Tea with Henry

Professor Emeritus Henry L. Kinnier (CE ’42) published the first engineering alumni directory and was one of the earliest members of the Virginia Engineering Foundation over 50 years ago. He is a Lifetime Member of the SEAS Trustees and a lifelong supporter of the Engineering School. A charming gentleman who never fails to exhibit the best of what it means to be a “Virginia Engineer,” Henry reflects here on the SEAS of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Under Dean Aylor’s leadership, SEAS is building on yesterday’s traditions to create tomorrow’s vision. What are the very most important traditions we must keep in mind?

Well, the Honor System was important then, and it is important now. When I first came to study here, undergraduate education was all that we had, and the classes were small. Students respected their teachers, and everyone knew each other. SEAS has grown, but I think that we still care about teaching undergraduates, we still offer small classes and we are still a place where folks care about each other.

What made your relationships with your colleagues special during your years here?

We all knew each other very well. We helped each other move, had dinners together and watched each other’s children grow up. Most of us taught four or five classes each semester, and we would exchange courses now and then, but there wasn’t much collaboration. Still, because we knew each other, we knew a great deal about what we were each teaching.

What adjectives would you use to describe the students of those years?

Overall, students were enthusiastic and respectful. They wanted to be here, and they often stayed after graduation and became part of the teaching faculty. In 1970, we had women as students for the first time, and that was a good thing. The women made a good place get even better.

What is the single biggest challenge facing us as we teach the engineers of tomorrow?

The challenge is giving students the broad education that they need because engineering no longer exists in separate disciplines. I think SEAS already does that well.

Over the years you have supported the Engineering School generously with your time and treasure. Why do you think alumni should support the School?

We must provide support because the state isn’t able to fully support the School’s budget. I have never been a rich man, but I have always done what I could to support the Engineering School because I am thankful for what the School has meant to me. I think Dean Aylor is doing a great job. The faculty is first rate, and the students are brighter than ever. I enjoy watching all the good things going on, and I am glad to be able to help.

--Josephine Loyd