The Engineering Building at the University of Wyoming, constructed in 1927, has been a cornerstone of technological education on campus for nearly a century. Originally housing both engineering and agricultural programs, the building reflects the university’s early focus on practical disciplines crucial to Wyoming’s economy. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the evolving needs of engineering education and research.

Architectural Inspiration

The original 1927 structure of the Engineering Building incorporates elements of Gothic Revival architecture, a style common in early 20th-century academic buildings. Its design is characterized by symmetry, featuring a central entrance flanked by two wings. The exterior is constructed from locally sourced sandstone. Large windows allow ample natural light to flood the interior spaces, while intricate stonework and decorative elements add to the building’s aesthetic appeal.

One of the most intriguing features of the building is an inscription carved above the entrance. It reads: “Strive on – The Control of Nature is Won, Not Given.” This phrase caught the attention of author John McPhee during a visit to the campus. McPhee, known for his detailed explorations of the natural world and human attempts to control it, found the inscription particularly compelling. The idea that humanity could “control” nature, especially given Wyoming’s often harsh and unpredictable environment, struck him as both ambitious and perhaps hubristic. This concept became the seed for McPhee’s 1989 book The Control of Nature, in which he explores various human attempts to engineer solutions to natural challenges, from flood control on the Mississippi to volcanic eruptions in Iceland. The inscription, and by extension the Engineering Building itself, thus became a starting point for a broader examination of humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

Over time, the Engineering Building has expanded to meet the growing needs of the university. In 1959, the Petroleum Aeronautics wing was added, reflecting the increasing importance of these fields to Wyoming’s economy. A larger expansion followed in 1983, extending the building to the east and north. These additions allowed the facility to evolve alongside the advancing field of engineering, providing space for new technologies and growing student numbers while maintaining the original structure’s architectural integrity.

The 1931 Engineers’ Ball Incident

While the Engineering Building is known for serious academic pursuits, it’s also been adjacent to some colorful moments in university history. Take, for instance, the infamous Engineers’ Ball incident of 1931.

On a chilly December night, the annual Engineers’ Ball was in full swing at the nearby Half Acre Gym. Suddenly, who should appear but University President Arthur G. Crane, armed with a flashlight and a hefty dose of moral indignation. He was patrolling the parking areas surrounding the gym with a mission to  catch students engaging in what he deemed “inappropriate behavior.” Imagine the scene: the university president, flashlight in hand, peering into parked cars and startling unsuspecting couples.

But Crane didn’t stop at just shining lights. He was overheard making a particularly spicy remark: “You come out here for all your drinking and petting. You ought to go to First Street where you belong.” For context, First Street was Laramie’s red-light district at the time.

Unsurprisingly, the students weren’t too thrilled with this midnight moral crusade. They responded with a two-day strike, turning the campus into a hotbed of protest. Crane, not one to back down, called in the police. By December 6, the strike fizzled out, but not without leaving its mark on campus lore. The aftermath? A “morals” committee, new campus policies, and even the hiring of traffic policemen to patrol the grounds.

Engineering Grads Who Made Their Mark

While the Engineers’ Ball incident adds a touch of levity to the building’s history, the Engineering Building has also nurtured individuals who’ve gone on to make significant impacts on the world stage:

• W. Edwards Deming, class of 1921, revolutionized industrial practices and is known as the father of the Total Quality Movement.
• Tom Osborne, class of 1957, designed the world’s first scientific desktop computer from his home in 1964, paving the way for the personal computing revolution.
• General Samuel C. Phillips, class of 1942, directed NASA’s Apollo Manned Lunar Landing Program, playing a crucial role in humanity’s greatest adventure.
• H. David Reed, class of 1964, was part of the mission control team that safely brought the Apollo 13 astronauts home, earning him the honor of having a lunar crater named after him.
• Mike Sullivan, class of 1961, served as both Governor of Wyoming and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, demonstrating that engineering skills can translate into leadership in various fields.

The Engineering Building Today

The 1927 Engineering Building remains an active part of UW’s engineering program, housing important facilities and contributing to teaching and research. Since its origins as the School of Mines in 1908, the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences has expanded beyond this single structure, with engineering activities now spread across multiple specialized buildings on campus.

As it nears its centennial, the building stands as both a historical landmark and a functioning part of UW’s engineering complex. Its evolution reflects the broader changes in engineering education, from serving as the primary home of UW’s engineering program to its current role within a larger, multifaceted engineering campus.

Discover More Campus Stories and Characters

From President Crane’s flashlight patrols to the famous graduates who walked these halls, the Engineering Building has seen its share of memorable moments. Want to explore more campus history and see how other UW buildings have their own colorful stories? Our virtual exhibit “Keeping History Alive: 136 Years of Progress” captures campus life through historic photos paired with current shots, showing how the university campus has evolved since 1887.