MILESTONES AND MOMENTUM
Innovation Grove A Milestone for E ntrepreneurialism at Rose-Hulman
INNOVATION GROVE IS THE CENTERPIECE of Rose-Hulman’s vision for a future defined by entrepreneurial excellence. This impressive new district is the central component of the $102.3 million Trails to Innovation project that will serve as a nexus for creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and groundbreaking innovation. Designed to equip students with the tools and experiences needed to excel, it positions Rose-Hulman as a national leader in merging academic rigor with real-world entrepreneurial impact.
At its core, Innovation Grove represents more than just a physical space——it is a bold reimagining of how technological education can drive meaningful change. By creating an environment that breaks down traditional academic silos, the Institute is preparing students to become not just skilled scientists, mathematicians, and engineers, but visionary problem-solvers who can navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Catalyzed by Lilly Endowment’s Historic $30.5 Million Grant
Innovation Grove has been made possible in part through the largest grant in Rose-Hulman’s history——$30.5 million from Lilly Endowment’s College and Community Collaboration (CCC) initiative. This historic investment will help drive infrastructure growth, create advanced collaborative spaces, and fuel programs that challenge students to solve complex problems across industries.
Lilly Endowment’s support reflects a shared vision with Rose-Hulman to create an educational ecosystem that not only teaches technical skills but also nurtures the innovative spirit that drives technological advancement. This historic grant underscores Rose-Hulman’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers that blend STEM expertise with entrepreneurial leadership.
Strategic Partnerships with Union Health and IJRI
Innovation Grove will anchor critical partnerships, including collaborations with Union Health and the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute (IJRI). These relationships will offer students unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects, engage with professionals in health care and biomedical engineering, and contribute to innovations that transform lives.
Students will gain hands-on experience through:
• Developing solutions to real-world medical challenges
• Working directly with industry professionals
• Building professional networks that extend beyond traditional classroom learning
Indiana State Senator Todd Young
Union Health President and CEO
Steve Holman
IJRI CEO Michael Meneghini, MD
AUGUST 15, 2023
The Princeton Review’s 2024 “Best 389 Colleges” book highlighted Rose-Hulman as the No. 1 private college for internships, a top-10 college for career placement and career services, and as a Best Value College.
Ventures Relocation: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The relocation of Rose-Hulman Ventures to Innovation Grove marks a new chapter in the Institute’s innovation ecosystem. This integration creates dynamic spaces where students, faculty, staff, and industry partners can collaborate on projects ranging from sustainable technologies to artificial intelligence-driven solutions.
The 35,000-square-foot space will include:
• Cutting-edge laboratories equipped with advanced technologies
• Flexible co-working spaces designed to spark collaboration
• Open forums for student startups to incubate and grow
• Interdisciplinary meeting areas that encourage cross-pollination of ideas
AUGUST 25, 2023
Growing interest and continued focus on student success brought more than 575 first-year and transfer students to campus to begin the 2023-24 school year, increasing total enrollment to nearly 2,250 students.
AUGUST 31, 2023
Fifteen first- and second-year students started preparing to explore their STEM research interests as inaugural members of the new Rose Research Fellows program for the 2023-24 school year.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
The Institute welcomed the 2023-24 school year by unveiling aspects of a $25 million extensive renovation of Moench Hall, with renovated classrooms and labs, sustainable features, and new ways to enjoy life on campus.
Looking Ahead
Other future developments of Innovation Grove that will help redefine the entrepreneurial landscape at Rose-Hulman are:
• Sawmill Society Space: Dedicated areas for entrepreneurial alumni to mentor and collaborate with emerging innovators.
• 5-Megawatt Solar Farm: A renewable energy initiative that will significantly reduce the district’s carbon footprint while promoting clean energy practices.
• Innovation Trails: A scenic trail system connecting to the broader Wabash Valley trail network, encouraging healthy lifestyles for the Rose-Hulman and local communities.
• STEM and Robotics Education Programs: These programs will be offered in collaboration with Vigo County School Corporation.
