Echoes Summer 2018 by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

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SUMMER 2018

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INTRODUCING... PARTIN G SHOT The official completion of Mussallem Union was celebrated with a bang in late May—literally. Fireworks exploded after the project’s donors, Linda and Mike Mussallem, cut the ribbon for the facility before a crowd of faculty, staff, students and parents during pre-Commencement festivities. Take a look inside the building at rose-hulman.edu/MussallemUnion. (Photo by Bryan Cantwell)

ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY STAY CONNECTED with Rose-Hulman through our website rose-hulman.edu.

Also become a fan of Rose-Hulman’s Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @rosehulman.

...MUSSALLEM UNION

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SUMMER 2018

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ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY STAY CONNECTED with Rose-Hulman through our website rose-hulman.edu.

Also become a fan of Rose-Hulman’s Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @rosehulman.

...MUSSALLEM UNION

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Terre Haute, IN Permit #6783

SUMMER 2018

5500 WABASH AVENUE TERRE HAUTE, IN 47803 Address Service Requested

ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY STAY CONNECTED with Rose-Hulman through our website rose-hulman.edu.

Also become a fan of Rose-Hulman’s Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @rosehulman.

...MUSSALLEM UNION

IN THIS ISSUE

DOWN MEMORY LANE

Contents

4 CAMPUS CONNECTION

COLUMNS/ FEEDBACK 2

Message from the President

Elephant Ears: Readers’ Feedback & #HowINerd

THE BUZZ

3 HOW DO YOU NERD?

Nik L. Bradley and Gregory J. Samoluk proudly wear their beanies from the Class of 1966.

12 COMING ATTRACTIONS

The Bailey Challenge

COVER STORY: THE MUZZ 4

Gathering Place

The Inside Track

A Living Wall

8 A Committed Couple

9 From Farm to Table

Beanies were fixtures on campus for more than 60 years. As with many alumni, Mark Owens still has his beanie, which adorns a statue of W.C. Fields in his home (inset).

Photo Album: The Buzz from the Muzz

structure fell through the center of the ball of flames. Otherwise, the caps remained until Thanksgiving.

While many Rose Beanies went up in flames at Homecoming, a few have survived.

For many alumni, the Rose Beanies were “a kind of badge of honor to be worn proudly,” recalls John M. Kirk, (ME, 1960). Harold (Hal) D. Brown Jr. (CHE, 1957) still has his beanie along with that of his father, Harold D. Brown of the class of 1922. “We wore the beanies all the time—everywhere, in class and off campus. I was proud to wear it, as were my classmates,” he says. Philip R. Boller (CE, 1957) agrees: “Wearing one made you proud to be recognized as an accepted Rose student, both on campus and in the community.”

“I’m not a hoarder, but it’s one of those things that means so much. I can’t bring myself to get rid of it,” says Mark T. Owens (CHE, 1972). “I’m hoping to proudly wear mine when I join the 50-Plus Alumni Club in 2022.”

Ted C. Jaenke (ME, 1960) and Joseph G. Moser (EE, 1956) were among alumni who discovered that wearing a Rose Beanie was a good way to hitch a ride into nearby Terre Haute or Brazil, Ind. “If you put the beanie on, presto. You would get a ride every time,” Moser recalls.

“Every time I move, I find the beanie and smile,” agrees Rex O. Stockwell (ME, 1969). “I also still have a photo of others and me pushing a Rosie float around the track at the Homecoming football game (another student ritual). I’m wearing my beanie. What a fun memory.” As times changed in the late 1960s, the beanie fad fell out of favor on college campuses. A serious blow at Rose Poly came in 1968 when a historically large freshman class —with approximately 350 men— outnumbered the sophomores and flexed their collective muscle to eliminate many of the institute’s old customs, including the Senior Walk, according to Stephen W. Sedgwick (ME, 1972), a member of the tradition-bucking class. “We thought some things were ridiculous,” he says. “We kind of threw the baby out with the bath water.” Still, the Rose Beanie remained until early in the 1970s.

ON THE COVER

Students enjoy many aspects of the new Hulman Family Room on the second floor of the Mussalleum Union. The room overlooks the southwest side of campus, and has a Living Wall, tables, couches, piano, fireplace, large-screen television, and billiard and foosball tables. Photos by Bryan Cantwell.

Beanies Return at Union Coffee Shop

“As I remember, the Class of 1974 was the last class to wear the beanies,” says Michael J. Hileman (CHE, 1975). “The tradition ended the next year when the campus bookstore simply stopped stocking and selling the beanies.” n

After a hiatus of more than 40 years, the Rose Beanie is back on campus as a fixture of the Mussallem Union. Bon Appetit employees wear replicas of the original beanies while serving students at the Beanies coffee/smoothie/snack shop that’s located next to the Hulman Living Room on the second floor of the expanded union. The caps have a large ‘R’ letter on the front. The coffee shop name was inspired by the beanies once worn by first-year students on campus and the natural tie-in with coffee beans. “We wanted to honor Rose’s past as we look forward to a great future in serving the needs of our students,” says Erik Hayes (BSME, 1997/MSME, 2001), vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “Our students were unfamiliar with our beanie heritage. Alumni from the beanie era have enjoyed seeing us bringing back that part of their history.” Chauncey’s Café, a new Tex-Mex cuisine-style restaurant on the first floor of the union, honors the institute’s founder, Chauncey Rose.

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

20 TRASH POWER CAMPUS CONNECTION

Building with Purpose 12

SMALL WONDER

Engineering Design 14

Rose Show Returns 16

Athletic Success 16

MARS BARS

Contents

IN THIS ISSUE

Parting Shot: BACK PAGE Dazzling Dedication

‘BEANIE BABIES’

SPECIAL FEATURES

Space Explorer 17

Wasteful Resource 20

Fusion Power 22

Digging Up History 24

Alumni News 27

Class Notes 28

In Memoriam 33

Rosebuds 34 Weddings 35

Memory Lane: Beanies 36

PUBLICATION CREDITS Vice President for Communications and Marketing: Mary Wade Atteberry Vice President for Institutional Advancement: Steven P. Brady Alumni Association President: Gregory M. Gotwald, Class of 2001

Photographers: Bryan Cantwell; Edwards Lifesciences; Ken Filar/Plasma Science and Fusion Center-Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Susan Fleck/Susan Fleck Photography; Jack Flowers; Thomas Gallatin; Laurie Hall; NASA/JPL-Caltech; Hitachi Zosen Inova AG; Aine O’Shea; RATIO Architects; Mark Owens; U.S. Navy/Jeffrey Richardson; Bryce Vickmark/Bryce Vickmark Photography

Office of Alumni Relations: Ben Paolillo, Executive Director; Holly Presley, Assistant Director; Charlie Ricker, Assistant Director; Holly Kowalski, Administrative Assistant

Photography Archive Research: Ryan Weir, User Services, Logan Library

Office of Communications and Marketing: Bryan Cantwell, Photographer; Hyung-Jung Chang, Graphic Designer; Arthur Foulkes, Writer; David Essex, Multimedia Producer; Shaun Hussey, User Experience Strategist; Dale Long, Executive Editor and Director of Media Relations; Stacey Muncie, Digital Storyteller and Editor; Traci Nelson-Albertson, Creative Director; Paul Shepherd, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing; Alia Shuck, Senior Project Manager; Steve Voltmer, Web Manager; Majel Wells, Coordinator; Hayley Williams, Internal Communications Manager

Class Notes/Alumni News Contact: Send alumni news and address updates to alumniaffairs@rose-hulman.edu

Executive Editor: Dale Long Contact E-mail: Dale.Long@rose-hulman.edu Contributing Writers: Herb Bailey, Arthur Foulkes, Scott Hall, Steve Kaelble and Dale Long

Contributing Designers: Hyung-Jung Chang, Chris Denison, Traci Nelson-Albertson

Echoes is published by: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 5500 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47803 Digital copy of this and past issues are available at: issuu.com/rosehulman It is the policy of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to admit students on the basis of their academic ability. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

From the President

@ROSEHULMANPREZ

his past May we dedicated our beautifully renovated and expanded student union, renamed Mussallem Union in honor of our lead donors, Linda and Mike Mussallem. What this beacon in the heart of our campus demonstrates more than anything else is the value of designing with a purpose that goes well beyond the functional needs of a building. Yes, we needed more space for students to socialize. Yes, our dining facilities were outdated. And, yes, we needed more conference rooms and updated offices.

The union project set us in a new direction in our planning for other facilities. As we designed the 13,800-square-foot building that will bridge our curricular and co-curricular activities (see pages 12-13), we were equally purposeful in making sure we weren’t just adding much-needed classroom and project spaces, but putting great thought into how we might best facilitate the kind of teaching and learning we value: student-centered, flexible and hands-on. This new “bridge” building (as yet unnamed) is co-locating classroom and project space for smooth integration of instruction and application. You’ll be able to see what I mean when we dedicate the building during Homecoming Weekend this October. Likewise, we’ve been very deliberate about the plans for the new academic building (also on pages 12-13) that you’ll be hearing more about when we hold our groundbreaking ceremony for it—also during Homecoming Weekend. It’s been dubbed the “window into Rose” because its extensive glass inside and out will showcase the active learning taking place throughout.

BY JIM CONWELL, PRESIDENT

But any structure that achieved those goals would have missed conwell@rose-hulman.edu the mark had we not planned the building around a larger goal inspired by the Mussallems’ belief that healthy diets and relaxation are keys to a healthy lifestyle. As our cover story explains, the “Muzz” (as we have dubbed it) with its expansive views, recreational amenities, dietary offerings and demonstration kitchen—to name just a few features—fulfills the goal of fostering a balanced lifestyle by addressing, in the physical space and amenities, diet, socialization and relaxation.

I would be remiss if I did not mention how grateful we are to the anonymous donor whose $15-million lead gift will enable us to take the academic building from the drawing board to reality. As with Mussallem Union, this gift will be transformative for our campus, enabling us to retain the excellent qualities that have come to define us. I hope you will join us October 5-7 for an extra special Homecoming Weekend that still has a few surprises in store. If you have not been to campus in recent years, this is your perfect opportunity to discover all of the changes already made and the plans for the exciting developments to come.

Finding the ‘Truth’ I grew up just north of campus on a farm outside of Rosedale, Ind. Our only television station was Terre Haute’s CBS affiliate (WTHI-TV, Channel 10) and I remember watching the weekly “To Tell the Truth” show. A four-person panel had to determine a person’s occupation by asking a series of questions. Each contestant usually had a “hook” that made him (or her) special. Rose Poly’s football coach Max Kidd was a contestant on the show. The appearance came after the 1961 season in which the team not only lost every game but failed to score a point for the entire season (being outscored 515-0). This is such a juxtaposition to the current success that Rose-Hulman teams now enjoy. I’m hoping there is evidence to this memory. Max Kidd

–Raymond N. (Nick) Virostko (CHE, 1967) (An archive broadcast of the Nov. 27, 1961, show featuring Coach Kidd was found on YouTube at bit.ly/totellthetruth. The show’s celebrity panelists were Johnny Carson, Peggy Cass, Tom Poston and Kitty Carlisle. They couldn’t correctly identify the “real” Max Kidd after he was unable to name the coach of the National Football League world-champion New York Giants, a fact that most football coaches should know. – Dale Long, executive editor)

Surviving the Storm I read with interest the article on Hurricane Harvey in Spring Echoes. My wife, Kay, and I live in the Cypress Creek (Texas) watershed, which received over four feet of rain from the storm. Much of our area was flooded. We were fortunate that when Cypress Creek crested it was six inches from the doorstep of our home. Four of our friends were flooded and we proceeded to help muck out their homes. During that process, help came from many directions: churches, high school students, businesses and friends. You cannot comprehend the mess with piles of trash, furniture and appliances lining the streets. Compound that with vehicles bringing people and supplies to help. It was an unbelievable situation. We certainly appreciated the help that was received from folk like alumnus Jeff Trang (EE, 1983) and thousands of others. Hopefully, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. –Thomas R. Gallatin (ME, 1961)

Flat Chauncey is Back and Traveling the World Once again, Flat Chauncey —a facsimile of our fearless founder, Chauncey Rose —is on the road, enjoying summer vacations all over the world! It isn’t too late to take Chauncey along on your own adventures this summer and fall. Flat Chauncey can be downloaded at bit.ly/flatchauncey. Cut out the image along the dotted line and attach him to a Popsicle stick. Then pack him in your suitcase and let the adventures begin! Email a photo of you and Flat Chauncey to intranet@rose-hulman.edu, or post on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #FlatChauncey. Let’s see how far from Terre Haute Chauncey can go!

