Poly Engineers' Pride
"Oh send not my son to Harvard! The dying mother said. For if he goes to Harvard I'd rather see him dead. I'll send my son to Poly, It's better than Cornell; But if he goes to N.Y.U. I'll see him first in hell."
(The Student Council of the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn)
These lyrics from "The Poly Engineer," found in the Polytechnic Institute student handbook circa 1970, encapsulate the robust school spirit of the era. Back then, Polytechnic graduates were held in high regard, often more so than those from N.Y.U. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when, in 2014, The Polytechnic Institute merged with N.Y.U., emerging as the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. Today, in discussions about educational institutions within New York City, N.Y.U. frequently overshadows the legacy of Poly.
It's intriguing to observe such a prestigious entity fade into relative obscurity. Once a cornerstone of engineering education in New York, the Polytechnic Institute enjoyed a legacy of innovation, a strong alumni network, and a competitive edge over other universities. However, the challenges of the 1970s would mark a turning point, setting the stage for Poly's eventual merger into N.Y.U. Understanding this period offers a unique insight into the factors that can reshape the trajectory of even the most venerable institutions.
The 1970s marked a pivotal era for Poly's reputation, characterized by financial struggles, faculty challenges, and student discontent. The global economic crisis of the era collided with local urban decay, eroding the institution’s stability and creating a precarious environment for its community. In particular, New York City's fiscal crisis exacerbated the financial woes at Poly, leading to rising tuition costs, faculty attrition, and deteriorating campus facilities. These challenges did not unfold in isolation; they were deeply interconnected with broader urban and economic shifts in New York City and beyond. Throughout this exhibit, we explore this period from four perspectives: the global environment, institutional scale, faculty, and students. By delving into these aspects, we uncover not only the institutional and economic factors but also the lived experiences of those at Poly during this transformative era.
Credits: Jimmy Qiu
The Poly Engineer -- Full Text
