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Document Type

Video

Abstract

This document presents an interview with Dr. Harry Weber, a pivotal figure in the early development of Florida Tech (FIT), conducted in Fall 2007 by Dr. Robert Taylor as part of the "Florida Tech Pioneer Interview" series. Dr. Weber offers a comprehensive retrospective of his career and profound impact on the university, tracing his journey from an electrical engineer at RCA Missile Test Project to various leadership roles at FIT, including Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Science and Engineering, and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The interview highlights Dr. Weber's instrumental role in securing FIT's first federal grants, including the significant College Science Improvement Program award from the National Science Foundation, which provided crucial funding and propelled the university's credibility and access to surplus federal equipment. He details the initial state of the campus and the Electrical Engineering Department upon his arrival in 1966, emphasizing the challenges of establishing laboratories and updating the curriculum.

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the unique, can-do culture of early FIT, characterized by dedication, sacrifice, and a strong sense of fellowship among faculty and staff. Dr. Weber shares personal anecdotes about former President Dr. Jerry Keuper, describing his unwavering dedication to FIT and his colorful personality. He also reflects on other memorable personalities who shaped the university, including Dr. John Miller, Dr. Andy Revay, and dedicated staff members like Dale Simcox.

The interview concludes with Dr. Weber's vision for Florida Tech's future, advocating for a manageable size of 5,000 to 7,000 students to preserve its unique spirit and a continued focus on applied science and engineering. He underscores the collective sacrifices made by early faculty and staff who prioritized building a unique institution over personal financial gain, highlighting the "can-do attitude" that permeated the campus. The interview also features fascinating encounters with historical figures like P.A.M. Dirac, Jimmy Doolittle, Harold Edgerton, and Claude Kirk, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and influential network that supported Florida Tech's growth.

Publication Date

Fall 2007

Comments

Executive Summary and Transcript submitted by Dr. Gordon Patterson.

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