URC 45, James L. Giblin papers

ames L. Giblin was a graduate of the Bradford Durfee Textile School, which would later become part of Southeastern Massachusetts Technical Institute (SMTI), in 1925. His first experience with industry began in the Firestone Textile Company, where he would stay until he joined the United States Testing Company in 1928. He met with great success and established the Better Fabrics Bureau, earning an impeccable reputation in his field. During the early 1930’s, however, Giblin realized his true passion when he began teaching evening courses at the New York City Textile School. In 1938, Giblin took a position as head of the Design Department in the New Bedford Textile School. Among his accomplishments during this time, Giblin fought for women’s rights, educating some of the first female textile students in the country and employing the first female faculty members of the school. Along with John Foster and Francis Tripp, Giblin helped the school to become the New Bedford Technical Institute in 1949. Three years later, the school became the New Bedford Institute of Textiles and Technology, with John Foster as President, Francis Tripp as Dean of Faculty, and James Giblin as Professor and Chairman of the Textile Engineering department. Giblin continued to provide unwavering support and energy as the school went through its many changes, holding down various positions such as Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, Acting Registrar, Administrator of the New Bedford Campus, and Acting Dean of the College of Business and Industry. He retired officially in 1972, but continued afterwards to be involved with the university. He received the University Service Award, the Alumni Service Award, and an Honorary Doctorate.