The Penn State College of Engineering is celebrating 50 years of honors education. In 1953 twenty-five students were invited to participate in the inaugural Engineering Science (E SC) program, with their selection being based upon outstanding academic achievement. The international scientific achievements of that time period, namely Sputnik and the hydrogen bomb, made clear the need for visionary and multi-talented scientists and engineers. The Engineering Science curriculum was created to prepare students for careers in research, development, and academics.