Wentworth
Institute of Technology
617-989-4040
This collection is currently being processed. For more information on the physical extent of the collection, please contact the Archivist.
This collection was transferred from the Office of the President. Transfer date after 2005. This collection is closed.
This collection is currently being processed. For more information on the scope of the collection, please contact the Archivist.
John Francis Van Domelen was born on October 19, 1942, in Havana, Cuba. Van Domelen received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics from Michigan Technology University in 1964; a Master of Science in Water Reserve Management from University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1972; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering from University Wisconsin in 1974. Van Domelen joined the Air Force, rising to the rank of Colonel in 1988. Van Domelen spent the majority of his academic career at Norwich University in Norwich Vermont. There, he rose from Assistant Professor in 1974 to the Head of the Engineering and Technical department in 1979. He became Head of the Engineering and Technical division in 1983. From 1985-1990, Van Domelen served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Faculty at Norwich University.
Van Domelen became WIT’s third President in 1990.
Under Van Domelen’s leadership, WIT became a fully-fledged baccalaureate institution. In part, due to his military background, Van Domelen favored simplification. His administration incorporated the 20 percent allotment of humanities and social science courses that has become the standard in engineering technology education. Within two years of his arrival at WIT, Van Domelen had reduced the growing academic division of colleges and departments to seven departments, each with a division head that reported to the provost.
Offered programs also reflected slimness. In 2003, WIT offered only 16 degree programs. In 1983, there were 29 degreed programs. Slimness did not equate to meaninglessness. In 1993, WIT offered two new professional engineering programs: Environmental Engineering and Electromechanical Engineering. Both programs received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission in 2002.
In 1994, WIT staff attempted to unionize. With a close vote, the motion did not pass.
Van Domelen did not seek to grow the student population at WIT. Instead, he calculated that 2,800 total day students fit the needs of campus. In the mid-1990's, however, the Institute saw a drop in enrollment by 30% due to a demographic trough – there were simply not enough 18-year-olds to attend college. By 1997, the school’s population bounced back. By the late 1990’s the school had so many applicants it was able to reject unqualified applicants for the first time.
In 1995, even with the smaller campus population, formal accommodations for students with disabilities began. Additionally, Admissions hired its first International Admissions Counselor. Van Domelen also increased the amount of financial aid students received from the school. By 2004, 75% of WIT students received some financial aid from WIT. The average award package was $7,800.
Student focused initiatives continued through the decade. In 1996, Wentworth, Emmanuel College, Simmons University (then, Simmons College), Wheelock College, MCPHS University teamed up to form a consortium called College of the Fenway. MassArt joined three years later. This partnership allowed students to attend classes between campuses, such as foreign language classes. In 1998, Admissions hosted its first Women’s Overnight program in efforts to increase recruitment of women students. The program ended in 2016 and was replaced by admitted student reception for women during Accepted Students Days. In 1999, Wentworth established the first disability services position to provide support and accommodations to students with disabilities.
In 2001, Wentworth spent $1.5 million upgrading its information technology infrastructure. The digital network was powerful enough to accommodate students using computers in 25 open laboratories and in every dorm room on campus. This timing was purposeful. 2001 was also the first year more students lived on campus than commuted. Commuting students numbered 1,208, whereas 1,505 students lived in Wentworth housing. This was in part due to 610 Huntington residence hall opening in August 2001.
Sweeney Field was also constructed during Van Domelen’s tenure, committing the school to organized intercollegiate athletics.
As one of his final events as President, Van Domelen celebrated the Institute’s 100-year anniversary in 2004. Van Domelen retired in May 2005 after 15 years at Wentworth.
Per the Archives Charter (1988): “Any record, in any format, produced by an employee of the Institute while performing an official Institute function, is the property of the Wentworth Institute of Technology.” Upon copyright transfer, all items become the permanent property of Wentworth Institute of Technology University Archives and are to be used in preserving and presenting the history of Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Access partially restricted. Consult the Archivist for further information and access.
