Thomas R. Marrero
My parents were immigrants from Venezuela and separately entered the United States through Ellis Island. They met, married and lived in New York City; of their five children I was the youngest. We lived in an apartment located in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in the upper West side of Manhattan. We spoke Spanish at home and English in school as well as with our friends. I attended public schools from K-12.
In 1950, at age 14, I was admitted to Stuyvesant high School located in the lower East side of Manhattan. At that time Stuyvesant admitted only boys, emphasized physical sciences and was one of the best college preparatory high schools in NYC. To attend classes I traveled by subway two hours each day. At Stuyvesant I dedicated myself to rigorous academic studies. I also participated in varsity baseball and basketball and worked part-time jobs.
When I graduated from Stuyvesant in 1953 I had been accepted to two colleges within NYC. However, even though I had obtained a high paying summer job as a teamster, I was not able to save enough money to pay tuition. Therefore, I decided to start college by taking a couple of classes at CCNY at night. During the day I worked in the New York Public Library on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, Art and Architecture Division. During this period of transition I acquired a position as a pharmaceutical lab assistant at Warner-Lambert.
At Warner-Lambert the Department Manager encouraged me to apply to Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn for their outstanding chemical engineering program. I did so and was accepted! This acceptance effectively launched my career in chemical engineering. In June 1954 I started classes at Brooklyn Poly as a night student and continued working at Warner-Lambert until I graduated. With few exceptions my undergraduate experience consisted of work at Warner-Lambert and attendance of day or night classes at Brooklyn Poly. Fortunately, I was still living at home in Washington Heights and was motivated to graduate as soon as possible. In 1958, I graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn with a BS in Chemical Engineering. Also, I served as the General Chairman of student AIChE Metropolitan Conference during the year of its 50th Anniversary.
Professor Dr. Paul F. Bruins, a faculty member at Brooklyn Poly, encouraged me to seek an MS degree in chemical engineering at Villanova University. Villanova awarded me a full scholarship which included room/board and on-campus employment as a Prefect and Teaching Assistant. After my year at Villanova, I was privileged to have continued correspondence with Professor Bruins for years. In September 1959 I left the security of the Villanova campus with an MS degree, forty dollars in my pocket, a small suitcase with my belongings, and not automobile nor a driver’s license.
My first job was with the Nuclear Division of the Martin-Marietta Corporation in Middle River, Maryland. After several years I obtained a position with the Research Division of W.R. Grace Company in Clarksville, Maryland. When possible I continued studies by taking graduate courses at the University of Maryland, College Park. In September 1967 I decided to pursue a doctorate in chemical engineering at the University of Maryland on a full-time basis. This goal was achieved in June 1970 and was followed by a one-year post-doctoral appointment at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Since my post-doctoral appointment I have continued my career in chemical engineering with industrial employment as well as university teaching.
Chemical engineering was my career choice because I felt that it was a more meaningful profession as far as contributing to society. I had humble beginnings but I was resolute and I persevered to do my utmost. I attained the highest academic levels in my chosen field of study, received licensure as a professional engineer in two states, was promoted to Professor, and was very fortunate to be able to contribute to the education and motivation of thousands of students from diverse backgrounds.
I believe that my achievements are primarily a consequence of my family, school environment and determination. I believe that our USA continues to be “the land of opportunity”.