Spring 1997
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Spring 1997 |
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"Mr. Rose-Hulman" retiring after 30 years of service to the people of his alma mater
It has meant an extraordinary relationship with an institution and its people. Dedicated employees are the norm rather than the exception at Rose-Hulman. However, Reeves’ commitment to his alma mater has even exceeded Rose-Hulman standards. "My guiding principle has been a deep belief in Rose-Hulman," says Reeves, who will retire in July from his duties as vice president for development and external affairs. "I couldn’t have done this job anywhere else. I wouldn’t have had the emotional attachment," he said.
People are the key to Reeves’ dedication and success. It’s common for those in his profession to be characterized as "people-oriented." Oftern what isn’t common is Reeves’ level of sincerity. The quality of Rose-Hulman’s people convinced him to come to Rose-Hulman as a student in 1954 and graduate four years later with a degree in electrical engineering. "Teachers like Darrell Criss, Ralph Ross and Herman Moench were important to me as a student," he recalled. Nine years later, those same people, along with Development Director John Bloxsome, convinced Reeves to leave an engineering management post at Ethyl Visqueen, a division of Union Carbide, to join the college’s staff as assistant director of development. Since then, Reeves has developed and managed fund-raising and public relations programs that have met Rose-Hulman’s ambitious goals to become a national education leader. Development goals have been achieved at Rose-Hulman that are record-setting for a college of its kind and size. Rose-Hulman’s reputation has increased dramatically to a level that the Institute is now nationally recognized as one of America’s best. "The Hulman Foundation gift in 1970 meant for the first time that the college had a stable financial foundation," he recalled. "The first F.W. Olin Foundation grant to build Olin Hall in the early 1980s initiated another new era for Rose-Hulman," he said. The momentum and successes continued with the Moench Hall renovation. In the first six months of this fiscal year, Rose-Hulman has received more donations than it did during the entire decade of the 1960s. During Reeves’ 30-year tenure, the institute has received over $165 million in gifts and pledges. His ideas for special events to involve alumni, parents of students and the local community have created a strong relationship between the institute and those important constituents. The success of those programs comes from worrying about the details. Whether its having enough seating for guests at commencement or finalizing a menu for 200 dinner guests, Reeves has always believed that quality means doing everything well. "The impact he has had on Rose-Hulman goes far beyond dollars raised or effective public relations," says President Samuel Hulbert. "Ron is truly one of Rose-Hulman’s heroes." "Because he’s been such a tireless advocate for Rose-Hulman, the institute has received an unprecedented level of recognition and support." Hulbert’s feelings about his colleague and friend are echoed by many others, including Admissions Dean Chuck Howard. "Ron Reeves represents all that’s good about Rose-Hulman. Caring, sharing, giving and, above all, always willing to put others above his own needs and desires," says Howard, who has worked with Reeves for more than 25 years. Rose-Hulman will honor Reeves at two special campus events. He will receive an honorary doctor of engineering degree May 31 during Rose-Hulman’s 1997 commencement ceremonies. On July 26, a retirement dinner in his honor is scheduled in the Hulman Union. Despite Reeve’s many responsibilities as vice president, he has always found time to be a trusted counselor, mentor and role model for students. "I wouldn’t have made it through Rose without Ron’s help," said Gary Olson (ME, ‘90), who works for Otis Elevator Co. in Bloomington, Ind. "I met Ron my first day of classes. I was in the WORX and Reeves sat down and asked how I was doing. The next thing I knew, I was employed in the Templeton Building as a work-study student," says Olson, who still seeks Reeves’ advice during monthly telephone calls. Todd Logan (ME, ‘91) said Reeves, "has helped me focus on what I wanted to do in my life. He’s always pushed me in the right direction," says Logan, who works for Mirro Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. Mirro is the world’s largest manufacturer of cookware. "No matter how busy he was, there was never a time when Ron said to come back later. He always took the time to talk to me," Logan remembers from his student days. Alpha Tau Omega fraternity has been the most important part of his Rose-Hulman "family." That association started when Reeves joined the fraternity in 1955. Three years ago, during a celebration of the fraternity’s 100th anniversary, the local chapter surprised Reeves at homecoming by naming its chapter house in his honor. It recognized his decades of service as the chapter’s adviser. He’s also been honored by the national fraternity. Reeves has served on the ATO national board of directors, and he continues as a member of its national foundation board. "One of my biggest joys is receiving Christmas cards from alumni with photos of their families," Reeves says. "If alums want to know what to get me for my retirement, just tell them to keep sending those Christmas photos," he said. "People" - again the key word when Reeves was asked to reflect on the accomplishments of his 30-year career. "To have worked with faculty I had admired as a student. "To see former students return, years after graduation, and learn how successful they’ve become. To know that Rose-Hulman has been an important influence in their lives. "To have built such a talented professional staff that is hard working and dedicated to Rose-Hulman. "Those are the things I cherish," Reeves said. Reeves believes Rose-Hulman’s people will be well served by his successor. "Rose-Hulman has recruited an outstanding professional as my replacement," Reeves stated. "Darrell Loyless is a nationally known leader among private higher-education fund-raising and public relations professionals. I’ve been impressed with his expertise as we’ve worked together to ensure a smooth transition. "I’m very confident that Darrell has the experience and the leadership talents to continue our successes," he said. "I know Rose-Hulman’s alumni and friends will give him their support. Much has changed in the institutional advancement profession since the first day Reeves walked into the Templeton Building as a 32-year-old, new, development officer. Thirty years ago, alumni giving records were kept on typed ledger sheets. Now sophisticated computer systems track alumni information. E-mail is becoming as commonplace as pledge cards. Decades ago, Rose-Hulman development campaign goals were $5 million instead of the historic $100 million Vision to be the Best campaign that Reeves now manages. One thing hasn’t changed. Ron Reeves’ belief that people are Rose-Hulman’s most important asset. A few days after being honored at his retirement dinner, his duties as vice president will end. However, even in retirement, his commitment and service to Rose-Hulman and its people will be as strong as ever. by David Piker   |
"This college offers a great education. Its people are the best," Reeves stated during an interview in his Templeton Building office.