Summer 2008

Class of 2008 Encouraged to Make A Difference

Members of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s 2008 graduating class were encouraged to utilize their unique problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial spirits to make a difference in their careers and communities during the college’s 130th commencement on Saturday, May 24.

Joining Rose-Hulman’s list of nearly 12,000 worldwide alumni were 412 from the Class of 2008. President Gerald Jakubowski presented degrees to 376 bachelor of science graduates and 36 master’s degrees candidates. Another 28 students participated in commencement, but won’t receive their diplomas until completing graduation requirements this summer or next fall.

The college’s commitment to helping others and showcasing scholarly excellence was commended by commencement speaker, U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth. “America needs your minds. We need your talents and your training, your compassion and your creativity. We need you to take what you have learned here, roll up your sleeves, and make a commitment to leave this world a better place than when you found it,” stated Ellsworth, who is in his first term of serving Indiana’s Eighth District after 24 years in law enforcement. “I hope you choose to take up the challenges America faces and make them your own.” Ellsworth received an honorary of doctor of humane letters.

Jakubowski noted that “Rose-Hulman has prepared you to enter the workforce or attend graduate school; to become productive employees; and to be contributing members of society... Let me assure you that you are ready and prepared to venture forward. It’s time for you to go out and enrich the world.”

Five graduates received the Heminway Medal for earning the highest grade point average during their four years at Rose- Hulman. Achieving perfect 4.0 GPAs were Samantha Dick of Fort Wayne, who earned degrees in biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering, with a minor in Japanese; Peter Outcalt of Cincinnati, Ohio, who earned degrees in computer science, software engineering and mathematics; Robert Lemke Oliver of Madison, Wis., a mathematics graduate; Amanda Grantz of Rapid City, S.D., a chemical engineering graduate; and Aaron Meles of Otsego, Mich., a mechanical engineering graduate.

Dick also received the John Tuller Royse Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities. She performed undergraduate research at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and with the Joint Replacement Surgeons of Indiana Research Foundation; has been an officer in numerous organizations, including the Delta Delta Delta sorority, the Rose- Hulman Chorus and the Biomedical Engineering Society; was a tutor in the learning center and served various social causes. She will be an intern at Stryker Medical in Kalamazoo, Mich., for the summer before returning to Rose-Hulman for master’s degree studies.

Emily Albert of Decatur, Ill., received the Herman Moench Distinguished Senior Commendation, voted by faculty and staff members. The award honors a student of exemplary character who has been influential in making Rose-Hulman a better place. Albert was president of the Student Government Association, vice president of the Blue Key Honor Society, secretary for the Student Alumni Association, publicity co-chair for the 2006 Career Fair and a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She also was a tutor in the Percopo residence hall learning center, served as a counselor for the Fast Track Calculus program, and helped organize the first College Relay for Life in Terre Haute for the American Cancer Society. Albert earned degrees in chemical engineering and biochemistry/molecular biology.

Darin Voorhies of Bloomington, Ind., received the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award for his biomedical engineering thesis on “A Technique for Tracking Fluorescent Microspheres for the Determination of Retinal Arteriolar Blood Flow in Rats.” Jameel Ahmed, associate professor of applied biology and biomedical engineering, was Voorhies’ faculty advisor.

Bill Weiner, associate professor of applied biology and biomedical engineering, received the Dean’s Outstanding Teacher Award from Arthur Western, vice president of academic affairs and dean of faculty.

Julia Williams, professor of English and executive director of the Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment, received the Board of Trustees Outstanding Scholar Award honor from Robert Bright, chair of Rose-Hulman’s Board of Trustees.

Bunny Nash, manager of Hatfield Hall and director of student performing arts, received the President’s Outstanding Service Award from Jakubowski.