Joseph N. Pew, Jr. sits at a table with papers

The namesake of the Pew Engineering Quad, Joseph N. Pew, Jr. (Mechanical Engineering, B.S., 1908) and later Vice President of Sun Oil Company developed in 1926 a gyroscopic instrument with a high-speed camera and timing device for preventing the drilling of crooked holes in oil wells. He also founded the Pew Charitable Trusts in 1948. An independent nonprofit, the organization is committed to improving public policy, informing the public on issues and trend and invigorating civic life by encouraging democratic participation and strong communities