“At first [Prof. Froelich] had no intention of entering any field of engineering, but attended school in the city of Cologne, Germany where she was born. At the University of Bonn she completed her education in mathematics, pure physics and philosophy, receiving her Doctor of Philosophy degree there. Her original interest in engineering came about when she was employed by the German General Electric Company [Allegemeine Electricitaets Gesellschaft, Berlin] as the scientific assistant to the Vice President. During the nine years that she spent with this firm she delved deeper and deeper into more applied science and engineering. This contact with industrial work determined Professor Froehlich’s future career. When Hitler came to power her work was cruelly interrupted, and she fled to Belgium. There in neutral territory, a large manufacturing company [Ateliers de Constructions Electriques de Charleroi] hired her as their consultant mathematician. In order to fully understand the varied problems she was required to solve, Professor Froehlich had to learn still more about the many aspects of the field of Electrical Engineering in a far more realistic manner than she would have under a limited curriculum. Unfortunately, after she had successfully established herself in Belgium the advent of Hitler again forced her to flee, first to France, and then, after harrowing experiences, to America.

After her entry in the Unites States, Professor Froehlich did not immediately enter the field of education. She found it difficult, however, to obtain employment with any industrial firm since she was both a woman and newly arrived in this country. During this time an increased number of students were enrolling in technical colleges and the need for good teachers was proportionately acute. She secured a position with our [CCNY’s] School of Technology….”

(City College Vector, Nov. 1947, p.15)

Cecile Froehlich
Prof. of Electrical Engineering, 1945-1966

Prof. Froehlich, at time of her retirement in 1966 was the only female electrical engineering professor in the city.
Prof. Froehlich’s career at City College was marked by a series of “firsts:”

• The first woman appointed to the faculty of the School of Engineering and Architecture.
• The first woman at the City College to obtain the rank of full professor.
• The first woman to be elected Chair of any department at City College
• The first woman to head any engineering department anywhere in the United
States.