Robert W. Van Evera came to Houghton, Michigan from Crosby, Minnesota. He entered his freshman year at Michigan College of Mining and Technology (now Michigan Technological University) in 1936, graduating in 1940 with a Bachelors Degree in Mining Engineering. The 1939/40 Directory lists his Houghton address as 233 College Ave, where some of the pictures in this collection may have been taken. Robert's father, James Wilbur Van Evera also attended the Michigan College of Mines, graduating in 1907. The 1905/06 Yearbook lists James' hometown as Marquette, Michigan.
Philanthropy appears to have been a strong family trait. According to Peter, his father Robert and grandfather James sponsored the education of John Jovanovich, the son of a Minnesota iron range mine worker who was killed in an underground accident. Jovanovich had been a high school classmate of Robert, who had noted John's brilliance in mathematics. Robert suggested to his father James that they provide for the young man's education at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology where his abilities would be further developed. Unfortunately, John Jovanovich was himself killed in an accident while a student at the College. The Van Evera family name remains well known on campus through the continuing Van Evera Distinguished Lecture Series.
From the description of Robert W. Van Evera Photograph Collection, 1937-1938. (Michigan Technological University). WorldCat record id: 745449914