Ashley Bryan, 2021-2025; Echo Brum, 2025; Lauren Garcia, 2024; Hunter McKenzie, 2024; Zoe Palmer, 2023; Mary Ellen Flaherty, 1985-2005.
Staples and other metal materials were removed. Any plastic, rubber band, or taped material was separated from paper (when able to be separated without damaging the materials) and discarded. Duplicate, non-unique copies of materials were withdrawn from the collection. Acidic or photographic materials were kept in their original order but were re-housed in mylar sleeves or leafing folders. Duplicate folders were re-labeled, re-organized, and re-foldered. Materials were kept in the original folder order: alphabetical by topic, and then chronological within specific folders. Folders were placed in new letter document boxes.
Include at least the following information:
Folder Name, date (Month, year), AC 17, Box number, Folder number, Office of the President (Van Domelen) Collection, Wentworth Institute of Technology University Archives, Boston, MA. URL if applicable.
This collection is currently being physically processed; some collection details and notes may not represent the full scope of the collection.
Last updated on: October 2025
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
1-1 |
Inauguration, Van Domelen (DVD) |
1991 |
|
1-2 |
Inauguration, Van Domelen (VHS) |
1991 |
|
1-3 |
Inauguration, Van Domelen (VHS) |
1991 |
|
1-4 |
Van Domelen as President, Wentworth, Appointment announcement |
1990 |
|
1-5 |
Guest List |
1991 |
|
1-6 |
Delegates, Gold |
1991 |
|
1-7 |
Delegates, Ivory |
1991 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
2-1 |
General Information for the Inauguration, Mr. John Francis Van Domelen as President |
1991 |
|
2-2 |
Inauguration, Inauguration Master List I, II, III, Delegate Progress (Diskettes) |
1991 |
|
2-3 |
Guest List |
1991 |
|
2-4 |
Guest List, Inauguration Planning |
1990-1991 |
|
2-5 |
Guest List, Inauguration Planning |
1991 |
|
2-6 |
Inauguration Committee, Minutes |
1990-1991 |
|
2-7 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook |
1990-1991 |
|
2-8 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook |
1991 |
|
2-9 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Printing |
1990-1991 |
|
2-10 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Exhibits |
1990-1991 |
|
2-11 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Music |
1990-1991 |
|
2-12 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Printing |
1990-1991 |
|
2-13 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Academic |
1990-1991 |
|
2-14 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Advanced Activities |
1990-1991 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
3-1 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Exhibits |
1991 |
|
3-2 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Budget |
1990-1991 |
|
3-3 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook, Physical Plan |
1990-1991 |
|
3-4 |
Inauguration Committee Notebook |
1990-1991 |
|
3-5 |
Nametags |
1991 |
|
3-6 |
President’s Medal |
1991 |
|
3-7 |
Presentations from the Inauguration of John F. Van Domelen |
1991 |
|
3-8 |
Purchase Orders |
1991 |
|
3-9 |
Receipts |
1991 |
|
3-10 |
Receipts, Exhibits |
1991 |
|
3-11 |
Receipts, Luncheon/Reception |
1991 |
|
3-12 |
Receipts, Committee Lunches |
1990-1991 |
|
3-13 |
Receipts, Other |
1990-1991 |
|
3-14 |
Student Inaugural Exhibits and Student Awards |
1991 |
|
3-15 |
Symposium |
1991 |
|
3-16 |
Trustees and Corporators |
1990-1992 |
|
3-17 |
Inauguration (VHS) |
1991 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
