David Crosthwait, an African-American mechanical and electrical engineer renowned for his significant contributions to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Born on May 27, 1898, in Nashville, Tennessee, Crosthwait grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1913 and later obtained a Master’s degree in engineering in 1920 .
Throughout his career, Crosthwait was a prolific inventor, holding 39 U.S. patents and 80 international patents related to HVAC systems . Notably, he designed the heating systems for prominent buildings such as Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center in New York City . After retiring, he returned to Purdue University to teach steam heating theory and control systems . In recognition of his achievements, Crosthwait was named a fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in 1971, becoming the first African-American to receive this honor . He passed away on February 25, 1976, in Michigan City, Indiana
