Professor Charles Proteus Steinmetz, known during the turn of the 20th century as one of the world’s leading figures in physics and electrical engineering, is also one of Union College’s most venerated and recognized academics. His more than two decades of service to the community are remembered, among many other ways, within the halls of his namesake facility, Steinmetz Hall. Since 1930, just seven years after his passing, the building has been an integral part of Union’s extensive STEM facilities. It is slated to be demolished with the advent of plans to construct a facility for engineering labs and classes in its stead.
The plan, which consists of the relocation of current Steinmetz faculty offices to the first and second floors of Butterfield Hall, followed by a groundbreaking over the summer of 2025 and the eventual removal of Steinmetz Hall, is expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2027-2028 academic year. The project also aims to renovate current facilities in the Olin Center and Butterfield Hall. It has been funded largely by donations from Union trustees and Mary and Rich Templeton, comprising “$40 million,” as part of a “previously announced donation,” according to the college’s official project announcement.
It is unclear from here whether or not Steinmetz’s legacy will carry on in the same fashion upon the new building’s construction, a legacy which, as Schenecetady historian Chris Leonard said in an interview, “brought other major scientists to Schenectady,” and “stands as a giant among men.” With plans still underway, no certain conclusions can be drawn as to exactly how the college will honor the late professor’s legacy and contributions to the academic and communal landscape of not just the school but learning across the world.
