science and engineering.” Based on this, it is natural to think of 2020 as the 100th anniversary of pulp and paper education at ESF. But is 2020 really the 100th anniversary? A brief look at the history of the College shows that the 100th anniversary could be celebrated over almost a decade.
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The idea of a curriculum in pulp and paper manufacture was first proposed by Professor Nelson C. Brown in 1914, so the idea of the curriculum is well over 106 years old. The curriculum was approved in 1915 by the College trustees; however, the curriculum was not developed and students enrolled until 1920. The delay was probably due mostly to the intervention of World War I (and perhaps even the influenza pandemic of 1918). Early on, short courses were also offered by the College. The first to be developed was a month-long course on forestry held in 1913 in the Adirondacks. In 1916, a second six-week short-course was developed in pulp and paper manufacture, given to industry men by the forest chemistry faculty at ESF. It was only taught once, again interrupted by World War I.
So, did pulp and paper education start in 1914, 1915, 1916 or 1920?
Professors Clarence E. Libby and Harry E. Watson joined the staff of the Department of Forest Chemistry and helped develop the curriculum in pulp and paper manufacture. From early on, the paper industry were key cooperators in the educational process. The first field trips to visit pulp and paper mills were organized by Professor Libby in 1920, the first year that students were enrolled in the program. In 1923, two of these students, Harris Hunt and Kenneth Sheridan, were the first to graduate with a B.S. in pulp and paper manufacture. So we have reason to celebrate the 100th anniversary through 2023.
So when do we celebrate?
We originally planned to have the gala celebration of the 100th anniversary in fall 2020. Like the delay in the development of the curriculum 100 years ago by World War I (and ironically perhaps by the influenza pandemic), we need to adjust our celebrations for the anniversary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the changes in the operations of the College (we taught online, mainly from home since mid-March), it did not seem prudent to plan for a grand celebration this fall. Instead, just as the birth of pulp and paper education was a multi-year event, we are planning on celebrating this anniversary over the next three years. Starting with the 100th anniversary of the curriculum, the celebrations and development activities can span the time up to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first graduates in 2023.
With this extended timeframe, there are opportunities for recognition of the College’s accomplishments and celebration. Of course, there will be a gala reception in 2023 concluding the celebration, but there are many other opportunities to connect and reconnect with our alumni and friends.
While the planning is continuing, we are discussing a number of activities and outreach events, including possible dinners in the Walters Hall Pilot Plant, reunion paper machine runs, and perhaps even sailing excursions on Lake Ontario, as well as other development activities. As we move towards the anniversary, we are also planning a historical timeline for the second floor of Walters Hall (and online) as well as creating 10 Top 10 lists for the department. Look for more information on compiling these lists in future communications.
Help us celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Pulp and Paper Education at ESF by contributing your stories, photos, etc. to the commemorative history book to be published as part of this endeavor.
- Who are the alumni that exemplify the spiritof the department?
- What are your favorite memories of ESF, the department or Walters Hall?
- Who was your favorite professor or staff person?
- How did ESF and the program influence your career?
If you have historical pictures and stories of your time in the department, please feel free to send them to me at gscott@esf.edu. As the book is nowhere near complete, I am looking for material to add to it. In addition, if you are interested in being on the planning committees for these celebrations, please get in contact with me.
Gary M. Scott
gscott@esf.edu
315-470-6523
Director, Division of Engineering
Sources
Paper Science and Engineering: 75th Anniversary (1995). SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation, Syracuse, New York
Forestry College: Essays on the Growth and Development of New York State’s College of Forestry, 1911-1961 (1961). Edited by George R. Armstrong and Marvin W. Kranz (Associate Editor). Alumni Association of the State University College of Forestry at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York