Drinker, Henry

From Lehigh Engineering Heritage Initiative

**Henry Sturgis Drinker**
Henry Sturgis, University President, alumnus
Birth:
Birthplace:
Died:
Department:	administrator
Dates:	1871, 1905-1920
Notable Achievement:	Fifth president of Lehigh University

Henry Sturgis Drinker was an 1871 Lehigh graduate and the only alumnus ever to become president of the university. The alumni endowment fund was established in 1907, the Lehigh Alumni Bulletin was first published in 1913, and the Alumni Association was incorporated in 1917. His presidency began in 1905 and ended in 1920.

A lawyer and a mechanical engineer, Drinker helped solve the problems of building the two-mile-long Musconetcong Tunnel, an engineering feat that made possible a railroad line between Easton, Pa., and New York City. He started a tradition of business-like management of university affairs.

During Drinker's years, more buildings were completed: the original section of Fritz Engineering Laboratory, Drown Hall, Coxe Mining Laboratory, Taylor Hall, Taylor Gymnasium and Field House, Taylor Stadium and Lamberton Hall. Drinker's interest in horticulture led to the planting of many rare trees and plants.

A teacher's course and a business administration course were begun in 1909, and in 1918, the university was divided into three colleges: liberal arts, business administration and engineering - roots of today's colleges. Army ROTC was established in 1919.

Drinker's daughter, Catherine Drinker Bowen, became a historical writer of note. Her experiences as the daughter of a Lehigh president and occupant of the President's House are recorded in Family Portrait (Atlantic Little-Brown).

Drinker resigned in 1920 and Natt M. Emery, vice president, served as chief executive officer until 1922.