Union Notables  Franklin Henry Giddings    class of 1878
Franklin Henry Giddings, courtesy of President Stephen Ainlay
The life of Frank Henry Giddings exemplified three
characteristics that still live at Union. First, although he
majored in civil engineering, he went on to a career in
sociology, where he often used the engineer’s tools to develop
his thinking about social issues. Second, Giddings was always
both intellectually active and civically engaged, taking his
academic work out into the world for the betterment of both.
Finally, his pioneering contributions to American sociology
exemplify Union’s continuing commitment to intellectual
excellence.  Giddings, the son of a well-known Congregational
minister from Connecticut, entered Union in 1873. He withdrew
from the College in 1875 to go to work, completing his degree in
1878. His early experience writing for newspapers in
Springfield, Massachusetts, and in Connecticut, stimulated his
study of economics and social issues. His extensive articles
were w