Walter E. Lay was born in Fulton, Michigan on February 5, 1889. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1915 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began teaching in the Department of Mechanical Engineering later that year. Professor Lay was a pioneer in the area of automobile streaming and he wrote the "bible" on seat design. He had extensive contacts in the automobile industry and spent several summers in research and experimental capacities at Chevrolet, General Motors, Packard and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. His activities lead directly to the growth and development of the Automotive Engineering Laboratory now known as the Walter E. Lay Auto Lab. He became a full professor in 1930 and was named director of the lab. Professor Lay retired from the university in 1958. He was granted emeritus status in 1959. After his retirement from the university he remained interested in automotive design issues and also pursued interests in physics and chemistry. He moved to East Lansing in 1972 and died on August 28, 1974.
From the guide to the Walter E. Lay Papers., 1889-1993, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)
