Basic overview of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States was founded in 1824 and is one of the top universities in the United States. It is the first science and engineering university in the history of the United States and even English-speaking countries. So let’s follow along to learn about the basic overview of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States. Welcome to read.

1. About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

With 7,500 students and nearly 100,000 living alumni, Rensselaer is addressing the global challenges facing the 21st century—to change lives, to advance society, and to change the world. Today, Rensselaer is organized into six main schools which contain 37 departments, with emphasis on science and technology.[10] It is well recognized for its degree programs in engineering, computing, business and management, information technology, the sciences, design, and liberal arts. Rensselaer is ranked 42nd out of all universities in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is also highly recognized internationally for its engineering and computing programs, and has been ranked within the top six universities in the United States for highest median earnings of recent alumni.

With 7,500 students and nearly 100,000 current students, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute addresses the global challenges of the 21st century—changing lives, advancing Society, change the world. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or RPI, is a private research university located in Troy, New York, with two other campuses in Hartford and Groton, Connecticut. The institute was founded in 1824 by Stephen van Rensselaer and Amos Eaton with the same purpose of applying science to life, and is described as the oldest engineering university in the English-speaking world. Many American universities or applied science departments were founded after Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Built into a hillside, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's 265-acre (107-hectare) campus overlooks the city of Troy and the Hudson River and is a blend of traditional and modern architecture. The institute houses an on-campus business incubator and the 1,250-acre (510-hectare) Rensselaer Science and Technology Park. Today, Renshina has organized six major schools with 37 departments. The key course is technology. Its degree programs are recognized in engineering, computing, business and management, information technology, science, design and liberal arts. According to the US News ranking, Rensselaer ranks 42nd among all universities in the United States. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is also internationally recognized for its engineering and computing programs and has the highest median number of recent alumni among the top six universities in the United States.

As of 2017, Rensselaer's faculty and alumni include six members of the National Inventors' Class, six National Technology Laureates, five National Medal of Science winners, eight Fulbright Scholarship recipients and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics; In addition, 85 faculty or alumni are members of the National Academy of Engineering, 17 faculty or alumni are members of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 faculty or alumni are members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and 8 faculty or alumni are members of the National Academy of Medicine member. Research projects include the areas of astrobiology and astrophysics, biotechnology and life sciences, energy, environment and intelligent systems, nanotechnology and advanced materials, computational science and engineering, and cognitive engineering.

2. Historical evolution

1. Overall development history

The first stage: 1824 to 1900

Stephen van Rensselaer established the Rensselaer School on November 5, 1824 with a letter to the Rev. Dr. Samuel Blatchford, in which Van Rensselaer asked Blatchford to serve as the first president. Within the letter he set down several orders of business. He appointed Amos Eaton as the school's first senior professor and appointed the first board of trustees. The school opened on Monday, January 3, 1825 at the Old Bank Place, a building at the north end of Troy. Tuition was around $40 per semester (equivalent to $800 in 2012) . The fact that the school attracted students from as far as Ohio and Pennsylvania is attributed to the reputation of Eaton. Fourteen months of successful trial led to the incorporation of the school on March 21, 1826 by the state of New York. In its early years, the Rensselaer School strongly resembled a graduate school more than it did a college, drawing graduates from many older institutions. One of the first Latino student organizations in the United States was founded at RPI in 1890. The Club Hispano Americano was established by the international Latin American students that attended the institute at this time.

Stephen Vansenssler founded Rensselaer College on November 5, 1824, writing a letter to Professor Samuel Blacksford , in which Van Wensler made Brailsford the first principal. In the letter, he confirmed several business orders. He appointed Amos Eaton as the school's first senior professor and appointed its first board of trustees. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute opened on Monday, January 3, 1825, in Old Bank Plaza, a building in the north end of Troy. Tuition is approximately US$40 per semester (equivalent to US$800 in 2012 dollars). The school attracts students from Ohio and Pennsylvania thanks to Eton's reputation.

After 14 months of discussion, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was officially established in New York State on March 21, 1826. In its early years, Rensselaer was more of a graduate school than a university, with graduates coming from many aging institutions. At Eaton, the Rensselaer School, renamed Rensselaer Research Institute in 1832, is a small but vibrant technical research center. The first civil engineering degree in the United States was awarded by the school in 1835, and many of the best remembered civil engineers of the time graduated from the school. Important visiting scholars included Joseph Henry, who had previously studied at Amos Eton, and Thomas Davenport, who sold the world's first working electric motor to the Institute. Benjamin Franklin Green, a 1847 alumnus, becomes the new senior professor. Early on, he conducted an in-depth study of European technical schools to see how Rensselaer could be improved. In 1850, he converted the school into a three-year polytechnic with six technical schools. In 1861, the name was changed to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. On May 10, 1862, known as the Great Fire, the conflagration of Troy severely damaged more than 507 buildings and gutted 75 acres (300,000 m2) in the heart of the city. The infant school building that housed the institute at the time was destroyed in the fire. Columbia proposed that Rensselaer leave Troy and merge with the New York City campus. Ultimately, the proposal was rejected and the campus was moved away from the congested downtown hillside. Classes were held temporarily in the Vail Building and Troy University buildings until 1864, when the Institute moved to the building on Broadway at Eighth Street that is now the site of the Method. One of the first Hispanic student organizations in the United States, founded at RPI in 1890. Club Hispano Americano is formed by Latin American international students currently abroad.

