Fall 2001

Richters Quickly Become Part of Rose-Hulman Community

Mark Richter will find it easy to explain to donors the benefits students receive from their Rose-Hulman educations. That’s because he’ll get a first-hand, student perspective from his son, Tom, a member of the 2001 freshman class.

Richter moved into his Templeton Alumni Center office August 1 as the new vice president for development and external affairs. He replaces Darrell Loyless, who is now vice president of the Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin.

Richter joins the Rose-Hulman administration after serving 13 years in development positions at Hillsdale College (Mich.) and Michigan State University. For the past seven years, he was executive director of the Office of Gift and Estate Planning at Hillsdale, a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of 1,200 students.

"One of the things I’m most proud of is that my son and I have entered Rose-Hulman together," said Richter. He and his wife, Libby, are also parents to Kate, a high-school senior.

"Tom’s interest in Rose-Hulman is what first drew me to the college. He received a copy of the admission viewbook and it was probably the best admissions publication I’d ever seen," he recalled. "I thought that if a college can produce a marketing piece that communicated its excellence in such a creative way, then it was a special place."

"I was especially attracted to Rose-Hulman because of the strong commitment the campus community has to excellence," said Richter. "I’ve quickly learned that everyone at Rose-Hulman is committed to continuous improvement."

Rose-Hulman President Samuel Hulbert noted that Richter has extensive leadership experience in development programs that are among the most successful in higher education.

"His talents will be vital to continuing the unprecedented progress Rose-Hulman has experienced in development and public relations," Hulbert said.

Richter said he plans to build on the successes achieved under the leadership of retired vice president Ron Reeves and Loyless. "One of our first goals is to exceed the $200 million goal of the Vision to be the Best campaign," he emphasized. "We are at $189 million, so the goal is within sight. I know the generous support of our alumni and friends will put us over the top."

The need for additional scholarship funds and donations that will build Rose-Hulman’s endowment remain top fundraising goals, according to Richter. "Rose-Hulman is behind peer institutions in regard to the resources we have in both areas," he noted.

Richter earned a law degree from Ohio Northern University and received the MBA from Capital University in Ohio. He received the bachelor of arts degree from Ohio University. Before entering higher education, Richter was a senior attorney for the Battelle Memorial Institute’s Columbus Division and director of finance and administration for the Edison Welding Institute at Battelle.

"Working with philanthropists who have a strong commitment of giving back, who want to help others and are optimistic about the future is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job," he explained.