Schumann Ushers in New Era for Wentworth Engineering
Wentworth President Mark A. Thompson and Douglas D. Schumann ’64, Hon. ’08, unveil the new signage outside the Center for Engineering, Innovation and Sciences (Photos by Tony Rinaldo)
The Wentworth Institute of Technology community came together on October 17 to mark a transformational milestone—the official naming of the Douglas D. Schumann School of Engineering, made possible by a record-setting $25 million gift from alumnus and Trustee Emeritus Douglas D. Schumann ’64, Hon. ’08.
The celebration filled the Center for Engineering, Innovation, and Sciences (CEIS) with an audience that included Schumann’s family, personal friends, and members of the Wentworth community. Held as part of Wentworth Weekend, the event featured remarks from Board of Trustees Chair Rose Conti ’90, ’12, and drew distinguished guests such as former President Zorica Pantić.
President Mark A. Thompson spoke to the magnitude of the commitment, calling it a "transformative gift" that is the largest in Wentworth's 121-year history. "In recognition of this historic gift," Thompson announced to applause, "I am pleased to announce that our School of Engineering will henceforth be named the Douglas D. Schumann School of Engineering."
Schumann, a 1964 graduate of the Aircraft Maintenance program, delivered heartfelt remarks, explaining the personal drive behind his philanthropy. He credited his success to "two key sources: the values my parents instilled in me and the solid foundation I received right here at Wentworth."
He dedicated the gift to his parents, Dot and Chick Schumann, who made his education possible.
"I've always felt a special connection to this mission and institution because I was once one of those students," Schumann said. "I'm proud to share this in their memory and to help others find their own path, just as I did here at Wentworth."
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