A Legacy of Generosity: The Lasting Impact of Michigan’s Engineering Class of 1931
In the midst of the Great Depression, financial hardships were a common burden for many students. In 1931, only 247 students graduated from the College of Engineering, as economic constraints led some to abandon their studies. Yet, in this challenging context, a remarkable tradition of giving began.
Faced with the high cost of renting graduation attire, one student proposed a creative solution. The class would use their collective funds to purchase caps and gowns, which could then be rented out to future students at a lower cost than local shops. This initiative not only lessened the financial burden but also marked the beginning of a legacy of altruism and support within the community.
The close-knit graduates maintained connections over the years, convening every five years under the leadership of class President Paul S. Bigby. Their gatherings grew more frequent after their 45th reunion. At the 47th gathering, alum Chuck Dybvig shared how tragedy had turned into opportunity. After losing his son in the Vietnam War, Dybvig expressed his intention to establish a scholarship with his son’s insurance money.
This act of benevolence inspired the class to create the 1931 Engineering Class Scholarship Fund and Scholar Society in 1981, initiated with a contribution of $108,000. The fund has since flourished, supported by class members, their families, and friends, growing to a current value of over $10 million. Since its creation, nearly $7 million has been awarded to more than 200 engineering students, chosen for their academic achievements, service, extracurricular involvement, and work experience. Annually, five to eight scholarships are granted.
Beyond its financial contributions, the true essence of the Class of 1931’s legacy lies in its community spirit. “Part of the thing that makes ’31E special is the community that surrounds it,” noted recent scholar Marshall Vielmetti. “The people that come through are always looking to give back to the current scholars and continue to build that legacy.”