Rose Poly’s Educational Tree

How Nerdy Are You? Show Us Your Projects at #howinerd Are you more comfortable under a car hood than behind the wheel? If so, you might be a nerd. We know Rose-Hulman grads never stop tinkering, inventing and finding new ways to improve the world. Share your latest nerdy project by posting a photo or short video on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube with the hashtag #howinerd.

Elephant Ears

READER FEEDBACK

We’ll share our favorites on social media and on rose-hulman.edu, so get busy and show the world how you nerd! Remember: for us to be able to see how you nerd, your posts need to be public. If you’d like to share how you nerd with us directly you can go to rose-hulman.edu/howinerd.

We welcome getting feedback on stories in each issue. Send Elephant Ears items to: dale.long@rose-hulman.edu or Dale Long, executive editor-Echoes, CM 14, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 5500 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47803.

I hadn’t realized that Thomas Corwin Mendenhall was Rose’s second leader until noticing the Elephant Ears news item in Spring Echoes. Benjamin Mendenhall was one of the founders of Carmel, Ind., my hometown. Back in 2010, I developed an article on Benjamin’s ancestry for the historical society to show local readers how they might research other Carmel founders and pioneers. The history of Thomas Corwin Mendenhall and his family genealogy can be found at www.mendenhall.org. The notes section of his profile includes his service to Rose. I remember Herman Moench (legendary educator/administrator) well, even if we didn’t cross paths too often. Also, I look back fondly to Frank Guthrie (former chemistry professor) and Oran Knudsen (former chemistry head and chemical engineering professor). “Doc K” was very enthusiastic when he taught us freshman chemistry. He used to swing around the vertical water supply pipe to his bench at the front of the classroom to the point where we (students) thought it might burst. He had worked on the Manhattan Project, and used to speak casually about things that he and Niels Bohr had done. This nearly bounced me out of my seat every time he did it. We all knew the internationally famous Niels Bohr from his model of the atom. –John F. Graves (CHEM, 1967)

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

Cover Story

CENTERPIECE

STORY BY DALE LONG

‘THE MUZZ’

MUSSALLEM UNION RADIATES VITALITY

n the midst of final exams this spring, Dariana Salinas found a convenient place in the middle of the campus where she could spread out her textbooks, notes, and laptop, and relax with friends Lois Cheatham and Brooke Schroeder.

Nearby, Nick Palmer and Michael Doyel were engaged in a competitive game of billiards, another student was playing the piano, and others were standing in line at the coffee shop to grab a beverage.

This scene and other snapshots of students dining, socializing and relaxing throughout the refurbished and expanded student union affirms a vision that began with Linda and Mike Mussallem. In providing the $9-million lead gift for the overhaul of the facility, the California couple envisioned a place where the campus community could come together, relax and enjoy healthy dining—relishing time to refresh and recharge from the rigors that come with an academically challenging education in science, engineering and mathematics. After two years of construction, the glass-fronted, 103,000-square-foot Mussallem Union, with its lighted tower, stone patio and beckoning lawn, was dedicated May 25—the day before Commencement.

“Rose-Hulman always had a special way of educating bright young minds, but I thought it would be great to have a place that focused on student wellness and bringing the total person into the picture,” says Mike Mussallem, a 1974 chemical engineering graduate who is chairman and chief executive officer of Edwards Lifesciences. The California-based company develops medical and surgical technologies to help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives. “I wanted students to have a cool place where they could have fun, do their own thing and enjoy the simple things in life,” says Mike, who closed the dedication

CENTERPIECE ceremony for the $25-million project by advising students—past, present and future—to “dream big.”

the relocation of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Global Engagement.

“We had a vision for what this building could be, but [the completed project] is well beyond our wildest dreams,” remarked Linda before she and Mike cut the ribbon.

“Once students get here, they want to stay,” says student leader Sydney Black. “When you want to meet someone on campus, you now meet in the union because there are so many options for seating, eating and just hanging out.”

The Mussallem Union boasts an expansive, glass-walled Hulman Living Room overlooking Speed Lake; a new dining hall with equally stunning views and an expanded menu of healthy, locally sourced foods; a coffee and smoothie shop dubbed Beanies in homage to the past (See Down Memory Lane, Page 36); and the new Chauncey’s Café featuring a blazing pizza oven. The Hulman Living Room, with its dramatic wall installation of live plants and cozy fireplace, honors the family of Anton “Tony” and Mary Fendrich Hulman, whose name and history are linked with Rose-Hulman’s.

President Jim Conwell notes, “We now have a full-fledged union–a place that everyone can call home. Students are no longer just passing through the building on the way to pick up a quick meal. The Mussallem Union is their place to do whatever they want and enjoy this special time in their lives.” Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Erik Hayes points out that students have given the building (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

The union project also enhanced the Institute’s conference and meeting space—particularly with the addition of the first-floor Lake Room—and provided better offices for Student Affairs, the counseling and health centers, career center, and student organizations, while also enabling

Find out what’s happening at The Muzz at bit.ly/2tuEfgp.

The Mussallem Union has become a popular place for students to enjoy a nutritious, chef-inspired meal, relax between classes and meet with friends at the end of a hard day in class and lab.

With seating for up to 120 people, The Lake Room (at left) is being used to host special events for the campus community and alumni. It overlooks Speed Lake and the new patio area outside the union.

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

CENTERPIECE

What’s Inside the Mussallem Union Features of the renovated and expanded Mussallem Union include: • The Hulman Living Room with a Living Wall created from 1,458 potted tropical plants (see more on page 7), a fireplace, piano, billiard table, comfy furniture for lounging, and tables for studying, assembling puzzles or playing games • A spacious main dining room with updated food service stations providing an expanded array of healthy dining options, prepared by chefs using fresh, locally sourced produce and products • The ground-level Chauncey’s Café dishing up tex-mex food and made-to-order pizzas • Beanies coffee and smoothie bar • An outdoor patio with a natural gas fire pit • A new campus green space replacing Scum Pond, which was filled in • A demonstration kitchen where chefs offer lessons in food preparation and healthy eating • The Lake Room, which can accommodate 120 people for meetings and other events • An expanded faculty/staff dining room • New offices • Refurbished conference rooms containing high-quality audiovisual technology • New offices for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Office of Global Engagement, bringing both closer to students • Mitigation of Speed Lake, with natural vegetation planted to create a dense buffer zone, better water quality and improved habitat for fish, butterflies and hummingbirds

Learn more at: rose-hulman.edu/ MussallemUnion

(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)

and its amenities a “big thumbs-up,” with a new food service provider, Bon Appetit, getting high marks on student surveys. Hayes also likes how student artwork is showcased on walls in the Hulman Family Room. “I can enjoy campus from so many different spots inside and outside the building,” says Joshua David, who received his mechanical engineering degree in May. “It’s like a window into campus.” The ultimate compliment may be reference to the Union as “The Muzz,” a longtime Mussallem family nickname. “Our desire from the beginning was to create a building that promoted a better quality of life, stronger relationships and healthier food options. That’s what has happened,” says Hayes, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering at RoseHulman. “Our campus community is special and the new, improved Mussallem Union is bringing everyone—students, faculty and staff—together even more. Stop by at any time of the day or night and it’s packed with students enjoying being on campus.”

Chauncey’s Café (above) is a dining option and has a demonstration kitchen for Bon Appetit chefs to show students how to create their own well-balanced meals. Upstairs, students gather in the building’s center concourse (below photos).

He adds, “I can’t tell you the number of alumni that have come back and are blown away by this building. It really has become a campus centerpiece and showcase. Alumni come back and look around, they see a place that’s vibrant and alive. They’re appreciative of that aspect of this building.” n

Cover Story

CENTERPIECE

LIVING WALL BRINGS THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS

The Living Wall in Mussallem Union contains 1,458 4-inch potted tropical plants in an area roughly 355 square feet. Botanists will recognize Philodendron Cordatum, Neon Pothos, Schefflera Luseane, Ficus Elastica Burgandy, Nephtytis White Butterfly and Anthurium Bambino in the colorful, wavy display that adds depth, dimension and texture to the wall. The curvilinear design of the array represents movement. The plants are an artistic focal point in the Hulman Living Room while adding oxygen, removing pollutants and providing a sound bufferâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thus creating an ambiance that is both restful and healthful. The Living Wall has tropical plants that bring a breath of fresh air and beauty to the Hulman Family Room.

The Living Wall is irrigated about every 10 days with an automated system that manages the water and provides nutrients as needed. It is water efficient by not showering the plants; each plant gets its own water.

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

Cover Story

VISIONARIES

COUPLE DELIVERS HEALTHY LIVING RECIPE Mike Mussallem may have spent most of his professional career bringing healthcare technologies to patients throughout the world, but he and his wife, Linda, share a desire to promote health and wellness that could cut into his livelihood. This drive for health and life balance inspired the couple’s support of the student union project. “We believe there’s a correlation between healthy lifestyles and being able to live longer and better,” says Mike. “And, it’s much more than working out in a gym. It’s having an understanding of food, learning to remove stress from your life, and enjoying relationships with others. By taking these steps, Rose-Hulman is taking positive steps to impact its students in life. The college already makes an incredible impact on a student’s career success and impact on the world.” Says Linda, “We felt that if steps could be taken to create a welcoming environment and expose

Midwestern natives Linda and Mike Mussallem fell in love with the California lifestyle while enjoying a 42-year marriage.

engineering students to nutritional science, their lives could be positively impacted during their college years and well beyond.” Mike is a Gary, Ind., native who has led Edwards Lifesciences to become a global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring. He is a Rose-Hulman trustee, was awarded an honorary degree from the college in 1999, and was the featured speaker at the institute’s 2015 Commencement. Linda spent the first 15 years of her career in industry doing materials management, but ultimately transitioned to her true passion of interior design. The couple recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. – Dale Long, Executive Editor

Cover Story

FRESH IDEAS

A NEW DAY IN DINING REMEMBER YOUR COLLEGE FOOD?

A variety of products from local farms, including the nearby White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (top), are featured in dishes prepared on campus by Bon Appetit chefs.

Care to sit down for a dinner of roasted cauliflower with caper, parmesan and sunflower seeds? Would maple almond balsamic Brussels sprouts with cranberry get you to eat your vegetables? Why not finish that off with some strawberry almond chia seed pudding for dessert? Yes, Red Sauce is no longer a staple of dining on campus. Instead, the spacious main dining room is awash in healthy food choices presented by a new food service provider, Bon Appetit, whose chefs turn out mouthwatering, gourmet-quality meals from scratch using products from local farmers, gardens and bakeries. “We’re providing better products and supporting a more sustainable food culture,” says Justin Durand, executive chef of Rose-Hulman’s Bon Appetit operations. “The fresher ingredients provide fresher, tasty meals.”

California-based Bon Appetit boasts of being a pioneer in environmentally sound food-sourcing policies and sustainability practices. Several Terre Haute-area farmers, produce growers, family bakeries and household beekeepers are reaping the benefits of the farm-to-table concept as their products help feed Rose-Hulman students throughout the school year. “As a chef, you want to work with the freshest ingredients possible, and that freshness comes from farms in your backyard,” says Durand. He works with local farmers to purchase what they have available throughout the year and suggests planting schedules to ensure ripe product at just the right time for planned meals. Some of the products have come from a campus garden, planted and harvested by Rose-Hulman students. Bon Appetit has expanded food service hours to provide students with meals on Saturday and Sunday nights, along with popular daily late-night snacks and comfort foods. See some of the delicious recipes from Bon Appetit chefs at rose-hulman.edu/recipes

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

Recipes

BON APPETIT

Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce and Lentils (Serves 4)

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce (Serves 2) INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

3 teaspoons fresh garlic

1¼ teaspoons kosher salt

8 ounces spaghetti squash

1 cup canned crushed tomato

3 ounces onion

3 teaspoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 ounces bell pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ ounce parsley (fresh)

2 ounces sun-dried tomato

1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 cups crushed drained tomatoes

¼ ounce fresh parsley

¼ ounce basil (fresh)

¼ ounce fresh thyme

3 teaspoons honey

¼ ounce fresh oregano

2 cups vegetable stock

¼ ounce fresh mint

½ cup cider vinegar

16 ounces ground turkey

2 bay leafs

3 teaspoons olive oil

8 ounces dry green lentils

2 eggs DIRECTIONS

Cut up or grind the garlic, onion, bell pepper, sun dried tomato, parsley, oregano and mint. Mix those ingredients with the ground turkey, egg, half of the salt, lemon juice and zest. Separate into eight two-ounce patties. Heat over medium flame and add olive oil. Sear patties for about two minutes on each side. Add crushed tomato, basil, honey and pinch of salt; simmer for 10 minutes on low heat. Bring vegetable stock, vinegar, bay leaf and salt to a boil; then add lentil. Continue at a simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Serve meatballs and sauce over the lentils.

