Why Rose is awesome

Rose-Hulman is awesome. That’s why each of you are here. Everyone here knows we’ve been ranked #1 in several categories for our academic programs, and you may have heard that ABET was surprised when students told them how available and eager professors are to help. But Rose-Hulman just wouldn’t be as great without some of its overlooked treasures. Underclassmen - you have more time to appreciate what I shall tell you over this year. Seniors, this is a reminder of some of the more subtle but important members and traits of Rose-Hulman.

Rose-Hulman is clean, beautiful, and tranquil (if a little tense from classes). The grounds are very well kept - we have sidewalks and streets that are clear at all times in the year, well maintained lawns and gardens, and the buildings are clean. I admit I haven’t met nearly as many of the people that routinely perform such good work for us as I should like, but I have met many of them.

What makes the biggest difference, though, are the staff members that are genuinely interested in what’s going on in the lives of those around them. There are many I am sure I am not able to credit here, but there are four that have been wonderfully friendly, cheerful, and that love interacting with students and enjoy their work.

Barbara Kingery and Sue Garry were the first two housekeepers I had at Rose. They took care of me and the floor I lived on for a total of 50 weeks through out my time at Rose. Every time they would see anyone on the floor, they greeted him or her and took time out of their day to get to know the students. These two went out of their way to talk to residents, learn their names, and almost adopt students on the floor in a way. These two, along with the rest of the staff in that building, do a wonderful job taking care of the building while taking time to mother the students.

The next outstanding staff member I met was Brian Tovey in Hatfield Hall. I’ve been at Hatfield as a member of several groups as well as watching the events that are hosted there, and for each of them Brian has been present and supportive. Brian enthusiastically supports these programs and knows who each student is. He enjoys his work and it shows.

Paul Wafzig, like the others, is a hard worker and enjoys working with the students. He is very outgoing and cheerful! Most mornings he can be found taking care of Apartment Hall and greeting each student as they stumble towards their morning classes.

Unfortunately, this column only had enough space to tell you about four members of the Rose-Hulman community that make us awesome. There are many other people that contribute amazing amounts to Rose that remain unsung each year. Be sure to say hi to them or thank them as you see them each day!