Summer 2004

386 Degrees Awarded At 126th Commencement

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology presented special awards to six new graduates, two faculty and a staff member during the college's 126th commencement ceremonies (May 29). Rose-Hulman also awarded 337 bachelor of science, 44 master's and five honorary degrees.

Three graduating seniors were presented with the Heminway Medal, which is given to an undergraduate who earned the highest grade-point average. Recipients were Elizabeth Cozzie, an applied biology graduate from Ely, Iowa; Alex Kutsenok, a computer science major from Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Bradley Woodcox, a mechanical engineering major from Butler, Ind. Each earned perfect 4.0 grade-point averages during their four years at Rose-Hulman.

Andrew Batta, of Brookville, Ind., was presented with the John Tuller Royse Award; Jillian Kurdys received the Herman Moench Distinguished Senior Commendation, and Scott Ohlmiller was named the recipient of the award for the most outstanding master's thesis.

The Dean's Outstanding Teacher Award was presented to Galen Duree, assistant professor of physics and optical engineering. Richard Stamper, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, received the Board of Trustees Scholar Award. The recipient of the President's Outstanding Service Award was Tim Prickel, the college's registrar.

Batta graduated magna cum laude and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He received the award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities.

Kurdys, of Carmel, Ind., was honored as the senior with the most outstanding potential for professional achievement. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

Ohlmiller received the graduate thesis award for his work titled Programmable Linear Threshold Circuits for Use in Field Programmable Gate Arrays.

Duree teaches courses that include laser systems and applications, electro optics, modern physics, physical optics, and holography and photography. He also assists students with directed and thesis research.

Stamper was honored for his scholarly work that involves Rose-Hulman students in his research and published works. His three patents and patent applications list student co-inventors.

Prickel, a 24-year veteran of the Rose-Hulman staff, was honored for his service to the campus community and alumni.

In addition to the special awards, honorary degrees were bestowed upon retiring Rose-Hulman President Samuel Hulbert, his wife, Joy; Ben Brian, vice president of research and development, Radiant Medical Inc.; Michael Hatfield, founder and chief strategy officer, Calix Inc.; and Jeffrey McCreary, senior vice president, manager, worldwide sales and marketing, Texas Instruments.

Hulbert has had an exceptional career in higher education and as an internationally known biomedical engineer. Joy Hulbert was honored for her dedication as a mother, community and campus volunteer leader. They served Rose-Hulman for 28 years.

Brian, 1982 Rose-Hulman alumnus, was honored for his development of new medical devices that hold promise for significant improvement in the treatments available to heart disease and stroke patients. He led the development and manufacturing of a compact heart-lung bypass system which improves patient care during open-heart surgery.

Hatfield is a successful entrepreneur and engineer who founded Calix, Inc., a leading supplier of telecommunications solutions designed to simplify all aspects of voice, data and video service delivery for local exchange carriers of all sizes. He also co-founded and was chief operating officer of Cerent Corp., an industry leader in high-speed optical transport. He is a 1984 Rose-Hulman graduate.

McCreary, who earned a Rose-Hulman degree in 1979, is responsible for directing Texas Instruments' worldwide account management and sales, field deployed applications support and channel marketing activities that generate $10 billion in annual sales. He oversees 1,000 employees. Prior to being named senior vice president, he was vice president, Americas sales and marketing.