2 ounces diced onion 4 ounces ground turkey

¼ ounce basil (fresh) 3 ounces broccoli 2 teaspoons parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise and drizzle with half of the oil and salt. Roast face down on a sheet tray for 25 minutes, until tender. When cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the squash, leaving the skin. In the skillet, heat the rest of the oil. Sauté the diced onion, then add the ground turkey. Add the crushed tomato and fresh herbs. Simmer until temperature reaches 165 degrees. In separate pan, place a couple of tablespoons of water in pan and bring to a quick simmer, then add the broccoli. Steam for two minutes. Plate with spaghetti squash in center of your serving dish, top with meat sauce, broccoli and parmesan cheese.

Strawberry Almond Chia Seed Pudding (Serves 4) INGREDIENTS

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 tablespoons 100% maple syrup

1 cup fat free vanilla yogurt

4 tablespoons chia seeds

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

6 ounces strawberries

teaspoon kosher salt 4 tablespoons almonds

DIRECTIONS

Stir together the almond milk, yogurt, vanilla and one tablespoon of the maple syrup, add the chia seeds and salt. Let stand for 30 minutes, then stir again. Refrigerate overnight. Chop or slice the strawberries; mix with the almonds and remaining maple syrup. Serve the pudding and top with the strawberry mix.

BON APPETIT

Maple Almond Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry (Serves 6)

Flax and Chia Seed Crackers

INGREDIENTS

3½ ounces almonds

3 ounces dried cranberries

3 pounds Brussels sprouts

1¼ tablespoons 100% maple syrup

1¾ teaspoons canola oil ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

1¾ tablespoons balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Toast almonds for five to seven minutes, then chop roughly. Clean and quarter Brussels sprouts. Toss Brussels sprouts with canola oil, salt and pepper and layout on a sheet tray. Roast Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes, until just starting to brown. Toss Brussels sprouts with almonds, cranberries, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Roast Brussels sprouts for another seven minutes. Serve warm.

(Serves 16)

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons 1 teaspoon baking powder whole flax seeds ¼ teaspoon ½ kosher salt nutritional yeast 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon ¼ ounce fresh thyme granulated onion Parchment paper 4 tablespoons chia seeds DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Combine all of the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, kosher salt, granulated onion, chia seeds, whole flax seeds and yeast). Slowly add olive oil to dry ingredients, then mix everything together. Add water and thyme. Mix until dough forms. Add small amount of water if necessary for dough to come together. Divide dough into smaller pieces. Using a piece of parchment on each side of dough, roll out dough as thin as possible, without breaking. Place dough sheets on baking sheet and cut into crackers, at desired size. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Roasted Cauliflower with Capers, Parmesan Cheese and Sunflower Seeds (Serves 6) INGREDIENTS

1 pound cauliflower

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1½ teaspoons capers

3 tablespoons sunflower seeds

¼ ounce fresh basil

3 ounces parmesan cheese

3 teaspoons canola oil

1½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Sweet Potato “Toast” with Avocado, Feta Cheese and Pomegranate (Serves 2) INGREDIENTS

4 ounces sweet potato

¼ ounce watercress leaves

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 ounce radish

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 ounce pomegranate seeds

3 ounces avocado

½ teaspoon lemon juice

1½ ounces feta cheese

½ teaspoon honey

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Trim cauliflower into florets; then drain, rinse. Chop capers. Slice (Chiffonade) the basil into long, thin strips. Toss cauliflower and capers with the canola oil, salt, pepper and sunflower seeds. Spread across a sheet tray and roast in oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Add parmesan cheese, basil and the extra virgin olive oil.

Wash the sweet potato; then slice into ¾-inch planks, lengthwise. Drizzle with olive oil and kosher salt, then roast in oven for 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, top the sweet potato with the following: sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, watercress leaves, sliced radish and pomegranate seeds.

Serve immediately.

Drizzle with lemon juice and honey.

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Cover Story

PHOTO ALBUM

BUZZ AT THE

MUZZ

The Mussallem Union has become a beehive of activity, as students, faculty and staff enjoy the many features inside and outside the expanded and renovated building — a process that began in the spring of 2016. Along the way, campus photographer Bryan Cantwell captured all the fun and excitement as the campus community enjoyed the new surroundings. The building has adopted the catchy name “The Muzz”— an affectionate family nickname of the project’s major gift donors Linda and Mike Mussallem (Mike is an alumnus and trustee). Learn more at rose-hulman.edu/ MussallemUnion.

Students enjoy all of the many amenities inside and outside the union. “Day or night, it’s packed with excitement,” says Erik Hayes, vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

Cover Story

PHOTO ALBUM

Old areas of the union got a facelift, including the Vonderschmitt Dining Room and food service areas.

Since its opening, the union has become a centerpiece of campus life, with students having a place to relax and study, enjoy nutritious meals and expanded service hours, or gather to work together on classroom projects. The former Scum Pond has been transformed into green space, and an environmental mitigation project has given Speed Lake new life. ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

Campus News

DESIGN WITH PURPOSE

MORE CHANGES ARE COMING

NEW BUILDINGS TO BRING FLEXIBILITY, OPEN COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

A central atrium with interior glass in the new academic building will showcase the work taking place in the design areas and chemistry laboratories, providing a “window into Rose”. (Image courtesy of Ratio Architects)

wo enhancements to the Rose-Hulman campus—one already under construction—will offer teaching flexibility and expand learning experiences for students for years to come, supporting best practices in science, engineering and math instruction that have made Rose-Hulman a national leader in STEM education.

The enormous popularity of the Branam Innovation Center (BIC) for competition teams, projects and tinkering—stretching its capacity—provided the impetus for a new “bridge” building that will serve (metaphorically) to connect curricular and co-curricular activities and ease the pressure on the BIC.

DESIGN WITH PURPOSE The yet-unnamed 13,800-square-foot building on the northeast side of campus will connect to the BIC and contain laboratories and classrooms for the new major in engineering design, which debuts this fall. It also will have dedicated design space as well as “maker space” and equipment for rapid prototyping and both digital and traditional fabrication. A fluids laboratory, wind tunnel testing equipment, and engine testing— activities now housed in the Rotz Lab —will become part of the new facility as the Institute prepares to vacate that aging structure. The building is expected to be complete in late November for use at the start of the winter academic quarter. A ribbon-cutting for the “bridge” will be held during Homecoming Weekend Oct. 5-7, along with a groundbreaking ceremony for a, three-story, 60,000-square-foot academic building that will link Moench and Myers halls—funded, in part, by a $15-million lead gift from an anonymous donor. The academic building has been designed to support active student engagement through flexible and easily adaptable spaces for student projects and design studios, and breakout space for students and teams to collaborate on projects. On the third floor, new state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories will replace aging facilities currently in

CONTAINS LABORATORIES AND CLASSROOMS FOR THE NEW MAJOR IN ENGINEERING DESIGN

use. Flexible learning classrooms and innovation spaces will allow faculty to work on research projects with students and more easily integrate instruction with exploration. Students also will have access to a prototyping laboratory, laser-cutting devices, machine tools and a woodworking shop. A central atrium and lots of interior and exterior glass will admit light and showcase the work taking place within, making it a “window into Rose” that showcases curricular innovation, laboratory activities and collaboration. “We are running out of room for all of the activity that students and faculty are generating,” notes Rose-Hulman President Jim Conwell. “The design of these two new buildings reflect our focus on active engagement in learning within a collaborative, mentoring environment. We’re grateful to our lead donor for supporting our vision for the new academic building.” Neither of the buildings has a permanent name at this time. There are additional opportunities for designation of classrooms and workspaces within each in honor of donors. Information is available through Steve Brady, vice president for institutional advancement, at brady1@ rose-hulman.edu or 812-877-8784. n

Join Us for Ribbon Cutting, Groundbreaking During Homecoming Weekend Oct. 5-7, alumni and friends are invited to the ribbon-cutting for the “bridge” building and groundbreaking for the upcoming academic building. And while you’re on campus, be sure to check out the sparkling new student union, renamed Mussallem Union in honor of lead donors Linda and Mike Mussallem.

Learn more about the Homecoming events at rose-hulman.edu/ homecoming.

Opening this fall, the new building has been temporarily designated the “bridge” because it will serve (metaphorically) to connect curricular and co-curricular activities on campus. (Image courtesy of Ratio Architects)

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Campus News

WHAT’S HAPPENING

STORIES BY DALE LONG

Design Forward, Design Rich New Engineering Design Major Provides Foundation for Success A new major in engineering design beginning this fall will provide students with a broad foundation of engineering skills and a deep, multidisciplinary experience in design to meet the needs of a dynamic innovation economy.

key contributors in the new innovation economy,” she says.

While design principles have long been considered a core competency within engineering education, Rose-Hulman will be unique in awarding an academic degree to students completing a comprehensive four-year design-centric curriculum along with a traditional engineering concentration, according to Engineering Design Director Patsy Brackin.

Rose-Hulman’s engineering design program will allow students—beginning in their first academic quarter on campus— to have hands-on experience designing real-world projects for clients. A junior-year practicum, a co-op work assignment or an international project will give students valuable real-world experiences integrated with their chosen engineering concentration. The program takes an integrated approach involving faculty from mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, biomedical engineering, software engineering and the humanities.

“We’re taking the design element in an entirely new direction in engineering education and providing students with the core design skills to be

Product development today requires engineers who are comfortable making decisions outside of their domain expertise, according to Brian Dougherty, a

1993 electrical engineering alumnus who is the director of engineering for Rose-Hulman Ventures, the institute’s product design, rapid prototyping and development operation. “A mechanical engineer may not be comfortable writing control software for a new product, but they need to understand enough about software development to estimate the impact of mechanical design decisions of the software development effort, and thus the schedule and budget of the project,” he says. “The Engineering Design program allows young engineers to specialize in the aspects of product design that are best for them while still gaining the necessary skills to be a part of, and to lead a team of very mixed skills.” Learn more about the program at bit.ly/2LTVi3n.

“ This new major has been carefully crafted, refined with input from industry, and test piloted. I am confident that it will provide a truly unique and valuable experience for Rose-Hulman students.” – Anne Houtman, Provost

Duo Continue Goldwater Scholars Tradition The boundless opportunities available in academics and undergraduate research on campus have allowed students Anna Braun and Casey Garner to be recognized as Goldwater Scholars, one of the most prestigious honors for undergraduate students. Anna Braun

Braun, a chemical engineering and chemistry double major, has worked with chemistry and biochemistry professor Rebecca DeVasher to examine the material science behind the degradation of perovskite photovoltaic cells to make them more cost effective and have a longer productive lifespan. She also has conducted

Casey Garner

research into solar cell development during two internships at the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo. Garner, a mathematics and computational science double major, is working with math professor Allen Holder to develop a new mathematical model that’s an extension of Data Envelopment Analysis, a useful tool in applied mathematics. Garner is exploring applied mathematics this summer at Cornell University. Seven Rose-Hulman students in the past four years and 11 over the course of the past nine years have been named a Goldwater Scholar or honorable mention designee.

Campus News

WHAT’S BREWING HAPPENING BUSINESS

Student Teams Put Skills on World Stage Competence in dynamic programming and robotics had two student teams challenging the world’s best collegians at those crafts this spring. Yilun Wu, Xingfang “Tony” Yuan and Qinmao “Fred” Zhang placed in the top half of 140 teams in the International Collegiate Programming Contest’s world finals at Beijing, China. The team outscored other mid-central regional qualifiers from the University of Illinois and Washington University, and finals regulars from the University of Maryland, Virginia Tech and University of Waterloo (Canada). Meanwhile, a student team competed in the International Conference on Robotics’ DJI RoboMaster AI Challenge in Brisbane, Australia,

where robots faced off autonomously in combat-style matches—locating and shooting opponents. Rose-Hulman’s eight-member team was composed of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science students. They worked in small groups to develop imaging, decision-making, drivetrain and shooting technology to beat opponents. Team leader Steven Hong, a mechanical engineering student, says RoboMaster is an incubator for future engineers who are interested in autonomous driving cars or data-driven robots.

Students Change Plastic Straw Usage Student advocacy provided educational opportunities this spring as a “Straws Suck” campus awareness campaign by students in the Six Sigma in Practice course resulted in a 50-percent decline in plastic straw usage on campus. It also helped lead to changes in food service operations across the nation. A campus study examined how many plastic straws were being used daily and weekly in the college’s dining halls, cafes and restaurants. Then, students developed the “Straws Suck” campaign with tabletops signs and posters throughout campus to make students, faculty and staff aware of the environmental hazard posed by plastic straws. Finally, biodegradable straw alternatives were made available at all campus locations. Students examined straw usage along the way to practice Six Sigma quality improvement processes under the mentorship of engineering management professor Diane Evans. The anti-straw movement comes amid growing recognition of the environmental toll of single-use plastics across America. The food service provider Bon Appetit, which serves Rose-Hulman, announced in early June that it will ban plastic straws and stirrers at more than 1,000 locations in 33 states. Paper straws will be available instead.

