Born: 1929
Biography:
Lois Aileen Bey (born May 8, 1929) is an American chemical engineer who overcame overt sexism throughout her lifetime. On June 9, 1950, she made history as the first woman to graduate from the chemical engineering program at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). She was also the only woman in the program at that time. Her graduation ceremony took place at the Civic Opera House.
Early life:
Bey did not come from an engineering background, though she believes that she inherited her unusually good long-term memory from her father. Neither of Bey’s parents attended college. Bey experienced sexism since the day she was born; her mother made it clear to her that she had wanted a boy, in case the health problems in Lois Bey’s older brother Roy prevented him from growing to adulthood. Bey’s parents had traditional gender roles. At the age of twenty-one, Bey’s mother set out to marry to avoid becoming a spinster. She composed a list of qualifications that she required in a husband, which included the ability to entertain. Bey’s father Leroy Karl Bey was a pianist for Sophie Tucker and Ethel Merman at the time. Her mother persuaded him to propose within six months.
During the Depression, Bey experienced more sexism when a black neighbor named Hemmie offered childcare services to her mother. She allowed Hemmie to take Lois but not her brother Roy because I wouldn’t trust my son to strangers. Despite the sexism, Bey enjoyed her time with the other neighborhood children because she could gain experiences that were not available at her home: books, parks, and zoos.
Education:
A kindergarten teacher found Bey, at the age of four years, after her mother accidentally forgot her assignment to find her, in favor of her brother. The teacher found her unusually articulate and enrolled her in kindergarten a year early. She was very inquisitive and an avid reader, as a child, often asking questions about how things work. They moved to Chicago that year, so she had to take kindergarten again.
Bey skipped another year in grammar school, so she graduated high school one month after she turned seventeen. She chose to attend Illinois Institute of Technology because the school had the most convenient location with the cheapest tuition.
Sexism in Engineering:
Bey took IIT’s entrance exam for engineering, despite her mother’s warnings. She later reflected that I was a stubborn child and ignored what she told me. She was the only girl in a group of eleven high school graduates to take the exam. The other ten boys found out that they had failed, but they all knew that one fellow had been accepted into the scholarship. IIT had not yet decided on Bey’s future at the school. Her presence at the school bothered some of the administrators, who thought that she was not very ladylike.
Bey faced numerous obstacles during her studies, including being excluded from study groups and being given unreasonable deadlines by professors who were skeptical of her abilities. However, she persevered and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree in 1950, becoming the first woman to do so at IIT.
Throughout her career, Bey continued to face sexism in the workplace, often being dismissed or overlooked for opportunities. Despite these challenges, she excelled in her field, making significant contributions to the chemical engineering industry. Bey worked on the development of new materials and processes that have been instrumental in various industries, ranging from pharmaceuticals to energy.
Influence on Society:
Lois Aileen Bey’s achievements have had a profound impact on society, particularly in breaking down gender barriers in the field of engineering. By becoming the first woman to graduate from the chemical engineering program at IIT, she paved the way for future generations of women in engineering and STEM fields. Her determination and resilience in the face of sexism and adversity inspire countless individuals to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles.
Motivations and Inspirations:
Bey’s motivations were derived from her passion for chemical engineering and her desire to challenge societal norms. She was determined to prove that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated fields and to pave the way for future generations of women to pursue their aspirations. Bey’s resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration to all individuals facing adversity and discrimination.
Role in Women’s History:
Lois Aileen Bey’s role in women’s history cannot be overstated. Her groundbreaking accomplishment as the first woman to graduate from the chemical engineering program at IIT challenged societal norms and inspired countless women to pursue careers in engineering and STEM fields. Her legacy serves as a testament to the strength and determination of women throughout history, breaking down barriers and changing the course of women’s rights and representation in academia and industry.