Background
Folsom, Richard Gilman was born on February 3, 1907 in Los Angeles, California, United States. Son of Harry and Caroline Mabel (Hazard) Folsom.
academic administrator consultant mechanical engineer
Folsom, Richard Gilman was born on February 3, 1907 in Los Angeles, California, United States. Son of Harry and Caroline Mabel (Hazard) Folsom.
Bachelor of Science, California Institute of Technology, 1928. Master of Science, California Institute of Technology, 1929. Doctor of Philosophy, California Institute of Technology, 1932.
Doctor of Science (honorary), Northwestern University, 1962. Doctor of Science (honorary), Union College, 1964. Doctor of Science (honorary), Albany Medical College, 1971.
Doctor in Engineering (honorary), Rose Polytechnic Institute, 1971. Doctor of Science (honorary), Lehigh University, 1972. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1973.
Teaching assistant, California Institute Technology, Pasadena, 1928-1932;
engineer, City of Pasadena, 1932-1933;
from research assistant to professor mechanic engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1933-1953;
professor, director Engineering Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1953-1958;
president, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, 1958-1971;
president emeritus, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, since 1971. Academic consultant University of California, Air Force Institute Technology, Georgia Institute Technology, Florida Institute Technology, United States Naval Academy, 1965-1975, United States Military Academy, 1977. Visiting committee chairman General Motors Institute, 1972-1975.
Board visitors, committee Air University, 1964-1966. Board visitors College Engineering University of California-Davis, 1984-1991. Past engineering consultant General Electric Company, Federal Maritime Commission, Aerojet General Corporation, Jet Propulsion laboratories, United States Navy, United States Army, State of Washington, State of New York, City of SantaBarbara, Ohio State University.
Past member engineers joint council National Research Council.
Honorary trustee Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, since 1978. Fellow American Institute of Electrical Engineers, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (associate), American Society Engineering Education (honorary, Lamme award 1971, Hall of Fame 1993). Member American Society of Mechanical Engineers (honorary, director 1958-1963, president 1972-1973, Wright lecturer 1965, Centennial Medallion award 1980, Dedicated Service award 1992), National Academy Engineers (council 1975-1978), Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, Bohemian Club (San Francisco), Meadowood Club (St. Helena, California).
Married Carroll Grace Greene, August 24, 1929. Children: Geranne, Ronald Gilman, Margaret.