The second phase: 1900 to the present

In 1904 the Institute was for the fourth time devastated by fire, when its main building was completely destroyed. However, RPI underwent a period of academic and resource expansion under the leadership of President Palmer Ricketts. Named President in 1901, Ricketts liberalized the curriculum by adding the Department of Arts, Science, and Business Administration, in addition to the Graduate School. He also expanded the university's resources and developed RPI into a true polytechnic institute by increasing the number of degrees offered from two to twelve; these included electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics. During Rickett's tenure, enrollment increased from approximately 200 in 1900 to a high of 1,700 in 1930. Campus construction expansion continued, however, with the completion of the $92 million East Campus Athletic Village and opening of the new Blitman Commons residence hall in 2009. As of 2015, all staff positions had been reinstated at the Institute, experiencing significant growth from pre- recession levels and contributing over $1 billion annually to the economy of the Capital District. That same year, renovation of the North Hall, E-Complex, and Quadrangle dormitories began and was later completed in 2016 to house the largest incoming class in Rensselaer's history.

However, under the leadership of President Palmer Ricketts, RPI underwent a period of academic and resource expansion.

Appointed president in 1901, Ricketts opened up the curriculum by adding departments of arts, sciences, and business administration in addition to the graduate school. He also expanded the resources of the university and developed RPI into a true polytechnic, increasing the number of degrees offered from two to twelve; these included electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biology, chemistry and physics. During Rickett's tenure, enrollment increased from approximately 200 students in 1900 to 1,700 students in 1930. A period of expansion occurred again after World War II as veterans used GI Act education benefits to attend college. The University Hill housing complex opened in 1953, with a dining hall completed in 1954, two more buildings in 1958, and three more in 1968. In 1961, Gaerttner made major academic progress in the School of Architecture. linear accelerator and then the Jonsson-Rowland Science Center, the most powerful in the world. The current Students' Union building opened in 1967. Growth continued over the next thirty years with many new buildings (see below Campus), as well as links with industry. The H Building, formerly used for storage, became home to the RPI Incubator Program, the first such program to be funded exclusively by the university. Soon after, RPI decided to invest $3 million in pavement, water and power on approximately 1,200 acres (490 hectares) of land 5 miles (8.0 km) south of campus, creating the Rensselaer Science and Technology Park. [31] In 1982, the New York State Legislature gave RPI $30 million to build the George M. Low Industrial Innovation Center, an industry-sponsored research and development center.

In 1999, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute became one of the first universities to implement a mandatory laptop computer program. This was also the year of the arrival of President Sherry Ann Jackson, who had chaired the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under President Bill Clinton. She developed the Rensselaer Plan (discussed below), an ambitious plan to revitalize the institute. Much progress has been made with the program, and Jackson has the continued support of the RPI Board of Directors. However, her leadership style was at odds with many faculty members, and on April 26, 2006, RPI professors voted 149 out of 155 in Jackson's defeat. In September 2007, the Academic Affairs Committee and the administrative department had been in conflict for more than four years. On October 3, 2008, RPI celebrated the opening of its $220 million Center for Experimental Media and Performing Arts. That same year, the national economic recession resulted in a reduction of 98 employees across the institute, with Rensselaer Polytechnic accounting for about 5 percent of the workforce. However, campus construction expansion continues with the completion of the $92 million East Campus Athletic Village and the opening of the new Blitman Commons dormitories in 2009. As of 2015, all jobs have returned to the Institute, which has experienced significant growth from pre-recession levels and contributes more than $1 billion annually to the Capital Region economy. That same year, renovations to North Hall, the Electronics Complex, and the Quad began and were completed in 2016 to accommodate the largest entering class in Rensselaer history.

2. Campus development history

The first stage: 1824 to 1905

RPI's 275-acre (111 ha)[39] campus sits upon a The hill overlooking Troy, New York and the Hudson River. The surrounding area is mostly residential neighborhoods, with the city of Troy lying at the base of the hill. The campus is bisected by 15th Street, with most of the athletic and housing facilities to the east, and the academic buildings to the west. A footbridge spans the street, linking the two halves. Much of the campus features a series of Colonial Revival style structures built in the first three decades of the 20th century. Overall, the campus has enjoyed four periods of expansion

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's 275-acre (111 hectares)[39] campus sits on a hill overlooking Troy, New York, and the Hudson River. The surrounding area is mainly residential, with the city of Troy at the base of the mountain. The campus is divided by the 15th block, with most athletic and residential facilities on the east side, as well as academic buildings on the west side. A pedestrian bridge spans the street, connecting the two halves of the street. Much of the campus features a series of Colonial Revival architectural styles built in the first third of the 20th century. Overall, there were four periods of campus expansion. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was originally located in downtown Troy but gradually moved to a hilltop overlooking the city. Buildings since then include the Winslow Chemical Laboratory, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The base of the hill on the west side of campus currently houses the Social and Behavioral Research Laboratory.

