Letter from Dean Widom

A century ago, a visionary group of Stanford University faculty members recognized the need for an engineering school that would cultivate well-rounded engineers prepared for leadership in all aspects of life. Their foresight and determination laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s leading institutions in engineering education and research. Today, the Stanford School of Engineering stands as a testament to their vision, while growing in size, scope, and impact far beyond anything those pioneers could have imagined.

As the Stanford School of Engineering marks its one-hundred-year anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us to where we are today, and we look ahead to the future with optimism and ambition.

Over the past 100 years, Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of countless breakthroughs that have reshaped industries, improved lives, and expanded the boundaries of human knowledge. From the development of the klystron in the early days, which revolutionized radar and communications, to advances in aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and so much more, our faculty, students, and alumni have consistently stretched the limits of what is possible.

On this website, we’ll unveil ten stories—one for each decade—tracing the history of Stanford Engineering and highlighting some of the most significant moments and contributions that have defined the school’s trajectory. You’ll learn about groundbreaking research and transformative technologies, and you’ll discover individuals whose curiosity, creativity, and dedication have driven our progress. From the early days of electricity transmission, vacuum tubes, and semiconductors, to the era of machine learning and quantum computing, these stories offer a glimpse into the dynamic and evolving landscape of engineering at Stanford.

Today’s Stanford School of Engineering is a vibrant, interdisciplinary community that spans a wide range of fields. Our faculty and students work across boundaries—not only within engineering but across the entire Stanford campus and beyond—to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time, from climate change to global health, from sustainable energy to ethical technology. This spirit of collaboration and innovation is a direct legacy of the pioneering ethos that has guided us for the past century.

As we celebrate our centennial, we also look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The next 100 years will undoubtedly bring new discoveries and innovations that we, the pioneers of our day, cannot yet imagine. But one thing remains certain: Stanford Engineering will continue to be a place where bold ideas are nurtured, where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives, and where the pursuit of knowledge, excellence, and impact is paramount.

Thank you for joining us on a journey and celebration through one hundred years of engineering excellence.

Jennifer Widom
Frederick Emmons Terman Dean
Stanford School of Engineering