Innovation Grove will open in phases, with initial completion of construction expected by summer 2026. The district will be more than a facility—it will be a vibrant community where ideas flourish and dreams take shape. It exemplifies both the milestones
Rose-Hulman has achieved and the momentum driving it forward. Through this visionary project, Rose-Hulman is not just preparing students for the future——it is actively shaping that future, one innovative solution at a time.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
In its first Wall Street Journal ’s Best Colleges in America guide appearance, Rose ranked No. 17 overall in the nation, while being No. 1 for both learning opportunities and learning facilities and No. 4 for career preparation.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
For the 25th straight year, Rose-Hulman was ranked the No. 1 college in the U.S. that’s focused on undergraduate engineering education. Civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering earned top department rankings.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
Construction began on a new $30 million, four-floor residence hall to enhance the on-campus experience for 160 first-year students and address increased need for campus housing. It is scheduled for occupancy by Fall 2025.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
The 100th celebration of the Institute’s Homecoming bonfire tradition dazzled alumni, faculty, staff, students, and guests with a spectacular drone show.
Record-Breaking Enrollment
ROSE-HULMAN WELCOMED ANOTHER exceptional first-year class of 620 students in the fall of 2024, continuing its tradition of attracting top-tier STEM talent from around the globe. This marked the third time in four years that RHIT has welcomed a fall class exceeding 600 students and only the fourth time in its 150-year history. Total enrollment also reached a record 2,334 students, a significant achievement reflecting the college’s growth and outreach efforts.
Driving this success is Rose-Hulman’s dedication to academic excellence, growth opportunities on and off campus, and its focus on student outcomes. These qualities have resonated with students and families nationally and globally, resulting in a record number of applications and unprecedented
interest in campus visits and summer programs for high school students.
The Class of 2028 exemplifies both geographic and academic diversity:
• Geographic Reach: Students hail from a record-breaking 44 states and 20 countries.
• Academic Excellence: Students earned a median high school GPA of 4.04, with 45 students reporting perfect SAT/ACT math scores.
Rose-Hulman’s STEM outreach programs continue to inspire the next generation of innovators. Long-standing initiatives like Operation Catapult, along with newer programs such as Project Select, Rose Accelerate, and Rose Power, have drawn record participation from high school students worldwide.
Rose-Hulman’s commitment to academic innovation is also evident in its expanding programs, such as the recently launched NanoEngineering major, designed to address the rapidly evolving needs of today’s scientific and technological fields.
Through these initiatives, Rose-Hulman reinforces its mission to deliver cuttingedge education and empower students with the skills and knowledge essential for success in STEM and entrepreneurial fields.
Fast Facts | FALL 2024
2,334 [ 2,315 Undergrad ] TOTAL ENROLLMENT
47
States, plus Marianas Islands, Virgin Islands, and military bases
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
33 Countries outside the U.S.
STUDENTS 285 | 12%
BRANAM AND KREMER INNOVATION CENTERS CLUBS
Battery Workforce Challenge Chem-E Car Concrete Canoe Design-Build-Fly FIRST Robotics
OCTOBER 3, 2023
The Engineering Design program took a significant step forward in its development by achieving accreditation status for meeting quality standards from ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission.
Human-Powered Vehicle Make it Happen MakerLab Robotics Rocketry Club Rose Grand Prix Engineering Steel Bridge Team Rose Motorsports Vex U
OCTOBER 4, 2023
Indiana corporate and community leader Carl Cook was elected Board of Trustees Chair, succeeding Niles Noblitt. Cook, a longtime Institute supporter, has been a trustee since 2009 and received an honorary degree in 2015.
OCTOBER 26, 2023
Successful serial hospitality entrepreneur Carla McFarland and devoted alumnus Dan Price brought expertise and insight as new members of the Board of Trustees.
NOVEMBER 2, 2023
Entrepreneurial-minded students cultivated their passion for innovation and creating something new, taking business ideas from concept to pitch during Techstar’s Startup Weekend on campus.
Distinguished Recognition
FOR 150 YEARS, ROSE-HULMAN has risen to national acclaim, continually proving itself as a premier institution of intellect, innovation, and inspiration. The commemoration of the Institute’s sesquicentennial was filled with celebration of Rose-Hulman’s legacy of excellence.
For the second year in a row, Rose-Hulman was also named as one of the top 100 colleges in the U.S. in the Wall Street Journal’s “Best Colleges in America.” Rose ranked No. 3 in the guide’s Best Recommended Colleges by alumni and No. 7 in Best Preparation for a Career.
