At one time virtually every zipper in the world was manufactured by the Talon zipper company in Meadville, Pennsylvania. This handy replacement for the button closure originally was invented and patented in 1893 as the “hookless fastener” by Whitcomb L. Judson in Chicago. Although its early value was apparent in boots and shoes, the zipper was too complicated and difficult to mass produce—until Colonel Lewis Walker, an attorney and graduate of Allegheny College, saw its vast potential in apparel and military applications, not just in footwear.
How Leaders Shape, Signal, and Build Cultures: A Discussion Guide for Academic Leaders and Their Teams
Among the many desired traits most prized in academic leadership, the ability to shape (or reshape) institutional culture is sometimes overlooked in favor of fiscal acumen, the ability to drive
Lisa Jasinski
May 4, 2026