Look Back at 2017-18

It was another fun-filled year on campus. See some of the campus happenings and highlights at bit.ly/2HXIPZY

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Campus News

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Athletics Continues Winning Ways With eight championship teams, the athletics department dominated the 2017-18 sports season by capturing the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Triple Crown: winning the Commissioner’s Cup (for all-sports supremacy), Men’s All-Sports Trophy and Women’s All-Sports Trophy— a first-time occurrence in league history. This was the 10th time Rose-Hulman won the Men’s All-Sports Trophy, while bringing home the Women’s All-Sports Trophy for the first time. “This is a credit to our tremendous student-athletes, outstanding coaching staff and behind-the-scenes personnel who have made Rose-Hulman one of the nation’s premier NCAA Division III athletic programs,” says athletics director Jeff Jenkins. This spring, Gabi Rasma became Rose-Hulman’s first female multi-sport Academics All-American, earning honors in track and volleyball. Learn more about the Rose-Hulman athletics programs at rose-hulman.edu/sports.

Bruce Allison

Cyndi Erwin

Faculty, Staff Retire After Serving Others Legendary professors and staff members retired in 2018 after several years of valued teaching, scholarship and student mentorship. These campus community members were:

Bruce Allison

PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Mike DeVylder

Rose-Hulman has won seven Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Commissioner’s Cup titles in its 12 years as a league member.

Luann Hastings FINANCIAL AID

Kim Miller

GROUNDSKEEPER

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Cyndi Erwin

Tom Miller

CHEMISTRY STOCKROOM MANAGER

David Erwin

PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Pat Fields AND Sue McGranahan

David Erwin

RESIDENCE LIFE HOUSEKEEPERS

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT AND DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Wayne Sanders

PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Randy Stakeman

RESIDENCE HALL MAINTENANCE

Ralph Grimaldi

PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS

The Rose Show Returns to Highlight Student Ingenuity The Rose Show made a triumphant return to campus this spring, after a nearly 20-year hiatus, with more than 80 projects showcasing ingenuity, creativity and problem-solving by first-year students through seniors in several academic areas. Industry representatives judged projects and heard pitches for possible future project ideas. The Rose Show was a popular biennial campus and community event.

One of this year’s projects was an unmanned aerial vehicle that can assist first responders in emergency situations, developed by 2018 mechanical engineering graduates Cameron Sickbert and Mitchell Lozier. The drone also flies like a plane (with retractable wings) to get to long-distance situations. It earned first-place honors in the undergraduate category at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics regional student conference. Look inside this year’s Rose Show at bit.ly/2MwlsKq.

Mission to Red Planet Testing New Communication Relay Satellites

Alumni Feature

DEEP SPACE

STORY BY ARTHUR FOULKES IMAGES FROM NASA

e’ve all been there: A dark country road late at night with weak or no cell phone coverage. It’s easy to feel cut off from the rest of the world without those signal bars. Well, deep space is a little like that...but NASA’s MarCO project could soon change things. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

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Alumni Feature

DEEP SPACE PREVIOUS PAGE: An artist’s rendering of the twin Mars Cube One (MarCO) spacecraft flying over Mars with Earth in the distance. The MarCOs will be the first CubeSats—a kind of modular, mini-satellite—flown in deep space. They are designed to fly behind NASA’s InSight lander on its cruise to Mars. If they complete the journey, they will test a relay of data about InSight’s entry, descent and landing on the surface of the red planet. (Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech) (CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)

MarCO is NASA’s name for Mars Cube One, which refers to two briefcase-sized satellite spacecraft known as “CubeSats.” These tiny spacecraft were designed to tag along behind NASA’s InSight lander on its long journey to Mars, and then beam back information to Earth during InSight’s landing. They will also be conducting navigation and communications experiments of their own. CubeSats are not new, but, in the past, their use has been limited to Earth’s orbit. The MarCO mission, which launched in May, is historic because it’s the first time CubeSats have faced the intense radiation of deep space or used a propulsion system to find their way to a distant planet. “Goal number one is to survive deep space,” explains Thomas Werne, an alumnus, a NASA technical group A rendering of the twin Mars Cube One supervisor and the flight (MarCO) spacecraft as they fly through deep software lead for the space. (Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech) MarCO mission. The second goal is just to arrive successfully at Mars. When you’re traveling nearly 100 million miles from Earth, “it’s awfully difficult to get exactly where you are trying to go,” he says. The MarCO CubeSats left Earth inside compartments mounted to the Atlas V rocket that carried InSight into space May 5, and were deployed soon after launch to begin their long journey in partnership with

One of the two briefcase-sized MarCO CubeSat spacecraft is seen at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory they were packaged for launch earlier this year. The twin vehicles are riding along with the next Mars lander, Insight, to study the interior of the planet and improve understanding of the processes that formed and shaped rocky planets, including Earth. (Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech)

one another. The CubeSats are steered using cold gas thrusters commanded from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, where Werne and his teammates are stationed. While one of the duo spacecraft was reportedly flying perfectly as planned, the other experienced a tiny leak in one of its thruster valves. However, NASA officials were still hopeful it could continue to follow InSight to Mars. If all goes as planned, InSight, traveling at about 6,200 miles per hour, is expected to touch down on Mars shortly after Thanksgiving. The MarCO CubeSats will be close behind, but will not land on the red planet. Rather, they will pass by about 3,000 kilometers above the surface, relaying real-time information back to NASA’s InSight mission team. Even at the speed of light, however, those transmissions will take about

DEEP SPACE

Head in the Clouds Being a high achiever is nothing new for Thomas Werne, a southern Indiana native who earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering— along with a master’s degree in electrical engineering in 2007— all within four years and with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His association with NASA took off soon after he met a recruiter from the space agency at a campus career fair. “A friend recommended I talk to them. I’m extremely happy that I did,” Werne says.

NASA’s two MarCO CubeSats are scheduled to fly past Mars in November just as the newest Mars lander, InSight, is descending through the Martian atmosphere and landing on the surface. MarCO will provide an experimental communications relay to inform Earth quickly about InSight’s landing. (Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech)

8.7 minutes to reach Earth, meaning NASA scientists will experience several long minutes of uncertainty before knowing whether InSight landed successfully. NASA is quick to note that success of InSight’s mission, which is to study Martian seismic activity and the planet’s interior, isn’t dependent upon MarCO. That’s because InSight will still be able to send information back to Earth using NASA’s Deep Space Network and one of its orbiters already in place around the red planet. However, if successful, MarCO could lay the communications groundwork for future deep space missions. “A big part of MarCO is to prove something like this can be done,”

Werne says. “The idea of bringing your own telecommunications relay system with you is something that is potentially very useful.” The official names of the two CubeSats are MarCO-A and MarCO-B, but to Werne and the team that built them, they’re “Wall-E” and “Eva”— nicknames based on Pixar animated movie characters. Both MarCOs use a compressed gas commonly found in fire extinguishers to push themselves through space, the same way Wall-E did in the 2008 eponymous film, according to NASA. “What’s really cool about this is that we’re providing information about what can be done,” Werne says. “It’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment.” n

Thomas Werne

“ The idea of bringing your own telecommunications relay system with you is something that is potentially very useful . . . What’s really cool about this is that we’re providing information about what can be done.” –Thomas Werne

(BSMA/EE, 2007; MSEE, 2007) NASA’s MarCO Mission Flight Software Lead

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Alumni Feature

TRASH TALKING

the power of trash It would seem so simple and sensible to take a community’s everyday trash waste and create enough electric energy to power your home.

, but it isn t.

Bill Crellin knows this full well in a near 30-year career filled with frustration, bewilderment and promise as an engineer in the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) industry. He has helped manage the construction of power plants

that with one ton of municipal solid waste as the sole fuel can conservatively offset the use of one barrel of oil and substantially reduce the amount of materials buried in landfills. However, the 1975 mechanical engineering graduate has spent most of his recent years away from his Florida home as more WTE power plants are being built internationally than within the United States.

STORY BY DALE LONG

why? “It’s befuddling and shortsighted, in my opinion, because the science is proven and the environmental impact is definitely on our side,” he states. WTE uses trash as a fuel for generating power, just as other power plants use coal, oil or natural gas. The burning fuel heats water into steam that drives a turbine to create electricity. The actual process is a bit more complicated as the illustration on page 21 showcases. The process can reduce a community’s landfill volume by up to 90 percent, according to industry estimates, and prevent one ton of carbon dioxide release for every ton of waste burned.

the world energy council reports that the global market for generating energy from municipal waste is increasing at a rate of

5.5% per year

In 2016, the Environmental

Bill Crellin examines the process that burns municipal trash to create steam, driving a turbine to generate electricity at the Waste-to-Energy plant in Dublin, Ireland.

Protection Agency reported 70 WTE plants in the U.S. consumed about 13 percent of the nation’s trash, down from a peak of 14.5 percent in 1990. At the same time, the World Energy Council reports that the global market for generating energy from municipal waste is increasing at a rate of 5.5 percent per year, with expansion throughout Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, and is expected to maintain steady growth through 2023, worth $40 billion, because of emerging economies in China and the United Arab Emirates. Since 2011, Crellin has contributed to the performance enhancement of the world’s largest WTE plant—located outside Rotterdam, the Netherlands—and served as the technical advisor for a new production facility in Dublin, Ireland, which recently went into production after nearly three years of development and nearly a decade of planning. It is burning 1,800 tons of waste per day to produce 70 megawatts of electrical energy. One of his latest project assignments was leading a presentation to city council members, plant officials and a bevy of environmental scientists on the plant’s initial performance testing, including addressing environmental concerns.

WTE isn’t without its critics. Environmentalists argue that a plant produces more toxic dioxin and furan emissions when compared to the amounts emitted by power plants fired by coal and natural gas. They also point out that WTE plants produce fly ash and bottom ash, but at smaller amounts than coal plants. Landfills have their own impacts, including methane gas production and other toxic fumes, fires, groundwater contamination and sinkholes. Emerging technologies in thermo-chemical conversion, gasification and pyrolysis may address many of the environmental concerns surrounding WTE plants. They certainly are causing Crellin to reach for his old thermodynamics textbooks.

Alumni Feature

TRASH TALKING

The large cost of building WTE plants (as much as $600 million with a 25- to 30-year payback), cheap land for building landfills, and lobbying efforts by the waste management and coal mining companies and miners’ union have been successful in stopping the expansion of many sustainable energy-

[ wte ] waste to energy

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

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Alumni Feature

TRASH TALKING (CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)

producing plants in the U.S., Crellin says. Another hindrance, he asserts, is the lack of a concerted U.S. energy policy supporting renewable technologies, unlike Europe and China. In fact, China regulations will eliminate the use of landfills for storing municipal waste within the next 15 years. “It takes strong will and forward-thinking community leaders to decide on the waste-to-energy alternative. [WTE] has been very successful in communities throughout the country, and produce long-term cost savings that have allowed local tax revenues to be used for other community projects and initiatives,” says Crellin, who wrote the lead article “Coming to Terms with the Waste Crisis” in the May 2005 issue of The Institution of Engineering of Ireland’s The Engineers Journal. He also has made presentations at several North American solid waste and waste-to-energy conferences. Working for engineering firms and now his private consulting business, Crellin has helped build, operate and maintain plants across Florida, near Detroit, and in Huntsville, Ala., since 1989. A couple of those plants have recently been expanded and renovated to take advantage of new technologies and more efficient production systems. “Waste-to-energy is the wave of the future, but I’m sorry that wave isn’t happening, for the most part, within the U.S.,” adds Crellin. Currently in semi-retirement in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., he may oversee engineering teams building a new plant in Sri Lanka. The Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Puerto Rico and regions of Africa also are examining building WTE plants in the future. n

Fusion Energy Brings Endless Opportunities DAN BRUNNER Working on

Superconducting Electromagnetics Fusion energy is on the cusp of becoming reality and, thanks to emerging technological advances, the inexhaustible and zero-carbon source of energy could be a part of the U.S. power grid within the next 10 to 20 years. Fusion is the natural process that powers the sun and stars. In fusion power plants, the fuel is a form of hydrogen, found in water, which is so abundant as to create a virtually

STORY BY DALE LONG

endless supply. The power is produced when the hydrogen atoms “fuse” together to form heavier elements, such as helium. Fusion has been the goal of physicists and scientists for centuries, and has been challenging to accomplish on Earth because it requires control of a 200-million-degree Celsius plasma that produces energy. The main problem has been to get plasmas within a small-scale, power plant-type environment to generate more energy than it takes to run them. Enter alumnus Daniel Brunner and colleagues from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center. They have formed a new private company, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, to develop rapid, staged research that could lead to a new generation of fusion experiments based on advances in high-temperature superconductors. To get around this obstacle, Brunner, a 2008 engineering physics graduate who earned a PhD in applied plasma physics from MIT in 2013, is working on producing new superconducting magnets that will produce much higher magnetic fields, which Dan Brunner (lower right) is working with colleagues to develop superconducting electromagnets, a key component in the proposed fusion power demonstration device near Boston (below).

will enable smaller, more economical fusion devices and more rapid-learning cycles. The electromagnets will hold the hot plasma in place. After an anticipated timeline of three years for that phase, they’ll then begin working to build a compact device using those strong magnets. This should enable them to demonstrate the first net energy generation from controlled fusion capable of producing around 100 million watts, or 100 megawatts.