DECEMBER 7, 2023
A 99% placement rate and high starting salaries across the entire graduating Class of 2023 once again showcased RoseHulman’s strong value, return on investment, and career opportunities.
Rose-Hulman has now been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for 26 consecutive years. Its “Best Colleges Guide” has named Rose-Hulman the No. 1 undergraduate engineering program, based on an annual survey of college engineering deans and senior faculty members. Rose-Hulman bested 286 colleges in the category, including Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, United States Military Academy at West Point, and Bucknell University. Two academic departments—— electrical and mechanical engineering —— were also recognized as No. 1 in the nation, while civil and computer engineering were both ranked No. 2 in their categories.
JANUARY 26, 2024
The Wall Street Journal cited Rose-Hulman No. 1 among “The Best 10 Colleges That Aren’t the Usual Suspects” after examining benchmarks that demonstrate how well colleges improve the trajectories of their students’ careers.
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Chemical engineering students Lauren Coffey and Sanya Dronawat contributed to biotech startup FetTech’s technology development that’s showing promise in preventing shingles from spreading in human skin.
MARCH 6, 2024
Six Rose-Hulman women faculty members made presentations that highlighted the topic “Interdisciplinary Connections in a Diversifying World” during a TEDx Talks campus event.
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
#1 Undergraduate Engineering Program for 26th straight year
#1 in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
#2 in Civil and Computer Engineering
WALL STREET JOURNAL
#3 in Best Recommended Colleges
#7 in Best Preparation for a Career
PRINCETON REVIEW
Among Best Value Colleges and Best Midwest Colleges
Over 99% of the 2023 graduating class placed in their field, graduate studies, or the military
Graduates accepted offers from 219 companies and 33 graduate schools
Average starting salary $79,126
Highest reported accepted salary $144,000
MARCH 7, 2024
The NanoEngineering program is introduced to meet the evolving demands of the scientific and tech landscape while giving students the skills and knowledge needed for success in rapidly advancing STEM fields.
Rose-Hulman also continues to earn commendation in Princeton Review’s 2025 Best 390 Colleges list. Based on student surveys, Rose-Hulman ranked among the “Best Value Colleges” and “Best Midwest Colleges.” The Institute was also lauded for internships, science lab facilities, student support and counseling services, and career services and placement.
It’s no surprise that Rose-Hulman’s career connections catch national attention; with over 99% of the Class of 2023 graduates placed in their field, graduate studies, or the military, Rose-Hulman alumni’s first forays into their career certainly merit great regard. Graduates accepted offers from 219 companies and 33 graduate schools, with an average starting salary of $79,126 and a highest reported accepted salary of $144,000.
MARCH 8, 2024
Accomplished technology leader and STEM education advocate
Kate Maxwell presented the inaugural Swearingen Leadership Series on the topic “Launch Before You Are Ready” during International Women’s Day.
MARCH 13, 2024
A transformative partnership between Rose-Hulman, Union Health, and the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute will bring an outpatient surgery center as an integral part of the recently announced Innovation Grove District.
MARCH 14, 2024
A record $650,223 through 667 gifts was contributed during the fifth annual Giving Day, providing support for the college’s greatest needs, student scholarships, academic programs, student experiences, athletics, and more.
Annual Career Fair hosted in the Sports and Recreation Center
Campus Revitalization Supports Student Growth
OVER THE LAST CENTURY AND A half, Rose-Hulman has aspired to be a space for success, supporting student and faculty endeavors by providing state-of-the-art equipment and collaborative community spaces. From a singular building to a sprawling 1,300-acre main campus with dozens of buildings, the perpetual evolution of Rose-Hulman’s facilities reflects the needs of innovation.
Construction continues on a new residence hall across from Speed Hall. Scheduled to open by fall 2025, the fourstory building will house 160 first-year students as they begin their collegiate journeys. The $30 million project will also provide student lounges, kitchenettes, and study spaces on each floor.
Expansion and renovation has also begun on the Sports and Recreation Center (SRC) to accommodate growing team rosters and the addition of lacrosse. The $5 million project will include the addition of seven offices, a large multi-purpose room, and a recruiting room, as well as a new locker room. The expansion is expected to be completed in spring 2025.
