Spring 1997

Board pays tribute to Hulberts' commitment

It is past the time to permanently honor Sam and Joy Hulbert. When I was asked to assess the impact of Sam Hulbert on the eve of his 20th anniversary as Rose-Hulman’s president, without reservation I replied: "Because of the increasing complexities in running a top-notch college, no one person can any longer be expected to have all of the qualities of the perfect president. Effective stewardship requires a college’s top leadership to include a rousing public speaker, a persistent fund-raiser, a respected scholar, a motivator of people, a patient manager of faculty and staff, a role model to students, a budget balancer, and a visionary strategist. At Rose we have been led for over 20 years by men who have these skills. They are: Sam Hulbert, Sam Hulbert, Sam Hulbert...."

You will see that I did not list among the qualities of a perfect president a duty to make a substantial contribution of personal net worth to the school he serves. That is not expected of a college president. However, Sam and Joy have gone way beyond the call of duty by contributing a substantial portion of their assets to Rose-Hulman, making them among the all-time leaders in total contributions to the Institute. Sam and Joy have now assured their continued help in perpetuity.

With this in mind, I would like to share with the Rose-Hulman community an important announcement. My report to the Board of Trustees at its February meeting included the following:

The past two decades will be known as a time of tremendous growth and improvement in every area at Rose-Hulman. That progress is due to exceptional leadership. Leadership provided by an exceptional person, Sam Hulbert.

Rose-Hulman has become a national leader. Our students are among the nation’s brightest. Our faculty are honored as America’s best teachers. Our alumni are achievers of outstanding abilities.

Support to continue Rose-Hulman’s success has reached levels none of us would have imagined. Twenty years ago, gifts to the Institute were only $990,000 for the entire fiscal year. This year’s donations will top $10 million.

Not only are Sam and Joy tireless advocates on Rose-Hulman’s behalf, they are now among the Institute’s most significant donors. It is highly unusual for a college or university president and his wife to provide this level of financial support.

As Sam and Joy begin their third decade at Rose-Hulman, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees believes it’s an appropriate time to honor Sam for his outstanding leadership.

It's my pleasure to recommend to the Board of Managers that the competition gymnasium in the Alumni Center for Athletics and Recreation be named the Hulbert Arena.

The recommendation was moved, seconded and unanimously carried with enthusiasm and gratitude.