< Back to
Rose-Hulman Commencement, 2011
< Back to all News
Faculty & Staff Honored for Outstanding Performances
May 31, 2011
Faculty and staff members were recognized for their outstanding
teaching, research and service during Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology's 133rd commencement on May 28.
 |
|
| Jim Mayhew |
|
Jim Mayhew, associate professor of mechanical
engineering, received the Dean's
Outstanding Teacher Award. A member of the Rose-Hulman
faculty since 1999,
Mayhew's scholarly interests include heat transfer applications in
advanced gas turbine engines.
Mayhew is praised by his students for his respectful approach and
engaging all students in the classroom in the learning
process. Students comment that Mayhew "brings passion,
intellect and wit to the classroom," according to Bill Schindel,
chair of the Board of Trustees' Academic Affairs Committee.
Mayhew earned a bachelor's degree at Syracuse University and a
master's degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
He taught for several years at the Air Force Academy in Colorado
Springs before completing a doctorate degree in mechanical
engineering at the University of California-Davis.
 |
|
| Ed Wheeler |
|
Ed Wheeler, associate professor of electrical
and computer engineering, received the Board of Trustees Scholar
Award for representing the highest standards of academic
scholarship and serving as a role model for professional
development. He has become an expert in the fields of
electro-magnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency
signals.
Wheeler's professional activities center on novel techniques for
measuring and modeling electromagnetic fields as well as signal
interference applications in motor starters and drives. His
work has attracted support from several outside agencies, including
Rockwell Automation, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the
National Science Foundation. He was a member of the
faculty team that authored a successful proposal to the Keck
Foundation that founded the college's MEMS Laboratory.
Wheeler is also known for including undergraduate students in his
research. He and several student co-authors have published 14
conference papers since 2008 and these experiences have inspired
several of his students to pursue graduate studies.
"Professor Wheeler translates the benefits of his research
activities back to the classroom," stated Bill Fenoglio, chairman
of the Board of Trustees. "He, along with colleagues, have
improved courses and developed labs in the areas of EMC and signal
integrity -- and one such lab will be constructed this
summer."
Wheeler earned his bachelor's degree at Rose-Hulman in 1982 before
earning master's and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering
from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He joined the
Rose-Hulman faculty in 1999.
 |
|
| Kevin Hewerdine |
|
Kevin Hewerdine, director career services and
employer relations, earned the President's Outstanding Service
Award in recognition of extraordinary contributions to the
college's students, faculty and staff. In his 11 years on
campus, Hewerdine has helped over 4,800 graduates achieve their
career aspirations. The college has a proud track record of
nearly 90 percent job placement by commencement each year. He
has incorporated new technology in the office's operations that
assists students in gaining skills critical to their job search,
and he has sought out and brought to the campus new companies who
are interested in hiring students for full time, internship and
co-op positions.
"Kevin truly cares for our students and does all that he can to
assist them in joining the work force or attending the graduate
school of their choice," stated President Matt Branam. "He
has helped Rose-Hulman progress through good and bad times with
little impact on our graduates."