Familiar landmarks are also taking on new elements and achieving milestones at their cornerstones. To honor the generosity of 1969 electrical
engineering alumnus Pete Fowler, and his wife Joane, the New Academic Building was renamed the Fowler Academic Building during Homecoming 2024. This tribute reflects the Fowlers’ enduring commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and innovators on their perpetual journey to excellence.
In addition, Root Quad reopened for the Fall 2024 quarter after a yearlong renovation. The space was redesigned with accessibility as a priority,
Exterior and interior of new residence hall.
Sports and Recreation Center
MARCH 25, 2024
A team of computer science students placed third among 67 college teams in the NCAA’s Crossroads Classic Analytics Challenge, after being tasked with simulating data collection aspects of hosting a Final Four basketball experience.
APRIL 4, 2024
converting the many staircases into sloping ramps. A rededication ceremony was held in October, which culminated in the unveiling of the new “Aspirations” sculpture. “Aspirations” was provided by Class of 1966 electrical engineering alumnus Jeff Brugos and is designed to evoke the viewer’s imagination for inspiration or great healing and thoughtfulness, according to its creator, Ryan Schmidt.
These updates are indicative of Rose-Hulman’s forward momentum and dedication to continual improvement. For the third year in a row, the Princeton Review has included Rose-Hulman on its 2025 Guide to Green Colleges, recognizing Rose’s commitment to sustainability and
A Sesquicentennial Celebration had the campus community commemorating the Institute’s 150-year legacy, while also ushering in the future with the launch of the “Advancing by Design” Strategic Plan.
APRIL 4, 2024
a healthy campus environment. This acknowledges the intentional infusion of sustainability into campus spaces, including the Fowler Academic Building, which in 2021 became Indiana’s first building to earn WELL Certification for its design that enhances the health, wellness, and human experience for visitors.
This is only the beginning of Rose-Hulman’s sustainability initiatives.
As part of the strategic plan, Advancing by Design, launched in April 2024, the college has pledged to infuse sustainability into its curriculum, reclaim resources and waste, and finalize a plan to produce energy on campus through cost-effective, renewable energy systems.
Students filled the campus sports arena for an engaging convocation with social media/internet personality Hank Green that was featured in the new Swearingen Leadership Series and Institute’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.
APRIL 8, 2024
The awe-inspiring splendor of a total solar eclipse was witnessed at Cook Stadium and Oakley Observatory by more than 1,100 people taking advantage of the campus being in the path of totality for the event.
Renovated Root Quad
“Aspirations” sculpture
Momentum: A Year in Retrospect
IN 2024, ROSE-HULMAN CELEBRATED ITS sesquicentennial, rejoicing in 150 years of premier science and technology education throughout its storied history. The next chapter in the Institute’s story is already being written, ushered in by monumental institutional, faculty, student, and alumni accomplishments.
Academic Advancements
Rose-Hulman’s persistent pursuit of excellence is evident throughout every classroom, workshop, office, and laboratory. The academic advancements and achievements over the past year continually support students’ passion for learning and discovery, helping them develop into skilled professionals who fill coveted niches in the workforce.
In March 2024, Rose-Hulman announced a new major in NanoEngineering, designing the unique program’s deep focus on nanoscale science and technology to be an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to industry needs. Students
APRIL 17, 2024
Jamie Baum got a hit in her first at-bat in a college varsity baseball game – a two-run single to center field. The backup second baseman has been a three-year member of the USA Baseball Women’s National Team.
Micro-Nanoscale Device and Systems (MiNDS) lab
APRIL 18, 2024
Mathematics major Connor Lane joined biomedical engineering major Ellen Shales in earning recognition as Goldwater Scholars, the preeminent honor for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in natural STEM areas.
will utilize cutting-edge nanofabrication and characterization tools in the Micro-Nanoscale Device and Systems (MiNDS) lab to explore the next frontier in engineering.
APRIL 20, 2024
The Institute’s Sawmill Society, a growing group of forwardthinking alumni and friends, gathered on campus to exchange ideas, support alumni startups, and encourage students with an entrepreneurial mindset.
APRIL 24, 2024
Junior swimmer Vineet Ranade was named a College Sports Communicators’ Academic All-American – extending the Institute’s streak of 39 straight years having at least one Academic All-American.
