FIRST FEMALE MEMBER OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS (ASCE)
E ELSIE EAVES
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COST ENGINEERS, INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SERVICE CORPS
lsie Eaves was born in Idaho Springs, Colorado in 1898. In 1920, at the age of 22, she graduated from the University of Colorado with a civil engineering degree. After graduating from college, she worked for the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, the Colorado State Highway Department, and the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. In 1927, Elsie became the first woman to be a full member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Around this time, Elsie began making the most of her engineering education. She decided to make a career change and joined the Engineering and News Reports (ENR) as an assistant manager for market surveys. She eventually became the manager of the Construction Economics department. While in this position, she directed ENR’s measurement of "Post War Planning" in the construction industry. This data were used by ASCE and the Committee of Economic Development to decide and estimate what work could go forward promptly when World War II ended. She then converted the data into the first continuous database of construction in the planning stages. In 1945, she became the manager of Business News and continued there until she retired in 1963. After retiring, she was and advisor to the National Commission on Urban Affairs on the subject of housing costs. She also advised the International Executive Service Corps about construction costs in Iran. In 1957, she was the first woman to join the American Association of Cost Engineers, where she eventually became the first woman to be awarded and Honorary Life Membership. In 1979, ASCE awarded her and honorary membership in recognition of her achievements. Elsie Eaves died on March 27, 1983 in Roslyn, New York.
MOTHER OF MODERN MANAGEMENT
L
illian Moller was born in Oakland, California on May 24, 1878. In 1900, she received her Bachelor's degree in Literature from the University of California at Berkeley. Two years later, she earned her Master's degree in Literature. In 1915, Lillian earned her Doctoral degree in Psychology from Brown University. Eleven years before receiving her Ph.D., Lillian married Frank Gilbreth. Together, they had 12 children. Two of the children went on to write two books, "Cheaper by the Dozen" and "Belles on Their Toes," about their life in the Gilbreth household. Frank and Lillian devoted themselves to finding the "one best way" to perform any task in order to increase efficiency and productivity in industry. These studies are called time and motion studies. In June 1924, Frank died suddenly of a heart attack. Lillian continued the work they had begun, writing four books and teaching industrial engineering courses at various schools, including Purdue, Bryn Mawr, and Rutgers. Lillian Gilbreth has accomplished many things. She was the first person to integrate psychology into concepts of industrial management. During the Great Depression, President Hoover asked her to join the Emergency Committee for Unemployment. While on this committee, she created a successful nationwide program, "Share the Work," that created many new jobs. During World War II, Lillian worked has a consultant for the government. She oversaw the conversion of factories to military bases and war plants. Lillian is credited with many inventions. These inventions include the foot-pedal trash can and refrigerator door shelves. During her lifetime, Lillian Gilbreth received many honors. At the age of 89, she was the first woman to be elected into the National Academy of Engineering. She was also issued membership number 1 by the Society of Women Engineers. Lillian Gilbreth died on January 2, 1972 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 94.
130
The European Women In Construction & Engineering Awards | MAY 2016
LILLIAN GILBRETH
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS