Chuck Schultz is a licensed engineer, Gear Technology Technical Editor, and Chief Engineer for Beyta Gear Service. He has written the "Gear Talk with Chuck" blog for Gear Technology since 2014.
I do not recall this being brought up during my years at Marquette University’s (MU) engineering school, but the night school crowd was probably too buttoned down to do much about it anyway. Not only was St. Patrick an engineer, the students at North Carolina State University have decided he was the very best kind of engineer: a gear guy! Here is a link to the whole story:
http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/magazine/spring2012/saint.php
Not to be left out of the party, students at the University of Missouri have a songbook celebrating the man who drove the snakes from the Emerald Isle and taught the Irish to build arched bridges and churches. A few selections:
“Engineers Lament”
The “Engineer’s Lament” is a popular song for engineering students on college campuses across the northern hemisphere. It was introduced to MU by Jason Mudd (BS ChE). (Air: “Battle Hymn of the Republic”)
Chorus
We are, we are, we are, we are, we are the engineers,
We can, we can, we can, we can demolish forty beers,
Drink rum, drink rum, drink rum, drink rum and come along with us,
For we don’t give a damn for any old man who don’t give a damn for us.
Verse 1
An arts man and an ENGINEER once found a gallon can,
Said the arts man, “Match me drink for drink, let’s see if you’re a man!”
They drank three drinks, the arts man died, his face was turning green,
But the engineer drank on and said, “It’s only gasoline!”
<Chorus>
Verse 2
Venus is a statue made entirely of stone,
There’s not a fig leaf on her body, she’s as naked as a bone,
On seeing that her arms were gone, an ENGINEER discoursed,
“The damn thing’s broken concrete and it should be reinforced.”
<Chorus>
Verse 3
A maiden and an engineer were sitting in the park,
But the engineer was busy doing research in the dark,
His scientific method was a marvel to observe,
For his left hand took the readings, while his right hand traced the curves.
<Chorus>
Verse 4
St. Patrick was an engineer, he was, he was, he was.
And he appears this time of year, he does, he does, he does,
To knight his faithful followers who honor him each year,
For after all, he is the patron saint of ENGINEERS!
<Chorus>
“When Engineers Are Smiling”
(A ‘retooled’ version of the Irish classic,
(“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”)
Verse 1
Ol’ St. Patrick is here, all the engineers cheer,
And Jesse’s dome glows green and bright.
And the Stone reappears, as it does every year,
And the faithful are all made his Knights.
Oh, there are no more tests, and the homework is left
’till the whole celebration is through!
Erin Go Bragh they say in that engineer way!
Ol’ St. Patrick a toast to you! (Here’s to you!)
<chorus>
When engineers are smiling,
’cause St. Patrick’s on his way.
There’ll be stunts and cheers and good times as
the schoolwork goes away.
When engineers are happy
In this special time of year,
For a week of celebrating
That St. Pat was an Engineer!
Verse 2
With Shillelagh in hand, he’s the king of the land
Or at least he’s the king of the Ball (St. Pat’s Ball!).
And the queen by his side with her sash worn with pride,
beams with beauty and love for us all.
They are honored and praised, ’til the end of their days,
For they’ve earned this distinction most high.
By their blood, sweat, and tears, oh, they are engineers,
And they’ll carry this honor with pride!(side by side!)
<chorus>
Verse 3
Oh we are engineers; we’re devoid of all fears,
And we’ll win any contest we try. (Bring it on!)
Oh, the business men choke and the lawyers blow smoke,
And the aggies will lie down and cry.
With a heart full of pride and our rulers that slide,
We can solve any problem with ease.
With a full topped-off glass — oh, the answers come fast —
So, pour one more round if you please! (If you please!)
<chorus>