Rose Research Fellows also helps students finesse their potential into innovative momentum, and the program marked the completion of its first year with a symposium poster session. Unique to the Rose-Hulman undergraduate experience, the Rose Research Fellows program connects students in their first or second year to paid research opportunities with faculty. Fifteen students were selected for the program’s first cohort, and 18 have been selected for the program’s second year.
MAY 1, 2024
More than 100 student projects completed during the 2023-24 school year were featured in the Rose Show, the college’s annual version of the World’s Fair that attracted interested campus and community spectators.
Rose-Hulman’s work does not go unnoticed. The groundbreaking Engineering Design program received the prestigious Innovation Award and its $10,000 prize from the national ABET accreditation organization. The honor recognizes programs that have brought new dimensions to improving the student technical educational experience. Launched in 2018, the Engineering Design program enables students to explore real challenges in six different design studios. The program also earned ABET accreditation status in 2023.
MAY 8, 2024
Computer science and software engineering students presented cutting-edge computing research projects in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering’s inaugural research symposium.
MAY 25, 2024
The Institute’s Class of 2024——454 members strong——celebrated a significant achievement in their lives and were ready to use their degrees in a variety of STEM careers, graduate school, and military service.
MAY 25, 2024
Pioneering astronaut Mae Jemison, M.D., and alumnus
John Swearingen (CHE, 1981) received Doctor of Engineering degrees, and Jemison passed along advice to the Class of 2024 in the Commencement Address.
Faculty and Leadership Achievement
Rose-Hulman students learn from the best and the brightest faculty, staff, and leaders whose diligence drives their distinction. These are some of the accomplished individuals who dedicate their time and energy to supporting student and institutional growth while continuously achieving at the peak of their fields in the nation, the state, and the campus community.
Nationally, Amir Momenipou r, PhD, was one of 31 educators honored as an Engineering Unleashed Fellow through the Kern Family Foundation. The program lauds faculty for their contributions to undergraduate engineering education, and Momenipour’s recognition marks the fourth consecutive year that at least one Rose-Hulman professor has been recognized as an Engineering Unleashed Fellow.
Board of Trustees Chair, business leader, and philanthropist Carl Cook was inducted into the prestigious Indiana Academy in recognition of his lifetime of achievement and his significant contributions to the state of Indiana and Rose-Hulman. Cook has served as Chair of Rose-Hulman’s Board of Trustees since 2023 and as a trustee since 2009. He received an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from Rose-Hulman in 2015.
President Robert A. Coons was again featured by the Indianapolis Business Journal among Indiana’s 250 most influential and impactful leaders across business, education, government, philanthropy, and not-for-profit
JUNE 6, 2024
For the 11th time in the past 12 years, Rose-Hulman athletics captured the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s All-Sports Trophy, while placing second in the overall Commissioner’s Cup standings for the 2023-24 season.
organizations. Coons has received this recognition for two consecutive years.
On campus, Renee Rogge, PhD, was appointed as Dean of Faculty while continuing as a professor of biomedical engineering. Rogge has been a member of the Rose-Hulman faculty since 2004 and replaces Russ Warley, PhD, who returned to a teaching role after serving in the position since 2017.
Wayne Tarrant, PhD, was named the Endowed Chair for Innovation in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education. The Associate Professor of Mathematics plans to partner with Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya, to connect Rose-Hulman students to the Global South. Tarrant previously served as a Fulbright Scholar at Strathmore.
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dan Morris, PhD, was selected as the Herman A. Moench Distinguished Professor to embody and advocate for the core values of the institution, including academic rigor, student-centered education, and commitment to RoseHulman’s mission and vision. Morris, who was selected as an Honorary Alumni recipient in 2024, was also recognized for his excellence in teaching and as a positive role model for both students and faculty.
Carlotta Berry, PhD, was reappointed as the Lawrence J. Giacoletto Endowed Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Over her next four-year term, Berry will create multidisciplinary robotics special elective courses and will offer open-source robotics workshops for the Rose-Hulman community and beyond.
AUGUST 5, 2024
A $30.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s College and Community Collaboration initiative launched the Trails to Innovation project, encompassing the development of the Innovation Grove District that will foster innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the Wabash Valley. This is the largest single contribution in Institute history.
AUGUST 30, 2024
A total of 620 first-year students from a record 44 states and 20 countries——attracted by the Institute’s growing national reputation——arrived on campus ready to learn skills to make a difference in a variety of STEM areas.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
The quality and value of academic programs, facilities, and career preparedness earned the Institute recognition as the No. 1 undergraduate STEM college for the 26th straight year by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Guide.