Alumni Feature

POWER PACK

“If all goes according to our plans, meeting key technical milestones, we’ll be able to achieve a full-scale prototype of a fusion power plant that could set the world on a path to low-carbon energy,” Brunner says. If widely disseminated, such fusion power plants could meet a substantial fraction of the world’s growing energy needs while substantially curbing greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global climate change. One of Brunner’s MIT colleagues calls the generation of net energy a “sort of a Kitty Hawk moment for fusion.” Brunner agrees, stating “these are exciting times for fusion research and science that could substantially impact mankind. That’s why I and others got into physics.” n

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Alumni Feature

DISCOVERIES

G II N DDI IGG G NGG PR ST PR EEHH II S TOORRY Y TRACY HOUPT UNCOVERS RARE, NEARLY COMPLETE SKELETON OF PRE-DINOSAUR CREATURE

s Jurassic Park fans pack movie theaters this summer to revel in the ear-splitting roars and glistening fangs of computer-generated dinosaurs, Tracy Houpt takes great pride in bringing the real thing back for display through down-and-dirty digging in the ground. Houpt, a 1986 electrical engineering graduate who is a principal project engineer with Lockheed Martin Corp., volunteers on paleontology digs with teams from the Whiteside Museum of Natural History in Seymour, Texas, a small town about 130 miles northwest of Fort Worth. During a 2016 expedition, he uncovered the nearly complete skeleton of a Dimetrodon, a large prehistoric creature that roamed Earth about 265 million to 290 million years ago, predating dinosaurs by 60 million years. It turns out, the skeleton â&#x20AC;&#x153;might end up being one of the

Tracy Houpt (right) helps Whiteside Museum of Natural History Director Chris Flis examine a portion of the plaster jacket from a part of the Dimetrodon discovered outside Seymour, Texas.

STORY BY ARTHUR FOULKES PHOTOS BY LAURIE HALL

DISCOVERIES

Tracy Houpt is a volunteer who has spent weekends helping discover the fossils of several prehistoric species.

visitors, and especially children, get excited about our discoveries and exhibits. For some of these children, this is their first taste of science, and might someday lead them to study science, math or engineering.” most complete Dimetrodons ever found,” says Houpt, whose discovery is now on display at the Whiteside Museum. It is alongside prehistoric discoveries of sharks, amphibians and reptiles by Houpt and other paleontologists and volunteers. Dimetrodons were primitive reptiles with mammal-like features that roamed Earth during the Permian period, an epoch spanning 251 million to 299 million years ago, and ending in a mysterious mass extinction known as The Great Dying. “These animals died and were quickly buried. They died in soil that was conducive for them to be fossilized,” Houpt says. He also adds, “I’m fascinated to learn more about these animals. Each new discovery leads to more questions. But I also get a thrill to see museum

A tooth from a Secodontosaurus, a fin-backed primitive reptile, is one of Tracy Houpt’s recent discoveries.

Houpt’s Dimetrodon is named “Bonnie” for his third daughter. Other fossilized creatures bear the names of his other daughters: Jackie, Sarah and Emma. The tools Houpt and other volunteers use to dig in the red, north Texas clay are mostly hand picks and brushes. When a fossil is uncovered, bone fragments are foiled, dated and recorded. Larger bone sections are mapped and removed to the museum for prepping. More fully intact skeletons and key bones, such as skulls, are trenched and placed in plaster jackets. Bonnie’s plaster jacket casing weighs about 6,000 pounds, according to Houpt. “It amazes me to realize that I am the first human to have ever seen the fossils I find,” he says. n

Dimetrodons Were Imposing ‘Stem-Mammals’ A Dimetrodon was a primitive reptile that stood atop the Earth’s food chain before its extinction. Reaching up to 12 feet in length, the creature was classified as part of a group of early animals known as stemmammals. Like mammals, Dimetrodon had different types of teeth used for different things, including large serrated front teeth, dagger-like serrated canine teeth and serrated back teeth for chewing. The large sail on Dimetrodon’s back was made of bones and skin, with each boney spine originating in a single vertebrae. Scientists believe the sail, which reached as high as six feet, acted as a sort of solar panel to regulate body temperature. They also believe it might have been used to attract mates or to make the animal appear especially large to potential foes. Dimetrodons flourished for millions of years before vanishing, along with other prehistoric animal species, during a mass extinction that took place about 272 million years ago, called Olson’s Extinction—a global phenomenon that’s not to be confused with other past extinctions, including the extinction of the dinosaurs about 210 million years later.

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BY PROFESSOR EMERITUS HERB BAILEY

Bailey Challenge I want to advise that this Summer Challenge lives up to its name — it is challenging. Problem 2 asks you to maximize. Some will use their superior knowledge of calculus, while others will rely on trickery. Partial credit is given for a close approximation. The Bonus problem was suggested by one of the consistent problem solvers and requires a careful application of material balance.

SUM M ER PRO BLEM 1

One of my favorite ways to discourage guessing on a test is to subtract points for incorrect answers. For example: I might give five points for a correct answer, allocate zero points for no answer and subtract seven for an incorrect answer. Here’s the problem: Miss Guesser answers all questions on a 24-question test and comes out with a total score of zero. How many questions did she answer correctly?

SUM M ER PRO BLEM 2

Two rectangles are positioned as shown in the figure. Vertex F of the smaller rectangle is on the diagonal AC of the larger. If AB is 100 feet, then find FE so that the area of the smaller rectangle is maximal.

SUM M ER BO N US PRO BLEM

Some of you have heard of the Coneheads characters who came to Earth from the planet Remulak, popularized in “Saturday Night Live” skits from the late 1970s and the science fiction comedy film from 1993. The Coneheads’ rain gauges consisted of two right circular cones with a common vertical axis. The smaller is above and “dips” one inch into the larger as shown. The dimensions and placement of the cones are also shown. A vertical rain starts falling at a constant rate with the cones initially empty. Find the rainfall rate in inches per hour if h=3.5 inches after two hours.

G D

2 1

Same initially empty rain gauge and vertical rain at a rate 7/10 of an inch per hour. Find h after two hours of rain. 2w

A rectangle with side lengths w and 2w encloses four triangles. The outer 4 4/w ones have areas 2, 3 and 4 for which we seek the area of the inner w triangle. Since twice the triangle area is the base times height, we calculate ? 2 the base and height of each outer triangle. These are shown in the figure w-4/w 3 as functions of w. Setting the product of the legs of the triangle with area 2w 2w-4/w 3 to twice its area (6) gives a quadratic equation in w 2. Solving this quadratic gives w 2 = 8. Thus the area of the rectangle is w*2w =16 and the area of the inner triangle = 7. Some solvers noted that this result does not depend on the width-to-length ratio. Send your solutions to Herb.Bailey@rose-hulman.edu or to: Herb Bailey, 8571 Robin Run Way, Avon, IN 46123. Alumni should include their class year. Congratulations to the following solvers of the fall problems: ALUMNI: A. Cleek, 1949; A. Sutton, 1956; B. Lovell, 1956; C. Ambuehl, 1958; D. Bailey, 1958; D. Porter, 1958; H. Brown, 1959; J. Kirk, 1960; L. Hartley, 1961;l J. Moser, 1961; J. Ray, 1961; J. Tindall, 1961; P. Cella, 1963; R. Archer, 1964; S. James, 1965; T. Jones, 1968; T. McLeish, 1968; R. Dutton, 1969; A. Englehart, 1969; K. Metz, 1969; T. Baumgardner, 1970; S. Jordan, 1970; D. Jordan, 1971; M. Masteller, 1971; W. Pelz, 1971; S. Sample, 1971; D. Hagar, 1972; J. Sanders, 1972; R. Kominiarek, 1973; M. Marinko, 1973; J. Zumar, 1973; S. Sims, 1974; J. Turner, 1975; M. Bailey, 1976; B. Hunt, 1976; J. Schroeder, 1976; P. Van de Motter, 1977; T. Greer, 1978; D. Johnson, 1978; S. Warner, 1978; P. Hahn, 1979; R. Priem, 1979; R. Joyner, 1980; J. Koechling, 1980; P. Gunn, 1981; S. Nolan, 1981; R. Roll, 1981; B. Warren, 1982; B. Downs, 1983; T. Endress, 1983; P. Griffith, 1983; J. Marum, 1983; G. Kujawa, 1984; S. Blonigen, 1986; B. Wright, 1986; M. Lancaster, 1987; A. Witt, 1987; J. Gresham, 1988; B. Burger, 1991; B. Heinz, 1991; R. Hochstetler, 1991; C. Schlimm, 1991; R. Wilkinson, 1991; E. Geib, 1993; D. Rettig, 1994; J. Markwardt, 1995; M. Pilcher, 1998; E. Cord, 1999; J. Mathison, 1999; N. Fowler, 2002; R. Schafer, 2003; B. Hirsh, 2004; J. Przybylinski, 2005; T. Homan, 2007; D. Schluneker, 2008; M. Trowbridge, 2008; A. Rai, 2009; N. Schoumacher, 2010; E. Evans, 2013; J. Anderson, 2014; and M. Peterson, 2018. FRIENDS: A. Andrews, T. Cutaia, P. Eck, A. Foulkes, S. Hagness, A. Kremer, J. Marks, J. Martin, Jo Martin, L. Metcalfe, J. Nees, A. Puetz, R. Robinson, M. Rosene, R. Schoumacher, B. Seager, B. Shultz, A. Tyrell, O. VandeWater, D, Voltmer and E. Wren.

He didn’t have Bailey as a teacher while earning an electrical engineering degree in 1956, but they spent one summer sharing an office as young mathematicians at the Naval Avionics Center in Indianapolis. Moser spent many lunch hours solving advanced calculus problems; Bailey reviewed each answer.

Moser went on to teach math — and advanced calculus — at West Chester University (Pa.) for 50 years, retiring in 2016.

SUPER BONUS PROBLEM

SOLUTION TO SPRING’S BONUS PROBLEM 1

Herb Bailey’s value as an educator has extended far beyond the math classes he taught on campus for more than 50 years. Just ask Joseph Moser.

“Herb insisted that the best way for a person to get good at mathematics, or anything in life, was to spend time doing it. Advanced calculus was not offered at Rose during my days as a student. I thank Herb for introducing me to more advanced mathematics,” says Moser.

PROBLEM-SOLVING CONNECTIONS

“I learned that a mentor, like Herb, is not always a professor. He could be right next to you in your office,” Moser adds. The Bailey Challenge provides Moser with new insights. “To a mathematician, Herb’s problems are mildly challenging. However, most of them have the potential to be generalized into very interesting mathematics,” he says. For example, a Challenge about the number of ways a horse race can finish, considering ties, connected to Moser’s own math research. Another interesting problem considered the greatest number of pieces a person can get by slicing a one-, two- or three-dimensional ball with an arbitrary number of slices. This generalizes to the same question regarding “any” dimensional ball. “I mostly enjoy Herb’s problems because of their generalizations, especially those that have a combinatorial slant,” states Moser, who also has enjoyed exchanging emails with his old colleague about problems. He adds, “I have found that Herb has a wicked sense of humor.” – Dale Long, Executive Editor

Gotwald Takes Gavel as Alumni President Greg M. Gotwald’s extensive service to Rose-Hulman continues with his one-year term as Alumni Association president, which began July 1. The 2001 chemical engineering alumnus, who minored in economics and environmental engineering, was the young alumni representative to the Board of Trustees (2009-11). He also was a member of the Young Alumni Council (2006-11), Alumni Association Task Force (201516) and Alumni Association’s advisory board (since 2012), and served as vice president before taking the president’s gavel. He received the institute’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award in 2009.

