History of the Washkewicz College of Engineering

 Since 1923, the Washkewicz (Fenn) College of Engineering at Cleveland State University has provided a tradition of high quality undergraduate and graduate education in engineering, engineering technology and computer science. In today's technology-driven world, engineering is increasingly important to the global marketplace. Because the present and future well-being of the United States is intrinsically linked with continued industrial growth, trained engineering professionals and technologists are thus increasingly in great demand.

Cleveland State University’s historical roots go back to the 19th century. During the 1880s, the Cleveland YMCA began to offer day and evening courses to students who did not otherwise have access to higher education. The YMCA program was reorganized in 1906 as the Association Institute, and this in turn was established as Fenn College in 1929. A significant contribution of Fenn College was its pioneering work in developing internships for students in engineering and business. These internships, as joint ventures between the college and local businesses and industries, provided students with professional contacts and experience as well as an affordable education. Historic Fenn Tower, now student housing, still stands as a reminder of the early years, when Fenn College was known as the "Campus in the Clouds."

In 2005, a new history of Washkewicz (Fenn) College, as told through photographs, was released by Arcadia Press, Campus History Series. The book contains rare photographs illustrating not only the academic history of the College, but also the campus life and times during which it has made its mark.

Since its inception, Washkewicz (Fenn) College has worked hard to provide a quality education to those pursuing a technology career, regardless of background. Learn more about our history from our Fenn Centennial Celebration here.