A Reflection of Historical Excellence
In 1895, James T. Smith founded Lowell Textile School for the purpose of instruction in the theory and the practical art of textile and kindred branches of industry. Thirty-two students enrolled in the three-year textile manufacturing program, with an annual tuition of $100. The school awarded only certificates and diplomas, however in 1913 it was granted the right to confer 4-year degrees in textile engineering and textile chemistry. Lowell Textile School continued to flourish from 1895 through 1928.
1929 – 1953, Lowell Textile Institute. From design to a finished material, the pattern is one of methodical development. In 1928, Governor Alvan T. Fuller signed the bill to change the name of the Lowell Textile School to Lowell Textile Institute. With the symbolic name change to institute, the new developments in the curriculum and recruitment for more students initiated four-year Bachelor’s degrees were offered in Bachelor of Science in Textile Chemistry, Textile Engineering, and Textile Manufacturing. New construction and renovations proclaimed the eminence of Lowell Textile Institute in the new space of Southwick Hall. In 1903, Southwick Hall hosted the growing student body with up-to-date classrooms and laboratories necessary for the hands-on experience in textiles. The school awarded its first bachelor’s degree in textile dyeing and textile engineering. In the spring of 1948, the student body officially recognized ‘Terry Tex’, a personified bull terrier, as the mascot of the Textile Institute.
1954 – 1974, Lowell Technological Institute. The advent of diversification in New England industries has caused a subsequent expansion of the facilities and curricula at Lowell Technological Institute to meet the demands of these industries. Degree programs included plastics, leather, paper and electronics technology along with liberal arts offerings. As the bachelor’s degree programs in engineering soared the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Textile Engineering was created at Lowell Technological Institute in 1961. Twenty-five Mechanical Engineering students participated in commencement for Lowell Technological Institute’s first graduating class of 1961.
1975 – 1990, University of Lowell. In July 1975, “The Merger” happened when the local school administration and the Lowell Tech administration merged Lowell State College and Lowell Technological Institute into the University of Lowell. This merge created big changes with students, athletics, academics, faculty, budget, housing, administration, and long-term planning. Forty-three students participated in commencement for University of Lowell’s first Mechanical Engineering graduating class of 1976. A new university mascot took stage called “The Chiefs” and represented for nearly 20 years.
1991 – Present, University of Massachusetts Lowell. In 1991, Governor William Weld signed the legislation establishing the new university structure under the University of Massachusetts. The University of Lowell became the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) as part of the five-campus system. Forty Mechanical Engineering students participated in commencement for UMass Lowell’s first graduating class of 1992. In May 1994, “The River Hawk” made its debut as the university mascot and continues to represent the UML spirit today. In fall 1996, UMass Lowell was one of the first universities to offer online courses and currently more than 60 online programs including the Mechanical Engineering Technology degree, enrollment reached 18,000 for first time, and all sports teams joined the Division I American East Conference. Notable visitors such as Stephen King, Meryl Streep, and Oprah visited campus and the university acquired new buildings in support of student engagement such as the Tsongas Arena, University Crossing, the Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center, residence halls, UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, the Innovation Hub (iHUB), and the Fabric Discovery Center, all uniting the three university campuses. In 2019 an 18-month, $50 million renovation of Perry Hall took place making it a state-of-the-art engineering building with the generous donation from engineering alumnus, Barry Perry ’68. In 2015, Jacqueline Moloney became the first woman in the 121-year history to be named as Chancellor of the University. The current Department of Mechanical Engineering operates with about 34 faculty focusing on three research thrust areas, mechanics & materials, dynamic systems, and thermofluid transport, to address national needs pertaining to energy & sustainability, defense & security, manufacturing & industry, and engineering education. In Fall 2020, we launched our new Industrial Engineering program and welcomed our first cohort of undergraduate and graduate students.