Fall 2001
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Fall 2001 |
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The 2001 graduating class at Rose-Hulman was told that they are challenged with nothing less than defining the 21st century. That challenge to the 350 students receiving bachelor’s or master’s degrees was voiced by commencement speaker David Swain, senior vice president of engineering and technology and president of Phantom Works at the Boeing Co. Swain was one six who received an honorary degree during the college’s 123rd commencement May 26 in the Sports and Recreation Center. Six faculty, students and staff received special awards. Swain told graduates they will have a significant impact on this century because, "Science and technology are dominant in determining the conditions of mankind, and you are the leaders of tomorrow." Students receiving special honors were: Kevin Schaaf, Heminway Gold Medal for highest grade point average; Tonya Cole, John Tuller Royse Award; and Karen Hill, Herman Moench Distinguished Senior Commendation. The Dean’s Outstanding Teacher Award was presented to Roger Lautzenheiser, professor of mathematics. Phillip Cornwell, associate professor of mechanical engineering, received the Board of Trustees Outstanding Scholar Award. Linda Gilbert, assistant to Rose-Hulman President Samuel Hulbert was the recipient of the President’s Outstanding Service Award. In addition to Swain, other honorary degree recipients were Rose-Hulman alumni Robert Bright, (’57, Chem.E.), retired division vice president, Electrical Specialties Division, 3M Company, Austin, Texas; Robert Cooney (’48, C.E.), retired director of public works for the State of Indiana, Naples, Fla.; and William Schindel, (’69, Math), president, International Centers for Telecommunications Technology, Terre Haute. Joining them as honorary degree recipients was Terre Haute Honey Creek Middle School mathematics teacher Robert Fischer.
Til. Just mention his first name and it would bring a smile to the face of former Rose-Hulman student athletes. And, it wouldn’t take them long to tell a "Til story." He was more than just an athletic trainer to Rose-Hulman student-athletes and coaches. "Til was a Rose-Hulman institution," recalls former Rose-Hulman athletic director and basketball coach John Mutcher. Til retired in 1987. Til passed away Sept. 5 in Melbourne, Fla. "Every school needs a Til Panaranto, but Rose-Hulman got the only one," says Mutchner. "He was a unique and special person. Til was a father, counselor and friend to our student-athletes. When they were disappointed, Til always had the ability to say the right things to give them a lift. When alumni learned of Til’s illness, the response in the form of cards to him and emails to Mutchner was tremendous, according to Mutchner. "He received more than a 125 cards in just a few days." The Til Panaranto Memorial Fund has been established at Rose-Hulman. Donations should be sent to the Rose-Hulman Development Office, 5500 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Ind. 47803. A memorial service in Til’s honor was conducted on campus at the White Chapel during Homecoming weekend. Among those attending was his wife, Florence. Til was in the first group of honorees inducted into the Rose-Hulman Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. He received the President’s Outstanding Service Award presented at commencement to a staff member who has devoted exceptional service to the college. In September, the Rose-Hulman Board of Trustees passed a resolution naming the Rose-Hulman athletic training facility in the Sports and Recreation Center in Til’s honor. The facility will be dedicated in Til’s honor during the basketball season.
Robert and Louise Kahn have announced a challenge gift that will match alumni donations totaling $100,000 toward a $1.1 million goal to renovate the outdoor track surrounding Phil Brown Field. The poor condition of the track has prevented Rose-Hulman from having a home varsity track meet for the past seven years. "Our goal is to raise the funds during the next six months so construction can begin in March," Rose-Hulman President Samuel Hulbert stated. The construction schedule is important because Rose-Hulman is slated to host the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference scoring and timing systems, moving the north bleachers, construction of storm water lines and basins, and upgrades that would enhance the condition of the football field. Robert Kahn, chairman of the board for St. Clair Resources, is a 1939 Rose-Hulman chemical engineering graduate. In 1981, Kahn received an honorary doctor of engineering degree from Rose-Hulman. Two large meeting rooms in the Hulman Union are named in the Kahns honor for their longtime support of Rose-Hulman. Alumni who want to contribute to the track renovation project and have their gifts matched by the Kahn’s challenge should contact Bruce Landis, director of development, at 812-877-8444 or at Bruce.Landis@Rose-Hulman.Edu.
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