Spring 2002
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Spring 2002 |
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For many years the frequent response to advising someone that I graduated from Rose-Hulman or Rose Poly reflected a complete lack of recognition. I have characterized the typical response as "Rose Who?", "Rose What?" or "Rose Where?". I found this most disturbing. Like most of you, I am very proud of having graduated from Rose Poly and having been a part of Rose-Hulman as an alumnus and, more recently, as a trustee. Shortly after becoming a trustee in 1989, I raised the matter of public image and public recognition of Rose-Hulman. At about the same time, President Hulbert challenged the Board of Trustees, the faculty and the administrative staff to embark on a new mission. He called that mission "Vision to be the Best." My concern at the time was even if we achieve our mission, does it really mean anything in terms of success of the school if the relevant public is unaware of that achievement. As a philosopher once said: "If the tree falls in the woods but no one hears or sees it, has anything happened?" It was agreed that the budget and resources for marketing had to be and would be increased. As a result, the staff responsible for marketing has been increased. We have been able to use outside consultants on a focused basis. The school’s publications have increased. Spreading the word regarding the achievements flowing from our "Vision to be the Best" has paid off handsomely. But I believe we can do even more. Rose-Hulman has been named the Number One private engineering school in its category for three years in a row in the U.S. News & World report college rankings survey. The freshman class has been oversubscribed even though the school competes with subsidized state schools and the pool of potential applicants has decreased. The academic profile of our freshman classes continues to improve. The retention and graduation rates have continuously increased. Job placement and starting salaries are at the highest levels. High school counselors have named Rose-Hulman as one of their favorite colleges. The capital fund drive was oversubscribed in half the allotted time. The current capital fund drive is substantially ahead of schedule. The new buildings such as the new residence hall, Myers Center for Technological Research with Industry, Hatfield Hall, White Chapel, the Sports and Recreation Center and the Olin buildings are the result of the "Vision" and increased public awareness. The same goes for the association with the Indianapolis Colts, which presents its own opportunity for marketing of the institute and its achievements. Rose-Hulman Ventures was created because of the Lilly Endowment’s awareness of our achievements. Just over two years old, Ventures is well on its way to being a resounding success. My point is that these achievements are at least in part the direct result of the potential benefactor’s awareness of Rose-Hulman achievements. Good deeds and effective marketing have had a tremendous synergistic effect. As alumni and friends of the college, each of us is an ambassador of good will for Rose-Hulman. Your achievements in business and in your personal life redound to the benefit of Rose-Hulman. Your loyalty is reflected in the percentage of alumni making annual contributions. But, I think we can carry marketing a step further, all for free. Over the years when the opportunity presents itself, I have not hesitated to mention Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, coupled with reference to the Number One standing or one of the many other achievements. Any blank look reflecting a "Rose who?" state of mind does not go unchallenged. Over the years, Rose-Hulman and what its stands for have become known to my family, friends, partners, business associates and clients. They know I am proud to have attended the college and proud to be a part of it. Please join President Hulbert and the administration in spreading the word. Our collective efforts can add a new dimension to the marketing of the institute. If all 10,000 of us help spread the word, who knows, Rose-Hulman soon could become a national household name.
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