Dr. Koh with First Graduating Class of Engineers by Patrick Sander

Dr. Koh with First Graduating Class of Engineers by Patrick Sander

The Maryland State Board of Higher Education approved engineering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs at UMBC in 1984, though not without heated competition from Morgan State University. Previously, pre-engineering classes were offered at UMBC, but students had to transfer to University of Maryland, College Park to complete their degrees. Both Morgan and UMBC desired an engineering program, but ultimately, the decision was made that each school would receive half of a full engineering program; electrical, civil, and industrial engineering were given to Morgan and chemical, biological, and mechanical engineering programs were given to UMBC. The first UMBC class of engineers in 1986 were awarded eight bachelor's degrees and one master's degree. Engineering student organizations ASME, AIChE and the Council of Majors were also established that in 1986. Dr. Severino Koh was a founder of the program and served as associate dean of the College of Engineering until 1991, and he taught as a mechanical engineering professor until he retired in 2002.

Sander, Patrick

Baltimore Sun Photographs

6/6/1986

gelatin silver prints; black-and-white photographs; 8 x 10 in.

P2014-01-0079