4-1 |
President’s Inauguration |
1990-1991 |
|
4-2 |
Schedule and Events, Other |
1991 |
|
4-3 |
Inauguration Committee |
1990-1991 |
|
4-4 |
Outline |
1990-2005 |
|
4-5 |
Digital Wentworth Luncheon, John Van Domelen (VHS) |
1991 |
|
4-6 |
Wentworth Songs (Cassette Tape) |
1991 |
|
4-7 |
Inauguration Posters |
1991 |
|
4-8 |
Newspaper Clippings |
1991 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
5-1 |
Articles on Mace and Academic Heraldry |
Undated |
|
5-2 |
Memorandum |
1991 |
|
5-3 |
New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. |
1991 |
|
5-4 |
President’s Host Committee |
1992 |
|
5-5 |
New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Accreditation Report |
1992 |
|
5-6 |
Greetings from Other Institutions |
1991 |
|
5-7 |
Inauguration Congratulations Letters |
1991 |
|
5-8 |
Photographs, Van Domelen |
1991 |
|
5-9 |
Greetings from Other Institutions |
1991 |
|
5-10 |
Greetings from Other Institutions |
1991 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
6-1 |
Greetings from Other Institutions |
1991 |
|
6-2 |
Greetings from Other Institutions |
1991 |
|
6-3 |
Programs |
1991 |
|
6-4 |
Photographs, Van Domelen |
1995 |
|
6-5 |
Sweeney Field |
1994-1995 |
|
6-6 |
Van Domelen, John F., Memorandums |
1991-1992 |
|
6-7 |
Van Domelen’s Weekly Schedule |
1991-1992 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
7-1 |
Memorandum, John Van Domelen |
1993-1994 |
|
7-2 |
Sweeney Field |
1994 |
|
7-3 |
Sweeney Field |
1993 |
|
7-4 |
Dean’s List, Fall Semester 1990 |
1991 |
|
7-5 |
Graduation Summer 1990 |
1990-1991 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
8-1 |
President’s Report, Activities, Proposal |
2001-2002 |
|
8-2 |
Compensation Committee, COLLEGIS, President’s Cup |
1998-2005 |
|
8-3 |
RGB personal |
1988-1999 |
|
8-4 |
Museum |
2004-2005 |
|
8-5 |
Operating Services Committee Minutes |
2001-2002 |
|
8-6 |
Bachrach |
2003 |
|
8-7 |
Academic Advising System |
Undated |
|
8-8 |
Ice Time/Field Time |
2001-2005 |
|
8-9 |
Disaster Plans |
2003 |
|
8-10 |
Van Usage Reports |
2000-2005 |
|
8-11 |
Athletics Van, NCAA Planning |
1990-1992 |
|
8-12 |
Memorandums |
1997 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
9-1 |
NCAA Officials Input |
1991-1992 |
|
9-2 |
NCAA Eligibility, Shay Perry |
1989-1996 |
|
9-3 |
Athlete Grades |
Undated |
|
9-4 |
Forms |
2004 |
|
9-5 |
Wentworth Coordinating Council |
1990-1993 |
|
9-6 |
Doris v. Rubio |
1987-1998 |
|
9-7 |
NCAA Commission on Athletics |
1992-1994 |
|
9-8 |
Intramural Sports Reports |
1992-1993 |
|
9-9 |
Wentworth Rifle Team |
1992-1993 |
|
9-10 |
Women's Soccer |
1997-1998 |
|
9-11 |
Men's Rugby and Tennis |
1992-1997 |
|
9-12 |
Lacrosse Program |
1995-1998 |
|
9-13 |
Work Study Forms |
2003-2004 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
10-1 |
Chelsea Clock Catalogs |
2000 |
|
10-2 |
NCAA Self-Study Forms |
2000 |
|
10-3 |
Hockey Program |
1992-1998 |
|
10-4 |
WIT Annual Corporation Meeting |
1997 |
|
10-5 |
NCAA Self-Study Forms |
1996-2001 |
|
10-6 |
Head Baseball Coach Position |
1992 |
|
10-7 |
Men's Basketball |
1992-1998 |
|
10-8 |
Women's Basketball |
1992-1999 |
|
10-9 |
Athletics Brochure |
1992 |
|
10-10 |
Women's Volleyball |
1992-1995 |
|
10-11 |
Vision Statements - "By The Year 2000" |
1993 |
|
10-12 |
Athletic Policy Board |
1992-1996 |
|
10-13 |
Athletic Budget |
1911-1992 |
|
10-14 |
Student-Athlete Advisory Council |
1995-1996 |
|
10-15 |
Athletic News and Letters |
1992 |
|
10-16 |
Athletic Coordinator |
1992 |
|
10-17 |
Athletic Master Plan |
