 |
|
Continuing Tradition: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology freshmen work together to construct the base of this year's homecoming bonfire, which will be set ablaze following the pep rally and fireworks display on Friday night. Bonfire building has been a freshman homecoming tradition on campus.
|
Thousands of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology alumni will return to reunite with former classmates, visit professors and staff members, and reconnect with their alma mater during the college’s homecoming on Friday through Sunday, Oct. 3-5. Not surprisingly, “Reunite – Reconnect” is the theme of this year’s event.
Eighty events are planned throughout the three days, according to Brian Dyer, director of alumni affairs. Alumni have been making reservations for the past two months to attend events.
“There’s a special bond between Rose-Hulman and its alumni. The college played a significant role in many of our alumni’s lives, and our alumni appreciate and cherish that role,” states Dyer. “Friendships were made during college that has continued as long as 50 years later. Several met their spouses on campus or in the community. Others met their business partners and clients at Rose-Hulman.”
And, there’s also a lot of tradition, with current freshman students building the homecoming bonfire, topped by an outhouse; the pep rally, cheer and spirit banner contests on Friday night; and induction into the 50-Plus Club for members of the Class of 1958 on Saturday evening. Several 1958 classmates will also be honored on Saturday at a recognition luncheon for the college’s last undefeated football team (8-0).
Eight Alumni Receiving Honor & Young Alumni Awards
 |
 |
|
Jim Benzing
|
Baron Gemmer
|
 |
 |
|
Jerry Matthews
|
Joe Witulski
|
The Alumni Awards Breakfast on Saturday will feature eight alumni receiving Honor Alumni and Distinguished Young Alumni Awards, and a faculty and staff member earning honorary alumni status from the Alumni Association.
Receiving the Honor Alumni Award for their loyal, unselfish and meritorious service in furthering the interest of Rose-Hulman; contributing to the national interest of our country; or professional achievement will be:
Jim Benzing, a 1977 mechanical engineering graduate who is principal engineer for advanced product and processes technology with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company;
Baron Gemmer, a 1985 electrical engineering and computer science alumnus who is owner and president of Innovative Corporate Solutions, Inc.;
Jerry Matthews, a 1977 mechanical engineering major and region vice president of Southern California Operations for Frito-Lay;
Joe Witulski, a 1988 mathematics alumnus who is staff engineer with ITT Corporation.
Earning the Distinguished Young Alumni Award as graduates from the last 10 years with notable endeavors in the areas of career achievement, continued education, community service and/or commitment to Rose-Hulman will be:
 |
 |
|
Elizabeth Hagerman
|
Dan Hohne
|
 |
 |
|
Nellie Hohne
|
Bill McKenna
|
Elizabeth Hagerman, a 2000 chemical engineering graduate who is manager of technical assessment for Baxter Bioscience;
Dan Hohne, a 1999 chemical engineering alumnus who is technical operations associate for Bristol Myers-Squibb;
Nellie Hohne, a 1999 mechanical engineering graduate who is a powertrain noise and vibration engineer for General Motors Corporation;
Bill McKenna, a 2002 computer science and mathematics alumnus who is a patent attorney with Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, McNett & Henry LLP.
Alumni have selected Fred Berry, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and Sue Dayhuff, ECE secretary, to receive the Honorary Alumni Awards.
Self Made Man Sculpture Being Dedicated; Donated by Mutchners
 |
|
Self-Made Man Sculpture
|
The Self Made Man Sculpture, donated by John and Norma Mutchner, will be dedicated on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Sports and Recreation Center (SRC). The sculpture features a “man carving himself out of stone, carving his future.”
John Mutchner, Rose-Hulman’s former athletic director and coach, was struck by the sculpture and how it depicted the efforts of the young men and women who are carving their futures with a Rose-Hulman education.
The Mutchners have had a long relationship with Rose-Hulman. John Mutchner served as basketball, baseball and tennis coach, and athletic director. His teams had a 341-295 record in 25 seasons as basketball coach, setting a school record for career coaching wins, and made four postseason appearances. An innovator, Mutchner brought “The Cannons” to Shook Fieldhouse and took his teams on many exotic trips, including the first trip by an American college team to play in Russia.
Former student-athletes Don Ings and Roger Ward will join Rose-Hulman President Gerald S. Jakubowski in making expressions of appreciation at the dedication ceremony.
The sculpture was created by artist Bobbie Carlyle.
Reunions & Al Schmidt Reception Among Other Events
 |
|
Brushing Up Campus: More than 150 members of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Greek community joined President Gerald S. Jakubowski before getting their work assignments for last Saturday's Brush Up For Homecoming event.
|
Other major homecoming events include reunions for Rose-Hulman’s classes of 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998; academic open houses, the football game (vs. Manchester College), a reception for the Friends of Al Schmidt, a longtime math professor; and the 50-Plus Club’s Golden Gala.
To help the campus get prepared for these events, members of Rose-Hulman’s Greek community had a Brush Up For Homecoming event last Saturday on campus. More than 150 students participated in this event.
|
