Faculty Papers: Kenneth C. Schraut Papers

Dr. Kenneth Schraut taught mathematics at the University of Dayton for over fifty years, spanning from 1940-1993. Dr. Schraut was the chairman of the Mathematics department from 1954-1970. He was also responsible for starting the mathematics club in 1940 which is one of the longest running clubs in the University's history.

One of Dr. Schraut’s most memorable contributions to the University was his pioneering work in the development of the Research Institute. In 1949 Dr. Schraut and ten of his students received the first of many research contracts with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). UD received its second contract with WPAFB in 1951. This highly classified contract, once again headed by Dr. Schraut, was known as Project DELTA and involved research on the heat and blast effects from atomic weapons on aircrafts. Dr. Schraut hired students to work on this project, giving them the opportunity to do pioneering research for the U.S. military as undergraduates. These students, who were the best in Dr. Schraut’s classes, were nicknamed “Schraut’s boys.” With Dr. Schraut directing the expansion of research efforts, the University of Dayton Research Institute was formally established in 1956.

Dr. Schraut fostered excellent relationships with his students throughout the years, and is remembered for his annual Christmas letter which he sent out to generations of former students.  In May of 1992 an event was held to honor and pay tribute to Dr. Schraut’s contributions to the University of Dayton. A significant number of alumni, students, colleagues, and friends submitted letters of appreciation to a scrapbook that was given to Dr. Schraut on this occasion. This collection of letters is available at the University Archives.

Dr. John Codon (left) and Dr. Kenneth Schraut look at a scrapbook at the Schraut Tribute.

One student from the class of 1956 wrote,

“The highest honor a man can attain is the respect of his former students. Your Special Day of Tribute given by all your former students and friends on May 9, 1992 is well deserved... I would hope that a copy of all the personal letters of thanks you are receiving on this occasion might be bound in a book to be kept in the library so that future students could read the accolades given to you by your students, fellow professors, and friends.”

Dr. Schraut was the co-chair of the Centennial Convocation Committee which organized a celebration for the University’s 100^th anniversary. He was also the grand marshal in the parade that kicked off the event on March 16^th, 1950.

Dr. Schraut enjoyed playing squash and was known for challenging students to games (and winning). There is a squash court named for him at the old Physical Activities Center, which is now the Athletic Practice Facility.

The following books are professional directories that mention Dr. Kenneth Schraut.

Dr. Schraut's personal copies of these books are at the University Archives.

Noteworthy items in the Kenneth C. Schraut Papers:

• Letter from Richard Nixon, December 1960
• Memorabilia including the Don Donoher medal; and NMHS membership cards, stamps, and pins