1992 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
11-1 |
Athletic Department Projects |
1993 |
|
11-2 |
Athletic Department Issues |
July 1992 |
|
11-3 |
Sports Schedules |
1991-1993 |
|
11-4 |
Athletic Transportation |
1991-1992 |
|
11-5 |
Commonwealth Coast Conference |
1992-1993 |
|
11-6 |
Athletic Awards |
1993-1997 |
|
11-7 |
College of Engineering IPAC Meeting |
1992 |
|
11-8 |
College of Engineering Electronics Department |
1990-1993 |
|
11-9 |
College of Design and Construction |
1990-1991 |
|
11-10 |
Architecture Department |
1990 |
|
11-11 |
Humanities and Social Sciences |
1990-1992 |
|
11-12 |
College of Arts and Sciences |
1988-1992 |
|
11-13 |
Mathematics/Computer Science Department |
1990-1991 |
|
11-14 |
Division of Management Science |
1990-1991 |
|
11-15 |
The College Board |
1986-1993 |
|
11-16 |
Charter Revisions |
1990 |
|
11-17 |
Chronicle of Higher Education |
October 1990 |
|
11-18 |
Christmas Cards-Kirkpatrick |
1985-1989 |
|
11-19 |
Boston-Fenway Program |
1992-1995 |
|
11-20 |
Boston-Fenway Program |
1996 |
|
Folder # |
Content |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
12-1 |
Boston-Fenway Program |
1997 |
|
12-2 |
Camp Dresser and McKee Briefing |
January 2005 |
|
12-3 |
The Colonnade Hotel |
1991-1992 |
|
12-4 |
City Council Hearing on Public Safety |
October 1997 |
|
12-5 |
Boston Edison Company |
1993-1994 |
|
12-6 |
Boston Newspapers |
1994-1995 |
|
12-7 |
Boston-Fenway Program |
1990 |
|
12-8 |
Boston-Fenway Program Tax Agreements |
1989-1991 |
|
12-9 |
Boston Housing Authority |
1991-1998 |
|
12-10 |
Boston Higher Education Partnership |
1994-1995 |
|
12-11 |
Boston Higher Education Partnership |
1996-1997 |
|
12-12 |
Boston Higher Education Partnership |
1999-2000 |
|
Folder # |
Content |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
13-1 |
Early 2000s Correspondences |
2000-2005 |
|
13-2 |
Boston-Fenway Program |
1991-1993 |
|
13-3 |
Budget Committee |
1992, 1998-1999 |
|
13-4 |
Fiduciary Trust Statements of Account |
2000-2001 |
|
13-5 |
Hedge Fund Presentation to Investment Committee |
2004 |
|
13-6 |
Budget Preparation and Analysis |
1990-1992 |
|
13-7 |
Financial Statements and Auditors' Report |
June 1992 |
|
13-8 |
Philanthropic Market Study Report |
February 2000 |
|
13-9 |
State Street Bank Presentation to MBTA |
January 1998 |
|
13-10 |
Investment Reviews |
1998-2000 |
|
13-11 |
Investment Reviews |
2000 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
14-1 |
Presentation to Radian Asset Assurance |
2003 |
|
14-2 |
Presentation of Hedging Strategies |
2003 |
|
14-3 |
Richard H. Lufkin Memorial Scholarship Fund |
May 2002 |
|
14-4 |
Kaludis Consulting Group Proposal |
1998-2002 |
|
14-5 |
Bachelor of English Committee Conference |
September 1990 |
|
14-6 |
Student Human Resources Complaint |
June 2001 |
|
14-7 |
Policy Board of Higher Education Accreditation |
June 1995 |
|
14-8 |
Brigham and Women's Hospital Construction Plans |
July 1995 |
|
14-9 |
Boston Digital Bridge Foundation |
July 2003 |
|
14-10 |
City Council Hearing on Public Safety |
February 2004 |
|
14-11 |
Exchange with John Silber on D.O.E. Accreditation Issue |
1995 |
|
14-12 |
Boston Society of Architects Infrastructure Forum |
1993 |
|
14-13 |
Partnership with Boston Public Schools |
1983-1995 |
|
14-14 |
Inter-Office Memos |
1990-1991 |
|
14-15 |
Miscellaneous Correspondences |
1990-1991 |
|
14-16 |
Revenue Bonds Issue, Series 2003 |
September 2003 |
|
14-17 |
Business and Finance |
1989-1993 |
|
14-18 |
Board of Trustees Calendars |
1989-1993 |
|
14-19 |
Institutional Charter Changes |
