It didn't take long for Matt Branam to make a difference, and his enduring legacy upon "his school" is yet to be fully realized. Rose-Hulman's 14th president died unexpectedly on April 20 at the age of 57 and left a mark on campus and in people's hearts that continues to be deep and wide. He was a great friend who helped lead many positive changes over three years. This period of rapid improvement, growth, and change featured the following achievements:

  Changing Campus Landscape-New construction featured the recently completed 240-bed residence hall, the campus' first LEED Silver-certified building; the new William Alfred Cook Laboratory for Bioscience Research, a showcase to the growing emphasis in the biological sciences; and last year's opening of the 16,000-square-foot Student Innovation Center (being dedicated in honor of Branam during Homecoming). There's also the renovation of Skinner Hall, creating more campus housing for female fraternity members; the addition of five new state-of-the-art classrooms in Myers Hall, expanding classroom technology availability; the redesign of the John A. Logan Library, Moench Hall and Olin Hall, providing more study space; and a new outdoor Root Quadrangle amphitheater, opening this fall.

  New Academic Areas-Home for Environmentally Responsible Engineers, Independent Project/Research Opportunities Program, and the Center for Diversity were new academic initiatives conceived and staffed. A new competition team was added-International Genetically Engineered Machines-and the institute was one of 15 North American

teams selected to participate in the second generation of the EcoCAR innovative vehicle design challenge. New curricular programs include second majors in computational science and international studies, and new dual-degree master's programs

forged partnerships with leading international universities. We also hosted the first Making Academic Change Happen workshop this summer.

Michio Kaku, and inventor Dean Kamen, were brought to campus. Rose-Hulman Ventures celebrated its 10-year anniversary with the spectacular "A Decade of Innovation" gala in downtown Indianapolis. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels was the first recipient of our Excellence in Innovation Award. Branam led campus contingents to Italy and Japan for first-hand examinations of innovative engineering and education initiatives.

  Leadership Reorganization-Fresh faces and new ideas were spread across many campus areas. The academic leadership
was transformed with Phillip Cornwell, Ph.D., being named the first Vice President for Academic Affairs; William Kline, Ph.D., as the first Dean of Innovation and Engagement; and Elizabeth Hagerman (ChE, 2000), Ph.D., joined the President's Cabinet as the first Vice President of Rose-Hulman Ventures. Other new leaders were Mary G. Barr, as the first Vice President of Communications and Marketing, and Rickey N. McCurry, J.D., as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. New associate deans of global programs and online learning will expand educational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff members.

  Strategic Thinking-A strategic focus toward enrollment management helped the institute recruit three of our largest freshman classes in history. We're anticipating a record 620 freshmen this fall. Rose-Hulman Ventures has now achieved economic sustainability. We're reaching out to help build stronger Indiana communities, and the Office of Career Services