Phase II: Ricketts Campus, 1906 to 1935

Originally linking RPI to the Troy Union Railroad station, it again serves as an important link between the city and the university. In 1906 the '86 Field, homefield of the football team until 2008, was completed with support of the Class of 1886.

President Palmerston oversaw the school's green roof Colonial Revival architecture The construction that makes up much of the campus is of unique architectural style. Buildings constructed during this period include the Carnegie Building (1906), Walker Laboratory (1907), Russell Sage Laboratory (1909), Pittsburgh Building (1912), Quad Dormitory (1916 to 1927), Troy Building (1925), Amos Eaton Hall (1928), Greene Building (1931), and Ricketts Building (1935). Also built during this time was The Approach (1907), a massive ornate granite staircase found at the west end of campus.

Originally connecting Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to the Troy Union train station, it was also an important link between the city and the university. From 1906 until 2008, the football team's pot completed its goal for the class of 1886.

The third phase: the postwar expansion phase from 1946 to 1960

After World War II, the campus again underwent major expansion. Nine dormitories were built at the east edge of campus bordering Burdett Avenue, a location which came to be called "Freshman Hill". The Houston Field House (1949) was reassembled, after being moved in pieces from its original Rhode Island location. West Hall, which was originally built in 1869 as a hospital , was acquired by the Institute in 1953. The ornate building is an example of French Second Empire architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Subsequently, the university was unsure of what to do with the chapel, or whether to keep it at all, but in 1979 decided to preserve it and renovate it to house computer labs and facilities to support the institute's computing initiatives. Today the VCC serves as the backbone for the institute's data and telephony infrastructure.

After World War II, the campus underwent significant expansion. Nine dormitories were built on the east side of campus adjacent to Burdett Avenue, an area known as Freshman Hill. A reorganization of the venue in Houston (1949), after being moved from its original production to a location in Rhode Island. The west hall of the hospital, originally built in 1869, was acquired by the Institute in 1953. The ornate building is an example of French Second Empire architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Another unique building is the Voorhees Computing Center (VCC). Originally the St. Joseph's Theological Church, built in 1933, the building was acquired by Rensselaer in 1958 and renovated in 1960 to serve as the institute's library until the Folsom Library was completed in 1976. Folsom Library, located near the Computing Center, has a concrete exterior designed to harmonize with the church's light gray brick; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an excellent example of the modern Brutalist style architecturally. Subsequently, the university was unsure what to do with the chapel or whether it would survive, but in 1979 it was decided to retain it and renovate it to house computer laboratories and facilities to support the institute's computing programme. Today, the VCC serves as the backbone of the institute's data and telephony infrastructure.

The fourth phase: the modern campus in 1961

The modern campus features the Jonsson-Rowland Science Center (J-ROWL) (1961), Materials Research Center (MRC) (1965) ), Rensselaer Union (1967), Cogswell Laboratory (1971), Darrin Communications Center (DCC) (1973), Jonsson Engineering Center (JEC) (1977), Low Center for Industrial Innovation (CII) (1987), a public school building which was converted into Academy Hall (1990), and the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (2004). Tunnels connect the Low Center, DCC, JEC and Science Center. A tenth dormitory named Barton Hall was added to Freshman Hill in August 2000, featuring the largest rooms available for freshmen.

The modern campus features the Jonsson-Rowland Science Center, Materials Research Center, Rensselaer Alliance, Cogswell Laboratory, Darrin Communications Center, Jonsson Engineering Center, Low Industries Innovation Centre, a public school building converted into the Academy of Sciences as well as the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Research, the Tunnel Link Low Center, the JEC and the Science Center. In August 2000, a tenth dormitory called Barton Hall was added to Freshman Hill, providing the largest rooms for freshmen. On October 3, 2008, the University celebrated the grand opening of the Center for Experimental Media and Performing Arts, located on the west edge of campus. The building is built on the cliff of the mountain, with the main entrance above. Upon entry, an elevated walkway leads into the 1,200-seat concert hall. Much of the building is enclosed in a glass exoskeleton, with an atrium-like space between it and the inner buildings. Next to and below the main auditorium are a 400-seat theater, offices and two black studios with ceilings ranging from 35 feet (11 meters) to 45 feet (14 meters). In 2008, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute announced the acquisition of the former Rensselaer Best Western Inn at the base of the hill, with plans to convert it into new dormitories. After extensive renovations by resident Howard Breitman PE '50 on May 15, 2009, the residence halls house approximately 300 students in 148 guest rooms and include a fitness center, dining room, and conference areas. The new residence halls are part of a growing initiative to engage students in the Troy community and help revitalize downtown. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute owns and operates three office buildings located in downtown Troy, the Rice River and Hurley Buildings and the historic W. & L.E. Gurley Building. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute also owns the Troy Proctor Theater building, which it purchased in 2004 with the intention of converting it into office space. As of 2011, Rensselaer had signed an agreement with Columbia Development Corporation to acquire and redevelop the Proctor Theater and Chassanne Building in Troy.