1979-1986 |
|
14-20 |
Richard F. Burtt-V.P. of Development |
1993-1995 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
15-1 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
July 1989-March 1990 |
|
15-2 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
April 1990-December 1990 |
|
15-3 |
Board of Trustees Education Committee |
February 1990 |
|
15-4 |
Joint Meeting of Education and LRP Committees |
April 1990 |
|
15-5 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
January 1991-April 1991 |
|
15-6 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
May 1991-Decembr 1991 |
|
15-7 |
Joint Meeting of Education and LRP Committees |
April 1992 |
|
15-8 |
Long Range Planning-ECAT/WTS |
October 1992 |
|
15-9 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
January 1992-May 1992 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
16-1 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
June 1992-December 1992 |
|
16-2 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
January 1993-June 1993 |
|
16-3 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
July 1993-October 1993 |
|
16-4 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
February 1994-June 1994 |
|
16-5 |
Long Range Plan Progress Report |
May 1986 |
|
16-6 |
Physical Facilities Committee |
1995 |
|
16-7 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
April 1996-November 1996 |
|
16-8 |
Long Range Planning Committee |
1997-1998 |
|
16-9 |
Letters from Van Domelen |
1993- |
|
16-10 |
*CONTENT RESTRICTED UNTIL 2079* |
2001 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
17-1 |
East Coast Aero Technical School Embezzlement |
July 1986-October 1996 |
|
17-2 |
East Coast Aero Technical Articles and Internal Correspondence |
1982-1993 |
|
17-3 |
East Coast Aero Technical Micracor |
November 1991-May 1992 |
|
17-4 |
East Coast Aero Technical School Budget Information |
October 1988-May 1994 |
|
17-5 |
East Coast Aero Technical School Development |
February 1990-May 1994 |
|
17-6 |
East Coast Aero Technical School Decision Research Corp |
October 1989-March 1990 |
|
17-7 |
East Coast Aero Technical School Tuition |
April 1993 |
|
17-8 |
Education Committee and Long Range Planning Committee |
April 1992 |
|
17-9 |
Education Committee |
September 1993-October 1993 |
|
17-10 |
Education Committee |
November 1993-December 1993 |
|
17-11 |
Education Committee and Executive Committee |
November 1994 |
|
17-12 |
Education Committee |
August 1995 |
|
17-13 |
Education Committee |
November 1995 |
|
17-14 |
Education Committee |
1996 |
|
17-15 |
Education Committee |
1997 |
|
17-16 |
Education Committee |
1998 |
|
17-17 |
Education Committee |
April 1991 |
|
17-18 |
Education Committee Budget Info |
1992 |
|
17-19 |
Education Committee |
June-December 1992 |
|
17-20 |
Education Committee |
1994-1995 |
|
17-21 |
Education Committee |
1997 |
|
Folder # |
Contents |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
18-1 |
Education Committee |
January 1993 |
|
18-2 |
Institute Meeting of Budget Managers |
1993 |
|
18-3 |
Education Committee |
April-May 1993 |
|
18-4 |
Education Committee |
1997 |
|
18-5 |
Education Committee |
1991 |
|
18-6 |
Education Committee |
January-April 1990 |
|
18-7 |
Education Committee |
June 1990 |
|
18-8 |
Education Committee |
October-December 1990 |
|
18-9 |
Education Committee |
August-September 1990 |
|
18-10 |
Honorary Degree Committee |
1990 |
Douglas D. Schumann Library & Learning Commons
Wentworth Institute of Technology
550 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115