Supporting Students

Mussallems Continue Student Support with $4.1M Gift

Mike Mussallem has not forgotten his roots in Gary, Indiana, or the important role his Rose-Hulman education has played in providing the pathway for his success as a global life sciences leader. That’s why the 1974 chemical engineering alumnus and his wife, Linda—a native of Ottawa, Illinois—have established a $4.1 million scholarship fund to support students from northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland region to attend the institute. The scholarship will be focused on supporting students from diverse socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Each scholarship recipient’s academic career will be enhanced through unique international opportunities and leadership experiences. President Robert A. Coons states, “Linda and Mike share in our commitment to educating the mind, body and soul of each Rose-Hulman student. Their past gifts have been transformative for our campus, and this latest generous donation will significantly impact our students as well. This scholarship fund will provide opportunities for a multitude of students they wouldn’t get anywhere else.” The new Mussallem Scholarship program will provide scholarships for six students annually. Combined with institutional aid, the scholarships will cover full tuition for four years—allowing the institute to attract and retain high-achieving high school graduates interested in studying undergraduate STEM areas. Mike Mussallem has been chairman and chief executive officer of Edwards Lifesciences since 2000. He is a Rose-Hulman trustee who received an honorary degree in 1999 from the institute and was the featured speaker at the 2015 Commencement.

GENEROUS SUPPORTERS The Mussallems have generously supported the institute over the last several years. They provided the $9 million lead gift in 2016 to expand the student union, now named The Mussallem Union. They added a $1.5 million gift in 2019 to support the construction of The Pi-Vilion, an award-winning sustainable free-standing structure adjacent to the student union.

Campus News

Linda and Mike Mussallem have generously provided donations to support the expansion of the student union, an additional pavilion and, now, future scholarships for students.

“In the early 1970s, Rose-Hulman provided a welcoming environment for me as I moved from Gary and created an outstanding foundation for my future opportunities and career. Linda and I believe Rose-Hulman provides unique and special opportunities to students from this region who have interest in studying science, engineering and math, and we are proud to help make this a reality for them.”

— Mike Mussallem (CHE, 1974) Chairman/CEO, Edwards Lifesciences