Kenneth James Trigger (1910–2001)
Professor Kenneth James Trigger was born on September 6, 1910 in Carsonville, MI. He married Florence (Vickie) Trigger on December 24, 1939. Professor Trigger received his formal education from Michigan State College graduating with an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1935. After obtaining some teaching and research experience at Michigan State University, Swarthmore College, and Lehigh University, Ken joined the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL in 1938 as an Associate with teaching duties in the Machine Tool and Heat Treatment Laboratories. It was here that Ken developed a strong interest in metal cutting and tool materials—an interest that occupied his entire research career that spanned nearly four decades. After serving as an Assistant Professor during World War II, Ken was promoted to Full Professor in 1945. Until his retirement in 1977, Ken taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical...