Ashvin Lad Selected BOT Alumni Rep Ashvin P. Lad (BSCHE, 1996/MSBE, 1998) has realized a longtime dream by being named to represent alumni on the Rose-Hulman Board of Trustees. His two-year term will start this fall. He is vice president and co-founder of Breakwater Chicago, a proposed floating entertainment center about a half-mile off Chicago’s shore in Lake Michigan. Lad has private- and public-sector experience in product development, marketing, business development and client relations. He previously worked in the Office of Illinois State Treasurer. His career started in medical device development for Cook Medical, where he was awarded one patent.

Professionally, Gotwald is a partner in the Indianapolis law firm Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP, focusing on insurance-coverage law and environmental law. Indiana Super Lawyers featured Gotwald in 2018 and named him a Rising Star from 2010-17, both in the area of insurance coverage. He was named an Up and Coming Lawyer by Indiana Lawyer, and was selected one of Indianapolis’ Best and Brightest for Law in 2012 by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana. Gotwald teaches an undergraduate-level course on advanced litigation as an adjunct professor at IUPUI.

Other alumni BOT representatives are Jeffrey (Jeff) A. Myers (BSEE, 1987/MSEM 2003), manager of smart grid development with Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities, and Charles (Chuck) L. Sigman (CHE, 1980), senior budget analyst for the executive office of the U.S. president.

Gotwald replaces Dan J. Price (CE, 1975), who will be the Alumni Association’s immediate pastpresident. Dedric Day (CHE, 2003) is the outgoing past-president and was an officer in the volunteer group for the past three years.

Holly Presley has been promoted to assistant director in the Office of Alumni Relations after serving as a coordinator of alumni activities. She hosted the 2018 alumni awards celebration this spring and is coordinating Homecoming planning this year. Presley will continue to be the staff leader for alumni networks, the alumni volunteer program, regional events and alumni awards celebration.

New Association Officers/Members Kelly K. (Sullivan) Noel (EE, 2002) is serving as the association’s vice president after being elected by the Alumni Advisory Board. She will be the first to serve the recently amended two-year presidential term, starting July 1, 2019. Starting two-year terms on the Alumni Association board are William (Bill) M. Bess (CE, 1966), Gary L. Bullock (EE, 1975), Stefani Vande Lune (BSAB, 2006/MSBE, 2008), Matthew (Matt) J. Iwema (SE, 2014) and Kali J. Nordquist (CHE, 2016). Leaving the board after years of loyal service are Jeffrey A. Trang (EE, 1983) and Christopher N. Repa (CHE, 1999).

New Staffers Ready to Assist You

Holly Kowalski is the new administrative assistant. She was office manager for the Department of Natural Resources’ Shakamak State Park since 2012 and spent 17 years as administrative assistant with the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Services’ office in Crown Point, Ind. Kowalski will oversee production of the alumni e-newsletter, and assist alumni contacting the office and visiting the Alumni Center in Hatfield Hall. Charlie Ricker joins the team as a new assistant director after spending the past three years as assistant director for career services at Ball State University. He will assist with Homecoming, Student Alumni Association activities, regional events, social media and career services initiatives.

1982 Alumni Take ‘Big Easy’ Educational Trip Several Class of 1982 members gathered to enjoy an educational tour of New Orleans, organized by Daniel (Wally) E. Wolodkiewicz (ME). The group visited the National World War II Museum and numerous establishments in the French Quarter and Garden District. Participating were Christopher (ME) and Debbie Collison, John G. (ME) and Michelle Gregor, Randall S. (CE) and Lori Hancock, S. Brad (ME) and Kim Kitchens, Anthony G. (ENV) and Melody Lenox, Michael C. (ME) and Kim Mazur, Bruce D. (EE) and Vicki Oberlies, Don and Katrina Oberlies, Rex E. (CE) and Janie Phillips, Gary K. (EE) and Jill Quick, Troy R. (ME) Snider and Sandy Miller, Lee J. (ME) and Kathy Warner, and Wally and Janet Wolodkiewicz.

Alunni News

TAKING NOTE

HOMECOMING 2018

Week Events

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Fall Career Fair & Expo, Sports & Recreation Center, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Details at rose-hulman.edu/careerfair) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 Career Fair Interview Sessions, On Campus FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 • Alumni Golf Outings, Hulman Links/Country Club, 9 a.m. • 1874 Heritage Society Luncheon, Noon • Reunions for the classes of 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, and 1973 are scheduled at 6 p.m. • Pep Rally & Queen Coronation, Hulbert Arena, 8:30 p.m. • Bonfire, IM Fields, Following Pep Rally • Graduates of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Party, Downtown, 9:45 p.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 • Rose’s 5k ROTC Fun Run/Walk, 8:30 a.m. • Academic Department Open Houses, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Tent City, Parking Lot, Cook Stadium, Noon • Football Game vs. Bluffton University, 2 p.m. • 50 Plus Golden Gala Reception/Dinner, 6 p.m./6:30 p.m. • Reunions for the classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008 at 6 p.m. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7

RoseWoods Couples Brunch, St. Mary-of-the-Woods: 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (Register at smwc.edu/rosewoods or 812-535-5270)

Learn more at: rose-hulman.edu/homecoming

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

Alumni News

CLASS NOTES

70s Gary G. Kelm (ME, 1970) received the outstanding adjunct faculty award from University of Cincinnati’s James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. He has taught graduate-level courses at the college since 1997 after retiring from a career in health and beauty research and development with Procter & Gamble. Jeffrey B. Witten (ME, 1971) was elected as a trustee for Trout Unlimited, the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization. He splits his time residing in both Columbia, Mo., and Elkins, W.Va. Thomas T. Dinkel (ME, 1972) represented Sycamore Engineering Inc. in receiving the Indiana government’s Half Century Award for outstanding community commitment. Dinkel is president of the Terre Haute-based engineering and consulting company. Dan T. Montgomery (ME, 1976) was honored by Studio Daily as one of 50 influential creators and technologists whose leadership has broken new ground in media and entertainment. He is president

and chief executive officer with Imagine Products Inc., an Indianapolis company developing video workflow solutions to help film and media professionals back up, view, share, transcode and archive digital video assets. Steven P. Franks (CHE, 1978) has retired after being senior engineer with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District. He and his wife Kathleen have moved to Arizona, where they continue to support the U.S. National Park Service. James V. Nordmeyer (CHE, 1978), as vice president of global sustainability with Owens-Illinois, helped the glass container manufacturer become the first food and beverage packaging company to receive gold-level certification for material health and reutilization under the Cradle to Cradle standard.

80s Edward G. Evers (CE, 1983) came to the rescue when the Kentucky Department of Transportation needed to make emergency repairs to the 151-year-old John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge that crosses the Ohio River between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Ky. His company, Evers Steel Construction of Cincinnati, was awarded the job on April 16,

2018, and the work needed to be done by May 1. The project was completed four days early! Drew L. Gehman (EE, 1985) has joined with family members, including son Isaac Gehman (CE, 2016), in launching Mathnasium, a center with math tutoring experts that’s helping kids in central Indiana succeed in math. Drew is the information technology specialist at Rose-Hulman Ventures. Harold (Chip) T. Ray (CE, 1986) is the chair of The Asphalt Institute, an organization supporting companies in the asphalt industry. He is president of Western States Asphalt, based in Spokane, Wash. Robert L. Wilkins (CHE, 1986) was the keynote speaker at the 50th anniversary celebration of Harvard Law School’s Black Law Students Association. Adrian C. Lawhorn (MA, 1988) is an online map quality analyst with Apple Inc. He spent 22 years as a sports statistician and writer, with his work appearing on ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports and CNN/Sports Illustrated. He also has been a consultant with the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks professional basketball franchises. John P. Bings (EE, 1989) is the lead recruiter for engineers and scientists with the Naval Surface Warfare Center division in Crane, Ind. He spent 18 years as an engineer in the radiation sciences branch.

Flowers Dusts Off Vietnam War’s Tunnel Rats Story Jack Flowers (ECON/MA, 1971) is quite a renaissance man. He has worked as a Wall Street stockbroker and investment banker, and has been a successful entrepreneur and an author who has appeared on CBS’s “60 Minutes” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.” It was a harrowing experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Vietnam War that inspired him to write the semi-autobiographical novel “Rat Six.” It tells the story of Clifford Price, a college student from Rose Polytechnic Institute who was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and led the 1st Infantry Division Tunnel Rats. This courageous group of soldiers was dedicated to ferreting out the Viet Cong enemy from below the conventional battlefield. They entered a tunnel with only a flashlight and a pistol in hopes of retrieving vital military intelligence, before eventually destroying the tunnels. In many cases, the enemy was waiting inside for the soldiers.

In between his writing, the Indiana native helped found Infrasonix, an Atlanta-based company that’s developing technology to revolutionize cardiovascular disease detection. Another business venture he founded, Braiset Innovations, has developed an inexpensive new braille printer.

Having been a commissioned officer in the Army Corps of Engineers shortly after being drafted and selected for Officer’s Candidate School, Price ended up in Vietnam in 1968. After three months of commanding a platoon of bridge builders, mine sweepers, and truck drivers, Price was offered the job of Rat Six, one of the most dangerous assignments in the war. Rat Six was the code name for the leader of the First Infantry Division Tunnel Rats. The Tunnel Rats were some of the most courageous soldiers to fight in Vietnam. All were volunteers, slightly built, cunning, rebellious, trained in demolitions, and dedicated to ferreting out the enemy below. In the beginning of the war, entering a tunnel with only a flashlight and a pistol was almost suicidal. Over time, the Army learned to successfully navigate the underground labyrinths, retrieve vital intelligence, and destroy the tunnels. The most organized of the Tunnel Rat teams in Vietnam was that of the First Infantry Division’s First Engineer Battalion.The team was led almost from the beginning by Sergeant Robert Bateman, a crusty, hard-nosed non-commissioned officer from New Jersey. He was dubbed “Batman” by his men and his reputation spread far and wide. He became even more famous among the enemy, of whom he had killed many, than among other warriors in the Army. “Batman” was on the Viet Cong’s “10 Most Wanted List,” which included the most prominent generals and not one other non-commissioned officer. Lieutenant Price was put in charge of the team and the conflict with Batman was immediate. Although there was no rank underground, Rat Six and Batman slowly built a mutual trust and the team’s exploits and reputation grew even more. Harrowing missions and close calls engulfed the two men and their team.The tunnels were the setting and the enemy inside was just as fearsome as the men who pursued them. After four months of working together, Batman was sent home after his fourth reenlistment for Vietnam was denied. Suddenly Price was alone and vulnerable. The fear became insurmountable, climaxing on his last mission. Rat Six tells one of the most important yet little known stories of Lieutenant Clifford Price and his men.They were known as the Tunnel Rats, and their courageous exploits during the war in Vietnam are breathtaking and extraordinary. $22.95

Rat Six A Novel based on a True Story

Jack Flowers

“Rat Six” is available at Amazon, other book outlets and the Rose-Hulman bookstore. Autographed copies by Flowers can be ordered at ratsix.com.

Little did he know that his war would not only be a conflict on the battlefield, but a conflict in his mind. Torn between his anti-war sentiments, which had been reinforced by his year abroad and the proud heritage of his forefathers, Price had to choose between right and wrong, survival and death, love and war.

Rat Six

For his heroism, Flowers was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star, both with “V” designation for valor, two Air Medals and a Purple Heart — among many decorations.

Based on a true story, Rat Six tells the story of Clifford Price who, like hundreds of thousands of other young men in the 1960s, was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam. Price was from Indiana, where he was a college student who had recently returned from a year studying abroad in Denmark. He came from a long line of soldiers; his two grandfathers served in the First World War and his father in the Second.Vietnam proved to be his turn to fight.

J a c k

F l o w e r s

Alumni News

CLASS NOTES

Cain, Goodwin Going Deep Leading Navy Subs Andrew (Andy) M. Cain (ME, 1999) and Daniel W. Goodwin (EE, 2008) are climbing the chain of command by going deep within the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Cain took command this spring of the USS Helena fast attack submarine, his top assignment in 19 years of military service at sea. He had served in executive officer roles on the USS Maryland, a ballistic missile submarine, and USS Buffalo, another fast attack submarine. He is based out of the Navy’s submarine station in Norfolk, Va. Meanwhile, Goodwin has been selected to be an executive officer within the submarine fleet in the western Pacific. He is currently the head engineering officer with the USS Connecticut fast attack submarine, stationed in Bremerton, Wash.

Andy Cain (left) took over command this spring of the Navy’s USS Helena nuclear submarine (right).

