Posted on Jun 22, 2007

Stephen C. Ainlay, president of Union College, addresses sixth grade graduates at Yates Magnet Elementary School on June 21, 2007

President Stephen C. Ainlay cited the perseverance of Charles P. Steinmetz, the “Wizard of Schenectady,” in urging 30 sixth graders of Yates Magnet Elementary School to pursue their dreams in a graduation address on June 21, 2007.

Steinmetz, regarded as one of the most important scientists of the 20th century for his work in electrical engineering, had to deal with physical deformities and the ostracism that went with it, Ainlay said. As a student, he struggled with mathematics. He was nearly turned away as an immigrant; only the intervention of a fellow scientist convinced the authorities to accept him.

Steinmetz worked hard, however, and went on to become the chief scientist of General Electric and a pioneer in electrical engineering who developed alternating current. He was a frequent collaborator with Thomas Edison. As a professor at Union, Steinmetz founded the Electrical Engineering Department at the College.

“I hope that you will be like Steinmetz,” Ainlay told the youngsters and the audience of 200. “Work hard and make decisions every day that will make the world a better place.”

At the Yates Magnet Elementary School graduation June 21, 2007, from left, Mrs. Hindes, teacher; Union President Stephen C. Ainlay; Mrs. Masterson, teacher; and Valarie Scott, principal

Ainlay was invited to give the graduation address after exchanging letters last fall with the Yates students as part of a project called “Colleges We Could Attend.” The project was directed by their teachers Mrs. Masterson and Mrs. Hindes.

 “We knew how busy he must be as a new College president,” said Yates Principal Valarie Scott. “So we were thrilled when he agreed to be our graduation speaker.”

 Ainlay also cited some Union alumni: U.S. President Chester Arthur; U.S. Secretary of State William Henry Seward; Gordon Gould, inventor of the laser; Dr. Estelle Cooke-Sampson, a prominent physician and National Guard colonel in Washington; and Dr. Kathy Magliato, one of a handful of women heart transplant surgeons.

 Ainlay, who urged the students to pursue college, said he hoped to welcome some of the graduates as first-year students at Union in six years.

 “Union is Schenectady’s school,” Ainlay said. “I hope you’ll follow in the footsteps of some of the Union people who have made important contributions to the world.”