John M. Lockhart

The son of one of the founders of the Standard Oil Company, John Lockhart graduated from Rensselaer in 1887.  Upon graduating, Lockhart joined in the management of his father’s businesses and became a successful businessman himself, serving as chairman of the board of the Lockhart Iron and Steel Company. During his lifetime, Lockhart would also act as a Director of the Portland Cement Company, Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh, Union Savings Bank, Union Switch and Signal Company, The Union Trust Company of Pittsburgh, and the Westinghouse Airbrake Company.  In addition to his extensive business interests, Lockhart maintained a strong interest in Rensselaer and philanthropic endeavors.  Over a thirty year period, Lockhart anonymously donated $5,663,000 to Rensselaer, enabling the construction of many of the buildings still visible on campus today.  After years of stalled progress, it was ultimately Lockhart’s combined gifts of $200,000 that helped make the construction of the Clubhouse a reality.