1
C H A P T E R 1
Introduction
In this book I undertook the difficult task of recognizing all the main individuals that applied
their efforts in creating and maintaining a great institution, one that has had an impact on sci-
ence and technology in the U.S. and also worldwide. Since 1961, I have personally witnessed
the evolution of the Society of Experimental Stress Analysis (SESA) to the current Society for
Experimental Mechanics (SEM). I have attended all the meetings of the Society except for
two—one in Hawaii and the other in Israel. Hence, I have met and interacted with most of the
individuals that I discuss here. ey are a very unique set of individuals from many different eth-
nicities, backgrounds, and family histories. Many of them are first-generation Americans from
immigrant families or they were themselves immigrants, having escaped death and persecution
from totalitarian regimes. ey came to America to enjoy freedom and to live in an environment
where they could fulfill their personal dreams and achievements. e coverage of their lives may
vary, although I have done my best to present as balanced a protrayal as possible. e informa-
tion presented in this narrative comes from the interested parties, directly or indirectly, through
intricate research, and from some observations that come from my memory of facts and events.
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