Spring 2002

White Chapel Draws Praise During Fall Dedication

As a capacity crowd of 200 guests listened to music and speakers during the Oct. 7 dedication of the new John R. and Elizabeth L. White Chapel, it was apparent why the chapel has quickly become one of the most popular buildings at Rose-Hulman.  The chapel's design and inspirational purpose drew praise from everyone attending the dedication event.

The 5,000-square-foot, wedge-shaped building features stainless steel exterior panels.  Among the chapel's stunning features is its east end made entirely of glass
that creates stunning view across the campus lake.   The chapel was designed by VOA Associates of Chicago.

White Chapel serves as a non-denominational facility to meet the inspirational and spiritual needs of the campus community.  The chapel was made possible by a
$1.5 million lead gift from the late John White and his wife, Elizabeth of Terre Haute.   John was a 1947 Rose-Hulman mechanical engineering graduate.  In 1997, Rose-Hulman presented him with an honorary doctor of engineering degree.  He was founder and president of Hydro-Power Inc. in Terre Haute.  He died Nov. 23 in Terre Haute.  His son, Steve is a 1973 Rose-Hulman graduate.  The White's granddaughter, Anne Trueblood, is a Rose-Hulman junior.

The dedication included expressions of gratitude to the White family from Rose-Hulman President Samuel Hulbert, Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Don Scott and Student Government Association President Casey Behringer. Others thanked for their support to make the White Chapel a reality were alumni Fred Goetsch, Jr. ('57), Alfred Schmidt ('49), and George Kyle ('48) along with Marian White Woosley, Vic Vickery of VOA Associates, and the Bruce Walsh ('26) Trust.

The dedication featured the Rose-Hulman Chorus performing, "Let There Be Peace on Earth," "Amazing Grace," and "America the Beautiful."   Mechanical engineering professor Andy Mech was a featured soloist.  Delivering inspirational readings were Rose-Hulman students Ryan Brown and Teresa Neal along with mechanical engineering professor Patricia Brackin.

Several weddings involving Rose-Hulman alumni have occurred in the chapel since its opening Aug. 25.  The building has already been honored for innovation and
excellence by the Associated General Contractors of Indiana.