90s Douglas J. Rosenberger (EE, 1991) is the manager for American Electric Power’s Kentucky Power coal-fired plant in Mitchell, W.Va. He has worked at six other AEP plants, including managing hydro facilities in Roanoke, Va. Amit Bhatiani (CS, 1992) is co-founder and partner with the private investment management firms Canopy Group and CX Partners, supporting several successful high-tech ventures. He also co-founded three technology companies and formerly handled technology stock transactions with JP Morgan Chase & Co. Roger E. Byrum (ME, 1992) was designated a distinguished Caston (Ind.) School Corp. alumnus. He is a senior informatics and automation engineer for Myers Spring Co. in Logansport, Ind., and was instrumental in establishing an award-winning VEX Robotics program at Caston High School. Kenneth G. Godwin (EE, 1992) is now an engineer with Primary Engineering in Carmel, Ind. Michael W. Liemohn (PH, 1992) received the University of Michigan’s 2018 College of Engineering Education Excellence Award for developing new undergraduate courses, such as SPACE 101: Introduction to Rocket Science, and hosting “Pop Culture Fridays,” where he

discusses the science behind the fiction of warp speed, teleportation, lightsabers and Iron Man. He also has started a three-year term as chair of NASA’s Heliophysics Advisory Committee, which advises science missions. Patrick W. Zaharako (CE, 1993) is the city engineer for Fort Wayne, Ind., after serving as assistant city engineer and flood control manager since 2013. He was a project manager for 20 years with Commonwealth Engineers. Agnes P. Berzsenyi (MSME, 1995) helped GE Healthcare earn recognition as one of Fast Company’s 2018 Most Innovative Companies in Biotech. She is president and chief executive officer of GE Healthcare Women’s Health division. Patrick Goodwin (CE, 1995) has announced his independent candidacy for mayor of Terre Haute, Ind., his hometown. He owns Tractor Tools Direct, an e-commerce company, and is a former head engineer for the city. Beth A. (Knoy) Brock (BSME, 1996/ MSEMGT 2011) is a process engineer and subject matter expert with CRB in Kansas City, Mo. She spent 27 years with Eli Lilly and Company as an associate senior consultant engineer, and is the vice president of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering’s Midwest chapter.

John P. (J.P.) Roehm (CE, 1997) rang the NASDAQ market’s closing bell April 24, 2018, to mark the public stock offering of Infrastructure & Energy Alternatives, where J.P. is chief executive officer. The Indianapolis company is a major player in wind- and solar-energy construction projects, including the Benton County Wind Farm north of Lafayette, Ind. Eric S. Tryon (ME, 1997) is now managing independent research and development of electrification operations with Allison Transmission in Indianapolis. He has more than 12 years of experience in product design and development with Allison and General Motors. Todd A. Burch (CE, 1998) is an engineering manager with GAI Consultants’ Midwest transportation group, based in Indianapolis. He brings 20 years of project management experience, including supervising technical teams on several projects with the Indiana Department of Transportation. Kevin A. Gaither (CHE, 1998) won the primary election to run as the Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 15th U.S. congressional district. He is facing incumbent Republican John Shimkus in November general election.

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

Alumni News

CLASS NOTES

00s David S. Fisher (ME, 2000) is spending the 2018-19 academic year teaching and researching at Ireland’s University of Limerick as a Fulbright Faculty Scholar. His research at Lero, the Irish Software Engineering Research Center, will examine the gender gap in computer science. He is an associate professor of computer science, software engineering and mechanical engineering at Rose-Hulman. Heidi E. (Brackmann) Davidson (CHE, 2003) is the innovation manager with Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tenn. She has been a manager with the company since spring of 2017.

Dedric A. Day (CHE, 2003) is director of Eli Lilly and Company’s process engineering center in Indianapolis. He has managed global injection molding manufacturing, process engineering and operations during his professional career with the company. Nicholas R. Harden (CE, 2003) has been promoted to associate department manager in the structural engineering group for Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm. He is a LEED accredited professional who is based at the company’s office in Peoria, Ill.

Grant T. Hoffman (BSME, 2003/MSBE, 2004) is the director of startups at the University of Cincinnati while continuing to be chief executive officer of Foster Ohio, a firm providing expertise in product development to client companies. Larry T. Robbins (CE, 2003) is the engineer for Vigo County, Indiana, after working 15 years in the engineering office for the city of Terre Haute. Noah J. Fehrenbacher (CE, 2004) is a senior associate with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates’ expanded Indianapolis office. The structural engineer has been with the firm since 2006, working from the office in Northbrook, Ill. He specializes in structural analysis and inspection of reinforced concrete/fiber structures.

Civil Engineering Trio Honored for Technical Expertise, Teaching Marty A. Wessler (1987) received the American Water Works Association’s prestigious George Warren Fuller award, honoring a volunteer for outstanding contributions to the water industry. He is chief executive officer of Wessler Engineering, an Indianapolis-based firm that specializes in wastewater, drinking water and stormwater projects. Wessler has more than 25 years of professional experience on wastewater collection system and treatment projects.

Walter H. Flood IV (2003) was named a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute in recognition of service to the organization and civil engineering profession. He is an assistant engineer and project manager with his family’s concrete testing and inspection business, Flood Testing Laboratory, in Chicago. His research interests include high-strength/high-modulus concrete properties and the impact of fast-paced construction schedules on the long-term behavior of concrete high-rise structures. His father, Walt, is a 1975 civil engineering alumnus.

Matthew D. Lovell (2006) received ACI’s Walter P. Moore Jr. Faculty Achievement award for excellence and innovation in teaching. He has been a member of the Rose-Hulman civil and environmental engineering faculty since 2011, currently serving as an associate professor as well as interim senior director of institutional research, planning and assessment for the institute. Lovell has research interests in reinforced concrete structures and integral abutment bridges.

Alumni News

CLASS NOTES

Chandramouli A STEP Ahead in Manufacturing Diversity The Manufacturing Institute has identified Ranjana Chandramouli (CHE, 2014) as an emerging leader in science, technology, engineering and production. She received the organization’s 2018 STEP Ahead Award for women who exemplify leadership within their companies. Chandramouli, a senior engineer with Eli Lilly and Company, has had several engineering roles at insulin manufacturing plants. She monitored and maintained process equipment to achieve a reliable supply of high quality medicine, while being safe and environmentally responsible. As chair of Lilly’s Women Engineering Network, Chandramouli leads efforts to unite and engage women engineers through networking, building relationships and sharing experiences. WEN has hosted a Habitat for Humanity volunteering day, coffee chats and monthly mentoring circles. Chandramouli volunteers with the Engineering Explorers program, coordinates student visits to local manufacturing sites and engineering colleges, is involved with Society of Women Engineers’ community outreach group and volunteers regularly at events to promote STEM education.

Chandramouli discusses her journey from ignorance to passion about engineering in a column for the Society of Women Engineers. Read it at bit.ly/2zxNmU2 Bridget M. Revier (CHE/CHEM, 2004) is an engineering manager at RELCO, where she has worked since October 2017. She was a research and development engineer and scientist for Nova-Tech Engineering and worked for Cummins Inc. Janae Chaney (ME, 2005) is sustainability director with Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati, Ohio. She spent 14 years in a variety of engineering positions with Duke Energy. Christine (Chrissy) N. Meyer (EE, 2005) is a partner with Root Ventures in San Francisco after spending a decade developing and shipping hardware, primarily at Apple and Square. She was a founding team member at Pearl Automation, a vehicle technology startup. Scott R. Small (BSME, 2005/MSBE, 2007) has accepted a three-year studentship to pursue a doctorate in musculoskeletal sciences at Oxford University in England. His studies begin this fall. Brandon T. Cannaday (SE, 2006), Michael A. Kuehl (CS/MA, 2006) and Charles (Charlie) E. Key (CPE, 2007) are co-founders of Losant, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based enterprise Internet of Things platform that’s helping businesses and organizations benefit from the latest innovations in technology. The enterprise was named Most Promising Startup in Cincinnati Business Courier’s 2018 Innovation & Technology Awards.

D. Christopher Meyer (BSCPE, 2006/ MSEMGT, 2008) is chief project engineer with Comfort Motion Global, an Indianapolis company. He has helped develop groundbreaking technology to make long-distance travel safer and more comfortable. Mercedes Benz is implementing the vehicle seat adjustable device in new cars this year. Isaac J. Sachs (EE, 2008) is an artist-in-residence at Oregon’s Sitka Center for Art and Ecology through a partnership with Portland’s Blue Sky Gallery. He is an amateur photographer and engineer from Oakland, Calif., who lives in Portland, Ore. His work examines the ways humans interact with and shape their environment, particularly through technology. Michelle J. (Vitale) Nolan (EE, 2009) is a vice president of technology portfolio and governance reporting with Morgan Stanley in New York City. She spent seven years as a manager with Financial Services Technology Consulting. Praveena P. (Theertham) Ward (BE, 2009) has been promoted to senior technical support engineer with Beckman Coulter in Indianapolis. She has spent her entire professional career working in systems engineering.

10s Daniel R. King (BE, 2010) is now a senior product manager with ACell Inc. in Columbia, Md. He has spent his entire professional career in a variety of engineering positions for the company.

Christopher M. Wlezien (ME, 2010) assisted Skydra, an entrepreneurial startup, design a device that could revolutionize access to fresh drinking water across the world. The idea is one of five XPRIZE finalists in a two-year competition tackling global water scarcity. Eric A. Crockett (CS/MA, 2011) earned a doctorate in computer science at Georgia Institute of Technology. He is an applied scientist with Amazon. Nicholas A. Leedy (BE, 2011) is a production scientist/engineer with In Vitro Diagnostics after working in a variety of engineering positions with Pfizer, Cook Pharmica, Zimmer Biomet and Envirox. Michael Meyer (BSCPE, 2012/MSEMGT, 2013) has accepted an electrical engineering teaching position at Waseda University in Japan. Spencer J. Fox (AB, 2013) is a data scientist for Dosh, a startup in Austin, Texas, that offers tools to analyze consumer behavior and attract and retain customers. He earned a doctorate in ecology, evolution and behavior at the University of Texas. Kisha R. Bradley (ME, 2015) is developing a community makerspace, with a playful digital environment, for the University of Sheffield’s Department of Education in England. Kylie M. McCollum (CHE, 2015) is a project engineer in the cooking thermal division with Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, Mich. She completed the company’s two-year engineering rotational leadership development program.

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

Alumni Alumni News

CLASS NOTES

A Meeting of Creative Minds Microsoft founder/philanthropist/humanitarian Bill Gates learned about future technology while visiting Michael A. Bell (CPE/ME, 2012) this spring in the Microrobotics Laboratory at Harvard University. Bell, who is working on his PhD at Harvard, described his work in the area of soft underwater robotics that has been inspired by sea star and urchin locomotion, grasping and manipulation.

Isabel S. Scroggin (CS/ ME, 2015) is using her knowledge of algorithms, data structures and distributed systems as the lead researcher with Bluzelle, an open-source, decentralized database protocol tool. Her professional experience includes providing ground support for NASA’s Jason-3 satellite and spending two summers at Amazon. Haley K. (Bowyer) Hohl (BE, 2016) has been promoted to sustaining engineering team leader with Cook Medical in Bloomington, Ind. She began working with the company as a co-op during her undergraduate years at Rose-Hulman.

Kevin X. Cao (EP/OE, 2016) is an optical process engineer with Leia Inc., a startup in Palo Alto, Calif., that’s producing 3D holographic displays for mobile devices. He earned a master’s degree in materials science and engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Dillon K. Reynolds (CE, 2016) and Joy L. (Atzinger) Bosse (CE, 2017) are engineers in the expanding water resources division with RQAW, an Indianapolis-based consulting firm. Reynolds has been a site designer for Superior Oil’s

office and warehouse and Meritex Park industrial building, both in Indianapolis, and Duke Energy’s Lebanon (Ind.) Prairie Creek substation. Bosse was a construction management intern with HNTB Corp. in Indianapolis.

W E WA N T YOUR NEWS! Send news and photographs to alumniaffairs@rose-hulman.edu

Alumni Drone Biz Gets Off the Ground Flying Four enterprising mechanical engineering alumni were among 10 finalists in this spring’s Small Biz Salute Pitch Off, presented by Inc. and The UPS Store. The $25,000 first prize could further enhance product development and marketing efforts. The husband-and-wife team of Adam Morrison (2000) and Marcie (Kam) Morrison (1999), Zac Cole (2000) and David Moser (2002) founded DroneRafts, an Indiana-based company that has developed the first-of-its-kind (according to the group) landing gear systems for drones — WaterStrider for water and TerraStrider for land. Products have been delivered to all 50 states and more than 30 nations in all seven continents. DroneRafts created a fun video to go with the pitch competition. View it at bit.ly/2t89u1r. Creating useful products for the expanding drone industry have been alumni (from left) Adam Morrison, Marcie (Kam) Morrison and David Moser. Missing from the photo is Zac Cole.

