updated January 23, 2008

Students at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology will learn about power engineering in a more interactive, multimedia curriculum setting and an upgraded, expanded laboratory -- thanks, in part, to a $100,000 grant from the Vectren Foundation. The grant provides for a substantive upgrade and expansion of its power curriculum and laboratory infrastructure.

Supporting Rose-Hulman: Vectren Corporation and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology officials announce a grant that provides for a substantive upgrade and expansion of the college's power curriculum and laboratory. Attending were (from left) Cliff Grigg, professor of electrical and computer engineering; Fred Berry, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Ellis Redd, vice president of human resources for Vectren Corporation; Jim Cox, chief engineering for Vectren electrical transmission and distribution; Adam Tieman (Elect. Eng., '03), engineer in Vectren electric system planning; and Art Western, vice president of academic affairs and dean of faculty.

“Our existing power-energy laboratory was last renovated in 1987,” said Fred Berry, head of Rose-Hulman’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “The modern equipment and instrumentation will be installed in a state-of-the-art studio laboratory configuration, with the school’s computing network, so that students can use their laptop computers to interact with material presented in an interactive learning environment.

Berry continued: “Our students will be able to move quickly and easily from the presentation of theory and principle, problem recognition and solution to hands-on experience with applications using modern lab equipment.”

The grant will help re-equip the 13 work benches in the power-energy laboratory and transform the existing lab into a studio classroom/laboratory setup. Modern lab equipment and new instrumentation tools, such as oscilloscopes, multimeters and electrical current probes, will allow larger numbers of students to use the laboratory, according to Berry. The grant leverages other grants Rose-Hulman has received to create and establish course infrastructure, in which students learn the basics of electromagnetism, energy conversion, power systems operations, dynamics, controls and harmonics using interactive software/simulation units and working through problem sessions and multimedia case studies.

“We hope this new interactive teaching method, combined with modern lab equipment and new instrumentation tools, will attract students’ interest in careers in the power industry, an industry that may be seen as mature in its technology,” said Niel Ellerbrook, Vectren chairman and chief executive officer. “However, that is far from the truth. Given increasing environmental legislation, increasing energy demands and renewable energy solutions, today’s utilities use state-of-the-art technology with everything from boiler mechanics to emission controls.

Ellerbrook continued: “Although electric transmission and distribution systems are based on universal principles, we use advanced control technologies that entry-level engineers need to be able to understand.”

These new interactive learning experiences in the lab will be supplemented by lectures by practicing industry engineers, plant visits and summer internship and co-operative learning experiences that will better prepare Rose-Hulman graduates to make early career contributions, according to Art Western, vice president of academic affairs and dean of faculty. Currently, there are 188 Rose-Hulman graduates working in 10 major Midwestern energy companies, including six that work for Vectren.

The Future Is Now: Ellis Redd, vice president of human resources for Vectren Corporation, learns about the state-of-the-art studio laboratory at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology from Joseph Dunn, a senior electrical engineering major from Indianapolis.

“Rose-Hulman is pleased to recognize Vectren as a ‘lead investor’ in advancing the cause of energy education,” said Rose-Hulman President Gerald S. Jakubowski. “Our faculty members want to provide the best education to the young men and women who will become our engineers of tomorrow. Vectren’s generous support is helping us realize that goal.”

Ellerbrook added: “It was apparent that we could play a role in this educational endeavor, especially as it relates to the shortage of engineers many industries are facing. We are pleased to help provide students with this unique learning environment –- where theory and application, knowledge and hands-on experience are combined.”

Rose-Hulman is one of the top undergraduate engineering, science and mathematics colleges in the country. To learn more about Rose-Hulman, visit the college’s Web site at http://www.rose-hulman.edu.

Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than one million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectren's nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the Midwest and Southeast. These include gas marketing and related services; coal production and sales; and energy infrastructure services. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.