Summer 2007

Inauguration Continues Legacy of Excellence

The increasing national reputation Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has earned the past two decades has created expectations of the college to achieve a higher level of educational leadership, overall excellence and increased impact on the world, Rose- Hulman President Gerald Jakubowski said during his Inaugural Address.

Jakubowski urged the Rose- Hulman community to “dream and to dream big. We are not limited by our ideas, we are only limited by time and resources,” he told a crowd of 1,100 who attended his official installation as the 13th president of Rose- Hulman. Among those attending the ceremony were 32 delegates representing colleges and universities ranging from Harvard University in Boston to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Speakers included representatives from national education organizations; Rose-Hulman faculty, staff, students and alumni; as well as members of the Terre Haute community. Former Rose-Hulman President Samuel Hulbert was among the honored guests and spoke at the ceremony.

Jakubowski dedicated his inauguration to his deceased parents, Chester and Pauline. He noted that he was the first person in his family to attend college after being urged throughout his formative years by his parents to become an engineer.

The installation ceremony was the highlight of a three-day schedule of events to mark the installation of a new Rose-Hulman president and celebrate the college’s past and current successes as well as the people who were leaders in achieving those successes. The inauguration theme was “Continuing Our Legacy of Excellence.”

“Rose-Hulman has never been shy at trying new things,” he noted. “Without change and continued evolution, Rose-Hulman would not be the outstanding educational institution it is today,” Jakubowski told the audience gathered in the Sports and Recreation Center.

He said the future of Rose- Hulman will be guided by a strategic plan that is near completion. “It will be a dynamic plan that will guide us to the 140th anniversary of this institution in 2014. Excellence, leadership and impact must be at the very heart of our strategic plan,” Jakubowski emphasized during his 30-minute speech.

“The technical and scientific talents of students like those in our audience today, and those we will educate in the future, will be critical to the future quality of life in America including our economic strength, prosperity, health, security and our role as a global leader,” he remarked.

He said Rose-Hulman should adapt its educational programs to changes occurring in the engineering and science professions. Trends that include sustainable, renewable sources; continued globalization; and broader career options for graduates.

Jakubowski said Rose-Hulman has an obligation to continue “our legacy of excellence created by past contributions made by many others during the history of this college.” He cited Chauncey Rose, the Hulman family, Carl Mees, Herman Moench and Samuel F. Hulbert to whom he directed special praise.

“Sam, your devotion and leadership to this institution will forever be remembered for the incredible impact you had on making Rose-Hulman what it is today, and the extraordinary influence you continue to have on Rose-Hulman and its people,” Jakubowski stated.

Jakubowski said Rose-Hulman must give serious thoughts to its role as a leader. “In many aspects, we have been a leader in engineering and science education, and we are seen as an educational leader by other institutions. However, our leadership role has to expand and grow. Leadership should be at the core of everything we strive to accomplish,” he emphasized.

He cited the leadership of alumni, faculty, staff and students. Jakubowski singled out alumni who have been honored at the White House as some of the nation’s most important engineers or scientists, and young alumni who are working on the latest missions to explore Mars. Faculty and staff were praised for not only being exceptional professionals, but for their deep concern for the well being of Rose-Hulman students.

He described as “amazing” the talents of Rose-Hulman students that go beyond their academic abilities to the excellent talents they exhibit as singers, actors and actresses, and their concern for helping others in this country and internationally.

Jakubowski concluded his 30-minute inaugural speech by saying, “Together we have much to do. Together we have many dreams to achieve. If we think big, big things will happen.

“I’m very optimistic about the future of this institution. We have an exceptional team here at Rose-Hulman. It’s my privilege and honor to be a part of this team and this community.”

A video of the entire 90-minute installation ceremony and photos highlighting the event can be accessed at http://www.rose-hulman.edu/president/