Morris
Coons
Berry Rogge
Momenipour
Tarrant
Cook
Student Highlights
For higher education institutions, the mission is to positively impact the next generation, helping students to reach their full potential as lifelong learners, and based on the accomplishments of students year after year, Rose-Hulman
receiving awards for the best project initiation plan, best subject matter deep dive, and finishing as runner-up for the mid-year project review presentation.
Students in the Rose Propulsion Laboratory, a liquid rocket exploration initiative of the Rose Rocketry Club,
is succeeding in this effort. Read on for a snapshot of some student highlights from the last year.
Rose-Hulman students selected for the Battery Workforce Challenge are charging ahead in the first year of the three-year competition. In collaboration with students from Ivy Tech Community College, the team is developing innovative battery technology for an electric van, focusing on cell characterization and battery pack design. The team placed fifth out of 12 university engineering teams in the challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and Stellantis,
OCTOBER 3, 2024
Campus, community, state, and federal leaders broke ground for the Institute’s Innovation Grove District that will serve as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship and technological advancement, expand educational opportunities for students, enhance local health care services, and bring the potential for economic growth to the Wabash Valley.
OCTOBER 4, 2024
propelled their passions to new heights in the Collegiate Propulsive Lander Challenge. In the first year of the fouryear competition, the team developed the third generation of their engine that will be used in the competition. They hope to duplicate the successes of professional spacecrafts launched by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
The larger Rose Rocketry Club also rocketed toward their goals, successfully launching in Huntsville, Alabama, for the first time at the NASA University Student Launch Initiative. Their rocket reached an altitude of 4,302 feet above the ground.
Other competition teams also saw great success throughout their seasons.
The Human Powered Vehicle Team won second place and received awards for drag race, design, and endurance race for their two-wheeled recumbent bicycle constructed from Chromoly Steel Tubing and Carbon Fiber. Rose-Hulman Combat
A dazzling “Aspirations” steel sculpture, donated by alumnus Jeff Brugos, was unveiled as a focal point of the renovated Root Quad, a yearlong project that has improved convenience and accessibility in the center of campus.
OCTOBER 5, 2024
Homecoming festivities culminated with the Institute commemorating its sesquicentennial in grand style with the “Rose Gala: A Sesquicentennial Celebration,” an event at the Terre Haute Convention Center that drew 600 attendees.
OCTOBER 10, 2024
A multimillion-dollar cash and estate gift from alumnus Pete Fowler and his wife, Joane——one of the largest gifts in the Institute’s recent history——was recognized with the naming of the Fowler Academic Building on campus.
Robotics Team took several 3-pound robots to two competitions, with multiple robots finishing in the top 10 at each. Grand Prix Engineering received complimentary feedback on their design report from judges, and the new Rose SmallSat team made significant progress toward building a chassis for a satellite test bed that will fly on a high-altitude balloon test next year.
Concrete Canoe placed third out of 10 schools based on their aesthetics, report, technical presentation, and overall craftmanship. Area 5188, the FIRST Robotics Competition team mentored by Rose-Hulman students, received the Excellence in Engineering and Quality Awards at their regional competitions
and earned the Industrial Design Award and took third place overall at the state championships. These teams represent more than the rules of their respective competitions; each student has developed valuable technical and leadership skills that will be a tremendous asset to companies as they begin their careers.
Groups of students are also earning notoriety for their academic efforts. Few sporting events are as highly anticipated as the NCAA March Madness, and for four Rose-Hulman students, this year’s basketball tournament was an opportunity to prove their skills in a tournament of their own. Seniors William Gardner, Xander Good, Nathan Loafman, and Xianshun Jiang earned a third-place
OCTOBER 15, 2024
Board of Trustees Chair Carl Cook, CEO of the Cook Group, was inducted into the prestigious Indiana Academy for his lifetime of achievement and significant contributions to the state of Indiana and Rose-Hulman.
NOVEMBER 9, 2024
Throughout the year, Rose-Hulman hosted gatherings for alumni in 20 cities nationwide—such as this November event in Indianapolis— to celebrate the Institute’s sesquicentennial.
finish in the NCAA’s Crossroads Classic Analytics Challenge, competing with 66 teams from seven Indiana colleges. The teams created predictive models to identify potential ticket purchasers for games in the 2024 Division I Women’s Basketball Championship and presented their models to a panel of professionals from Salesforce, Inc. and the NCAA.