In Memoriam Fellows Never Forgot His Rose-Hulman Roots Vern W. Fellows (EE, 1962), 81, died April 17, 2018, in Terre Haute, Ind. He spent most of his professional career as president and owner of B & A Electric Company in his hometown, after gaining valuable experience working for Sanborn Electric Company and Ethyl Visqueen. Along the way, Fellows was president of the Indiana Society of Professional Engineers’ Francis Vigo Chapter (west-central Indiana) and chair of the state scholarship committee. He gave back to Rose-Hulman in service and philanthropic support. He spent many years as a trustee, member of the President’s Council and a Moench Fellow for his lifetime donations to the institute. Fellows was a longtime member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, serving on the board of directors for Rose-Hulman’s Gamma Gamma chapter. Memorial contributions may be made to rose-hulman.edu/give.

Alumni News

CLASS NOTES

Hobbs Inspiring Track, Cross Country Runners The women’s track and cross country teams are running with more inspiration, wearing special patches on their uniforms to honor former teammate Emilie A. Hobbs (BC, 2017). Hobbs, 22, died Feb. 23, 2018, from complications due to cardiac arrest during a training run. She earned all-conference honors in cross country during her senior year and was named academic all-conference 10 out of 12 seasons in track and cross country. Hobbs also was a tutor for Rose-Hulman’s Homework Hotline.

Willis E. Rose (ME, 1947), 94, died Feb. 27, 2018, in McKinney, Texas. He was engineering manager and chief engineer of rotary products for Roots-Blower’s Connersville, Ind., plant and was named Engineer of the Year in 1977 by the Indiana Society of Professional Engineers’ Whitewater Valley Chapter. Thomas W. Cundiff (CHE, 1948), 97, died April 21, 2018, in Terre Haute, Ind. He spent 35 years as an engineer and production manager at Pfizer Inc.’s Vigo County plant. Cyrus (Cy) W. Cox (EE, 1949), 94, died May 26, 2018, in Rapid City, S.D. He was a professor at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for 41 years, served as a consultant for several engineering firms and was named Engineer of the Year in South Dakota on multiple occasions. Frederick E. Mueller (EE, 1949), 90, died Feb. 27, 2018, in Danville, Ill. He spent his professional career with General Electric. William E. Schneeberger (EE, 1949), 89, died Feb. 16, 2018, in Waukon, Iowa. He rose from journeyman electrician to become the longtime owner of Coliseum Electric Company in Chicago. In retirement, he was named to the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame for his involvement in many civic and community service projects. Charles L. Crews (CE, 1952), 91, died Feb. 11, 2018, in Broken Arrow, Okla. He spent 28 years with Rockwell International before starting Crews Engineering, his engineering consulting company.

Raymond L. Stanfield (CE, 1957), 82, died March 8, 2018, in Paris, Ill. He was a district engineer for project implementation during a 36-year career with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Harold R. Booher (EE, 1960), 81, died May 18, 2018, in Baltimore, Md. He had a distinguished 33-year career in the federal government, being the first senior executive director of manpower and personnel integration for the Department of the Army. Jeffery I. Lackey (PH, 1966), 74, died April 17, 2018, in St. Simons Island, Ga. He was a fellow in the American Society for Quality, an amateur radio operator for more than 60 years and a life member of the American Radio Relay League. Scott A. Skjordahl (ME, 1966), 72, died May 11, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. He was a securities analyst and adjunct professor at University of Phoenix, and owned six McDonald’s restaurant franchises. J. Stephen Windler (ME, 1966), 74, died May 19, 2018, in Fowler, Ind. He was owner of Akamai Industries Perfume Soap in Honolulu, Hawaii, and managed Latouruados Restaurant on the island of Maui before owning Windler Furniture Inc. in Fowler from 1977 until 2018. Michael H. Hilkey (ME, 1970), 70, died Feb. 8, 2018, in Bedford, Ind. He worked for General Electric on three separate occasions and spent 15 years as an engineer with Indianapolis Power & Light.

Michael A. Knoll (CHEM, 1972), 67, died March 5, 2018, in Vincennes, Ind. He was a longtime chemistry professor at Vincennes University. David L. Scheidt (MA, 1973), died April 13, 2018, in Efland, N.C. He was a computer programmer and analyst with Bell Laboratories and then had positions with companies and consulting groups in Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina. Gene Y. Shin (ME, 1996), 43, died Jan. 30, 2018, in Indianapolis, Ind. He was director of internal security operations command for Indianapolis Power & Light. Telly F. Rogers (EE, 1999), 40, died Feb. 24, 2018 in Plainfield, Ind. He was an engineer for Subaru’s plant in Lafayette, Ind.

FACULTY / STAFF / FRIENDS Bruce R. Danner, 83, died April 2, 2018, in Terre Haute, Ind. He was associate professor of physics (1968-1976), director of Waters Computer Center (1976-1993) and senior technical analyst of the computer center (1993-1998). After retiring, he returned to the Department of Physics as an adjunct faculty member until 2012.

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

Alumni News

CLASS NOTES

Rosebuds Scott R. McLaughlin (ME, 1981) welcomed grandchild Harper Reilly McLaughlin April 26, 2017, in Carmel, Ind.

Christine M. Winters (CHE, 2000) and husband, Michael J. Bach (CHE, 1999), had their second son, Eric David, Nov. 28, 2017. The family lives in Vancouver, Wash. Christine is a team leader for Pella Corp. in Portland, Ore. Mike is a packaging maintenance manager for Frito-Lay in Vancouver.

James R. Hicks (ME, 2001) and wife, Molly, welcomed their first child, Lucy Rose, March 6, 2018. The family lives in Valparaiso, Ind., where Jim is president of J.W. Hicks, Inc. Lucy’s grandfather is James W. Hicks (ME, 1973).

Rebecca L. Myers (CHE, 2002) and husband, Travis A. Moore (ME, 2002), welcomed their fourth child, Tabitha Scout, April 9, 2017. The family lives in Avon, Ind. Travis is a senior cabin engineer with American Airlines.

Alexandra A. Bowers (CS, 2003) and husband, Jeremy L. Schoen (EE, 1999), welcomed a daughter, Olivera “Olly” Victoria, Dec. 21, 2017, in Oxford, Miss., where Jeremy has recently become assistant professor of management at the University of Mississippi.

Caroline E. Andersen (ME, 2006) and husband, Charlie E. Key (CPE, 2007), had their first child, son Wesley Douglas, May 13, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Caroline works with GE Aviation while Charlie is co-founder and chief executive officer of Losant.

Benjamin J. Braun (EE, 2007) and wife had a daughter, Olivia, Dec. 31, 2017, in Berlin, Germany.

Rachael L. Hannum (BE, 2007) and husband, Patrick Lynch, had their third child, Andrew David, Feb. 24, 2018, in Granger, Ind. Andrew also is welcomed by grandfather David L. Hannum (ME, 1981) and uncle Eric D. Hannum (ME, 2012).

Eric W. Volz (ME, 2007) and wife, Emily, welcomed a son, Alexander (Alec) Gerald, Nov. 8, 2017. The family lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Eric is a patent attorney at Frost Brown Todd.

Elisha R. Gregory (BE, 2008) and husband, Ben Hough, had a son, Wyatt, Dec. 5, 2017, in Austin, Texas, where Elisha is a product development engineer for DJO Global Inc.

Cassandra (Cassie) M. Grammel (ME, 2010) and husband, Ryan C. Cummings (ME, 2010), had their first child, Avianna Rose, Feb. 22, 2018, in Indianapolis, Ind. Cassie is a design engineer with Rolls-Royce while Ryan is supervisor of calibration and system validation with Allison Transmission.

Natalie M. Freienmuth (CHEM/BCMB, 2011) and husband, Colin S. Shipley (ME, 2010), had twin daughters, Alice and Jane, Feb. 14, 2018. The family lives in Bridgeton, Mo. Colin is a senior automation engineer with Bastian Robotics.

Brian P. Lackey (EE, 2013) and wife, Katherine, had their first son, Eric Conner, July 19, 2017. The family resides in Lexington, Ky., where Brian is an electromagnetic compatibility engineer at Intertek.

Wade Stallings II (ME, 2017) and girlfriend, Kyla Lizanne Dickens, had a daughter, Karmyn Elizabeth, Feb. 21, 2018, in Indianapolis, Ind. Wade is an injection molding engineer in the devices department with Eli Lilly & Company.

Alumni News

CLASS NOTES

Weddings

Sharon S. Foltz (CHE, 2000) married Mellanye Lackey Oct. 7, 2017, in Tulsa, Okla. The couple resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jessica L. Spore (ME, 2012) married Andrew Miller Jan. 27, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. The couple resides in Whitestown, Ind. Jessica is a supply chain senior associate for Eli Lilly & Company.

Jordan S. Patterson (ME, 2016) married Kacey Miller July 22, 2017, in Seymour, Ind., where they now live. Jordan is a test engineer for Cummins. Ethan B. Murnahan (AB, 2007) married Rashmi Jha Dec. 8, 2017, in Findlay, Ohio. Ethan is an application development and technical service chemist for PolyOne Corporationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Specialty Coatings Division.

Tim Balz (ME, 2017) married Sarah Copeland on June 16, 2018, in the White Chapel on Rose-Hulmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus. The couple resides in Melbourne, Fla. Allison (Ally) J. Cross (CHE, 2010) and Adam L. Wesley (ME, 2010) were married June 2, 2017. Ally is an additives testing laboratory supervisor at Johnson Matthey. Adam is a systems design engineer for CZM Foundation Equipment. The couple resides in Savannah, Ga.

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

DOWN MEMORY LANE

WORN WITH PRIDE:

The Rose Beanie STORY BY ARTHUR FOULKES PHOTOS FROM ALUMNI & ARCHIVE

As Woodrow Wilson was settling into the White House early in 1914, Rose Polytechnic Institute’s Student Council introduced a custom that would identify first-year students of the college for generations: the Rose Beanie. For the next 60 years, these green caps with red bills became so engrained in campus culture that publications such as the Modulus yearbook and student newspaper often referred to first-year students simply as “green caps.” Being caught without your beanie often resulted in offenders being involuntarily tossed into a campus lake, usually at the hands of sophomores, the unofficial enforcers of “the beanie code.” Rose Poly students weren’t alone. Beanies were part of a national fad adopted by colleges and universities across the country. In fact, there was a time when beanies adorned first-year students at nearly every Big Ten Conference school (except the University of Iowa). At Indiana University, where the tradition started in 1913, the caps were called “pods.” At Penn State, where it started in 1906, they were called “dinks.” Of course, the tradition had an engineering twist at Rose Poly. First-year students were required to write their names on their caps in letters exactly three-quarters-of-an-inch tall. They also had to carry a small ruler at all times in order for measurement by those pesky sophomores. “If each letter was not within a one-percent tolerance, the sophomore would require the hapless freshman to do 10 pushups, or some other equally embarrassing task,” recalls Keith E. Hoover (EE, 1971). “Basically, the sophomores always found something wrong,” adds Thomas L. McLeish (MA, 1968). By the 1930s, first-year Rose students were allowed to toss their beanies into the Homecoming bonfire late each fall—but only if the traditional outhouse that topped the

First-year students wore their beanies while leading a float featuring the institute’s Rosie elephant mascot around the football field at Homecoming in the 1930s. 36

IN THIS ISSUE

DOWN MEMORY LANE

Contents

4 CAMPUS CONNECTION

COLUMNS/ FEEDBACK 2

Message from the President

Elephant Ears: Readers’ Feedback & #HowINerd

THE BUZZ

3 HOW DO YOU NERD?

Nik L. Bradley and Gregory J. Samoluk proudly wear their beanies from the Class of 1966.

12 COMING ATTRACTIONS

The Bailey Challenge

COVER STORY: THE MUZZ 4

Gathering Place

The Inside Track

A Living Wall

8 A Committed Couple

9 From Farm to Table

Beanies were fixtures on campus for more than 60 years. As with many alumni, Mark Owens still has his beanie, which adorns a statue of W.C. Fields in his home (inset).

Photo Album: The Buzz from the Muzz

structure fell through the center of the ball of flames. Otherwise, the caps remained until Thanksgiving.

While many Rose Beanies went up in flames at Homecoming, a few have survived.

ON THE COVER

Beanies Return at Union Coffee Shop

ECHOES

SUMMER 2018

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