In 1931, amidst the Great Depression, just 247 students graduated from the College of Engineering. Financial hardships led many to drop out, leaving those who remained struggling to afford essentials, including graduation attire. Faced with the high cost of renting caps and gowns, a student proposed using their class fund to purchase these items, renting them out to future students at reduced rates. This decision not only eased financial burdens but also started a legacy of community support and generosity.
Post-graduation, class members remained connected through reunions, organized by then-President Paul S. Bigby every five years, eventually meeting annually. At the 47th reunion, alum Chuck Dybvig announced a scholarship in memory of his son, who died in the Vietnam War, using his insurance money. This act of kindness inspired the class to establish the 1931 Engineering Class Scholarship Fund in 1981 with an initial donation of $108,000.
The scholarship fund has grown through contributions from class members, families, and friends, reaching over $10 million today. Since the first scholarships were awarded in 1982, nearly $7 million has been distributed to more than 200 College of Engineering beneficiaries, based on academic excellence, community service, and work experience. Annually, five to eight scholarships are awarded.
The real legacy of the Class of 1931 extends beyond financial contributions. “Part of the thing that makes ’31E special is the community that surrounds it,” said Marshall Vielmetti, a recent scholar. “The people that come through are always looking to give back to the current scholars and continue to build that legacy.”
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