NYU-Poly inducts 2009 Chevalier Society donors

Almost one hundred years ago, Colonel Willard T. Chevalier graduated from what was then Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn with a degree in civil engineering. Mr. Chevalier would go on to help build New York City’s infrastructure, serve with the 11th United States Field Engineers Corps in France, launch the journal Construction Methods, and retire as vice president of McGraw-Hill after a 23-year career with the company. He would also become the first person to donate $1 million to Polytechnic over the course of his lifetime.

Polytechnic Institute of NYU celebrated Mr. Chevalier’s memory by honoring a group of donors who have matched or exceeded his commitment to NYU-Poly in their generous funding and active support at an inductee ceremony on March 18, 2009.

NYU-Poly President Jerry M. Hultin welcomed Michael and Emilie Corey, Bill and Mary Kay Friend, The Jacobs Family, Northrop Grumman, Pfizer, and Verizon to the Chevalier Society, applauding their contributions and dedication. Below are excerpts from his remarks:

As we continue on our new path at NYU-Poly, it is fitting that we take a moment to pause and reflect on the many accomplishments of our past that have helped to elevate our institution to its high standing in the global marketplace.

If we think about our alumni, we see the giants of engineering, science, and business who have helped build communities, tackle many of society’s most pressing problems, lead multi-billion dollar companies, and even in a couple of instances, fly into space.  Many of those people are in this very room this evening.

And now, in 2009, as we look to the future of NYU-Poly, we see nothing less than the same potential for accomplishments in shaping a more viable society. There are new areas of focus including urban sustainability, ever-expanding information technology, and enhanced medical and healthcare resources and we look to a new model for responding to these challenges — driven by a powerful triad —  invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship, or i2e as we call it.

As we commemorate our 155th anniversary, we continue to build upon our outstanding history, while at the same time, charting a new course of invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship that is made possible by your loyal and dedicated support.