Honoring the Pillars of AE
Starting in 1955, Professor Vincent L. Pass spent almost three decades on the faculty of the architectural engineering department teaching countless students about structural engineering design and conducting research centered on solar heat gain through different combinations of glass types and shading devices. But his ties to Penn State AE go back to his undergraduate years at University Park. After his service with the US Navy during World War II, during which he traveled to Australia and the South Sea islands, he earned his bachelor of science in AE with a minor in architectural design in 1948. This was followed closely by his master of science at the University of Texas in structural engineering with a minor in building construction (1951). Before returning to Penn State as faculty, he was a senior structural engineer for the Facilities Group of the General Motors Corporation.
Professor Pass is noted for his positive impact on the students he taught. He was much loved and regarded as one of the favorite instructors during his 25 years of service. He once said, “If I’ve had any success as a teacher, it’s because that I have never forgotten that I was once a student and because I have never gone to class unprepared. If I have to stay up all night to get ready, that’s what I do.” This philosophy is clearly what propelled Professor Pass to win many teaching excellence awards, especially the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1969, one of Penn State’s highest honors.
Upon retirement, Professor Pass continued to be a presence in the area of construction industry with his common sense engineering. Nowadays, he enjoys farming his land at Old Fort and is known for his home-made spirits. Professor Pass, who celebrated his 84th birthday on Feb. 9, 2006, can be reached at 808 Old Fort Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828.