The CU Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science is celebrating its 125th year in 2018. This video is the first in a series of interviews with CU Engineering alumni, faculty and others who can shed light on and celebrate the history of engineering at Boulder.
William J. Pietenpol served as dean from 1978 to 1979. The college has been an important part of his life; his father taught at CU when he was young, he earned a BS in electrical engineering and a BA in physics from CU, he taught classes at CU, and most surprisingly, he was born on the campus.
During his time at the college, he remembers electrical experiments with voltage comparable to that of the electric chair, being classmates with future Supreme Court Justice Byron White, and the acquisition of the CU centrifuge. Between being a student and becoming dean, the Engineering Center was built and the college evolved. Although it has changed since his time here, he continues to appreciate CU. His granddaughter is currently working toward a BS in civil engineering.
Pietenpol's roots are strongly tied to the history of CU, and the experiences that he has had in Boulder are an important part of his life.
Tatiana Jones is a junior Technology, Arts & Media major working in the Dean's Office through the Earn-Learn Apprenticeship program.