On an individual level, students reap the rewards from their rigorous work at Rose-Hulman as well. Two Rose-Hulman juniors, Connor Lane and Ellen Shales, earned scholarships from the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, the preeminent honor for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in natural science, engineering, and mathematics. Lane is majoring in mathematics, with minors in computer science and theoretical physics and was recognized for several research
NOVEMBER 12, 2024
Enterprising engineering educator and 2014 mechanical engineering alumna Marie Stettler Kleine, PhD, started a three-year term as an alumni representative to the Institute’s Board of Trustees at its fall meeting on campus.
NOVEMBER 23, 2024
Rose-Hulman and Terre Haute’s “Cross Country Town USA” hosted the NCAA Division III men’s and women’s cross country national championships, with 122 teams and more than 550 student-athletes competing.
Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education recipients Connor Lane and Ellen Shales
Concrete Canoe competition
projects, including on bounding solutions to the Dirac equation. Shales interned with the University of Wisconsin, Madison’s behavioral neuroscience lab and developed a novel metric for detecting differences in eye tracking strategies between adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder. This is the fourth consecutive year that Rose-Hulman students have been named Goldwater Scholars.
Alumni Engagement
Rose-Hulman alumni continually show their support and pride for their alma mater, reconnecting with Rose-Hulman throughout the year.
Rose Giving Day challenged alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Rose-Hulman to make a lasting impact with the theme “One Gift. One Day. 150 Years Later.”
OVER 660 DONORS RAISED A RECORD
$650,000, SHATTERING THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF $508,607 SET IN 2023.
Alumni also reunited as part of the sesquicentennial celebration throughout the year. At events in cities throughout the country, Rose-Hulman supporters eagerly recounted beloved campus memories and celebrated the Institute’s forward momentum.
For over 2,600 alumni and friends, Homecoming 2024 was the thrilling epilogue to their time at Rose-Hulman.
A record number of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members gathered for the traditional bonfire, which was preceded by a drone and firework display. RHIT hosted several ceremonies to mark milestones including: a groundbreaking of Innovation Grove (see Pages 2-3), a renaming of the Fowler Academic Building (see Page 10), and the unveiling of Root Quad and the “Aspirations” sculpture (see Page 11). Homecoming culminated with the first-ever Rose Gala, where more than 600 attendees gathered to honor the Institute’s legacy and raise funds for student scholarships.
2024 Homecoming Rose Gala (above), and fireworks display
Financial Snapshot
SHEET AS OF JUNE 30, 2024 EXPENSES BY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION
Message from the President
Robert A. Coons PRESIDENT
AS WE REFLECT ON ROSE-HULMAN’S remarkable sesquicentennial year, we celebrate the milestones that have defined our journey and the momentum propelling us forward. For 150 years, our commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has guided us in preparing students to tackle society’s greatest challenges. This report captures the achievements of our students, faculty, alumni, and staff during a transformational year for Rose-Hulman.
At the heart of this transformation is Innovation Grove, a bold step into the future of entrepreneurial education. This groundbreaking district, made possible by a historic Lilly Endowment grant, will offer a new cornerstone of creativity and
collaboration. With partnerships like those with Union Health and the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute, Innovation Grove underscores our vision to combine academic rigor with real-world impact. This is more than an initiative; it is a foundation for the next 150 years of innovation.
Throughout this year, we have also celebrated record-breaking enrollment and continued national recognition for our academic excellence. Our largest-ever student body of 2,334 to start the 2024 fall quarter reflects growing interest in programs like NanoEngineering, alongside the enduring impact of STEM outreach initiatives like Operation Catapult. These efforts reinforce our dedication to shaping the future of STEM education.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to the principles outlined in our strategic plan, Advancing by Design. Sustainability, innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility are key pillars guiding us as we strive to enhance our curriculum, expand our facilities, and empower our students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This focus ensures that we are not only building on our historic legacy but also laying the groundwork for continued success.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. Your support fuels our progress and ensures that Rose-Hulman continues to make a lasting impact——one milestone, one innovative idea, and one transformative experience at a time.