Andrew Carnegie: Stevens Trustee and Benefactor

The wealthy industrialist Andrew Carnegie joined the Stevens Board of Trustees quite early in the university's life — in 1891, in fact — and would serve on the board until his death in 1919. Carnegie was a significant benefactor to the university during its early years.

In 1899, Carnegie sent a memorable letter to Stevens' first president, Henry Morton, explaining his close relationship with the university.

“It would give me the greatest pleasure to devote $50,000 to the building of the engineering laboratory as you suggest," Carnegie wrote. "We owe much to Stevens for many valuable men have come to us from it.”

The Carnegie Laboratory was then constructed with the help of these funds and additional gifts from Carnegie totaling $225,000 in all. In 1902, the laboratory was completed and dedicated to Carnegie. It remains the home to engineering labs, including 3D printing facilities.

Over time Carnegie and President Morton became close friends, and when he published a book of poetry in 1899, Morton dedicated it to Carnegie's wife Louise.