Spring 1999

Board members Ernest Hurst and Tom Binford die

Rose-Hulman lost two longtime members of the Board of Trustees this spring with the deaths of Ernest “Ernie” Hurst and Thomas Binford.

“Rose-Hulman was fortunate to have the benefit of leadership from these two men,” said President Samuel F. Hulbert. “They helped Rose-Hulman advance its mission in various areas, and we are a better college because of their taking part in the life of our Institute.”

Tom Binford

Thomas Binford died Jan. 14, at the age of 74. He was a noted civic leader in Indianapolis who brought his leadership gifts to Rose-Hulman when he joined the Board of Trustees in 1969 and served as chairman of the board from 1975 through 1983. He received an honorary doctorate from Rose-Hulman in 1984.

Until his death, Binford was chairman of Binford & Associates, a management consulting firm. His career also included leadership positions in a lumber company and lubricant firm. He also served as director or chairman of numerous companies, including Indianapolis Power & Light Co., Boehringer Mannheim Corp, United Hospital Services, Heritage Venture Group and the Indianapolis Water Co.

Binford also had been honored for his tireless volunteer efforts as chairman, president or director of more than 25 civic organizations. One of his more visible roles was serving as chief steward of the Indianapolis 500 from 1973 to 1995.

Survivors include his wife, Kai.

Ernest Hurst

Ernest “Ernie” Hurst, a 1931 civil engineering graduate, died March 9, at the age of 90. He was co-founder of Hurst-Rosche Engineers, Inc., Hillsboro, Ill.

Hurst was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1973. He also received the Honor Alumni award in 1969.

The consulting engineering firm Hurst started in 1937 was responsible for several projects throughout the Midwest, including several miles of interstate highway.

In the 1970s, Hurst was either a chairman of the board, president or director of five engineering companies in the Midwest and abroad. The companies specialized in services in areas of structural design and construction supervision, including highways, bridges, recreation-conservation lakes and water resources.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Catherine.