Two Inspiring Deans : The Auckland University College School of Engineering at Auckland University and Ardmore 1940-1954

This is the story of two men, Professors TDJ Leech and GCJ Dalton, who were responsible for transforming the School of Engineering at Auckland University College from the threat of closure, to one which had very high standards.

Of the 240 students who attended the School from 1947 to 1954 three won Rhodes Scholarships, two became Vice- Chancellors of Universities, two received knighthoods, with one of them also being appointed to New Zealand's highest honour, an Ordinary Member of the Order of New Zealand. Others played leading roles in New Zealand's Civil Service, managed international construction companies and huge petrochemical developments, were leaders and owners of consulting engineering practices, started their own industrial companies, held high positions in enterprises around the world and became directors and chairmen of major public companies and State Owned Enterprises. Many of their outstanding careers are included in this book.

A major factor in the above transformation was the moving of the School to Ardmore Aerodrome in 1948, a move that many predicted to be a disaster but which turned out to be a huge success.