I have noticed that a lot of the students and professors use the elevators on campus, but do any of you ever think about the man we have to thank for them? I’m going to guess that you don’t, so here is some background information about Elisha Otis.

He was a New York man, living in Troy, Albany, and Yonkers. He was just 39 years old when he invented the first useable and safe passenger elevator. Unfortunately, only ten years later he died. However, without his genius inventor mind, we would not be where we are today. We would still be climbing three flights of stairs every day we went to class, no matter what our situation.

So, the next time you get in the elevators on campus, think about Elisha Otis and send up a silent “thank you” to the heavens.