Fall 1998

Staying true to the course

As Rose-Hulman begins its 125th year, our focus remains on the student learning

experience, a philosophy we've practiced from our inception.

by President Samuel F. Hulbert

“The greatest solicitude will be ever cherished here about the quality of the teaching. It is not intended that students shall find more assiduous or competent teaching in the various branches of the course than will be constantly found in this Institute.”   - Charles O. Thompson, Rose-Hulman’s first president

As Rose-Hulman begins its 125th year this fall I am pleased to find your college and my college has stayed true to the course set by President Thompson in his inaugural address. The focus on student learning remains the core of the Rose-Hulman experience. Every decision we make should be based on making Rose-Hulman a better place for the students. If something does not help the students, it should not be incorporated into the Rose-Hulman learning environment.

The college follows the path set for it at its inception — students first. The past year indicates we have been successful in meeting that mission. We have cause to celebrate on several fronts, from outstanding classroom/laboratory instruction to real-world experiences through student projects to strong placement to our second-best year in fund raising. Rose-Hulman continues to improve.

Student achievements from the last year could fill a complete issue of Echoes; so I’ll edit that list to give you a flavor of the success we have enjoyed:

• Our student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers was named the best in the nation;

• David Wallace, a senior chemical engineering major , was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to study at the University of Marburg, Germany;

• An Indianapolis-based company continues to rave about a project two of our computer science students (Chris Heacock and Justin Morey) did for it that is key to the development of an artificial pancreas;

• Rose-Hulman teams once again excelled in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling, with two teams earning meritorious honors and another receiving honorable mention;

• Mechanical engineering major Adam Jacob captured first-place honors in the Student Paper Contest at the 35th Annual Rocky Mountain Symposium, attended by engineers, scientists and physicians from all over the world; and

• Ryan Loftus was named National College Division Academic All-American of the Year among spring athletes.

Those are just a few of the student success stories that provide the evidence and justification for our existence. Our students are successful because they learn. They bring an eagerness to learn, and become problem-solvers and innovators. Their success is a testimonial to the faculty in the classroom and to the staff who have played a part in their lives at Rose-Hulman. Teaching is not limited to the labs and classrooms. Our faculty serve as role models outside the classroom along with the staff who work in the residence halls, the library, the student affairs office, as advisers to student groups, and as athletic coaches. Real-life engineering and science projects and participation in student organizations also play a role in teaching team work and interpersonal skills.

The Rose-Hulman environment must promote learning at all levels. We should not turn out only technically proficient engineers and scientists. We should also develop good community leaders. The support we receive from external constituencies proves they like what is happening at Rose-Hulman:

• Rose-Hulman’s visibility continues to grow throughout the nation;

• We had to establish a waiting list for this year’s incoming freshman class because so many students wanted to take advantage of a Rose-Hulman education;

• Placement of our graduates is running strong, with 40 percent of them receiving signing bonuses;

• Our Vision to be the Best campaign is ahead of schedule, closing in on its $100 million goal;

• The senior exit poll found record satisfaction with many areas; and

• Alumni giving in 1997-98 jumped from 39 percent to 47 percent.

Those achievements are wonderful for bragging rights, and I have to admit I have been rightfully accused and found guilty of boastful cheerleading in the accomplishments of Rose-Hulman. Those achievements have resulted in more publicity and financial support for the Institute, but they add up to zero if they do not help make this college a better place for our students. Fortunately, we have been able to maintain that focus to ensure that such endeavors enhance our ability to enrich the learning environment.

“Students first” sounds simple enough, but it takes people who embrace that guiding principle to turn concept into reality. I consider it a privilege to be able to serve with faculty and staff who have dedicated their lives to the students and to optimizing the learning experience. My colleagues could be making more money in the private sector, but they have chosen to have a greater impact on our society through the education of tomorrow’s engineers and scientists.

Charles O. Thompson would be pleased to see we continue to cherish the quality of our teaching, which is reflected in all aspects of our learning environment.