To the Class of 2011, welcome to Rose-Hulman! I am very happy to report that for the ninth consecutive year Rose-Hulman is ranked as the number one engineering school in the country by U.S. News & World Report among schools that give the baccalaureate and master degrees, but do not give the Ph.D. degree.

In addition, U.S. News & World Report has given number one rankings to five of our engineering programs — chemical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

As you may already know (or soon will find out), Rose-Hulman is an incredible institution. There are, I believe, certain characteristics that make us standout above other institutions. What are these characteristics that make us unique? I believe there are six of them.

First, it’s the exceptional quality of the students that come to Rose-Hulman. I’ve discovered that not only are our students technically bright, but they also come to us with a broad array of interests and are highly motivated.

Second, it’s the dedicated faculty and staff that work at Rose-Hulman. The faculty members are truly dedicated to teaching and they spend a tremendous amount of time with the students beyond the classroom. I’ve also discovered that all staff members - including our beloved housekeepers - play as large of a role in educating the students as the faculty. It’s fantastic for me to see how all faculty and staff are willing to meet, help, advise, coach, mentor, be a friend, etc. to any student at any time.

Third, it’s the curriculum that we offer. Our academic programs are traditional in nature, but also current. Faculty members - through their own personal experiences - bring to the classroom the latest techniques being used in industry and are constantly revising the curricula. Accordingly, students are able to “hit-the-ground-running” immediately following graduation.

Fourth, it’s our hands-on, project-based approach to learning. It’s one thing to learn the material between the covers of a book, but it’s another to be able to apply it. The faculty members really challenge the students along these lines, which results, once again, with students being able to “hit-the-ground-running” immediately following graduation.

Fifth, it’s the spirit of community that exists. Rose-Hulman is truly a community of faculty, staff and students. We’re like a family where we care about one another and look out for each other. No one person is any more important than anyone else.

Sixth, it’s our co-curricular activities. Our classes end at 5:10 p.m. offering students time to complete homework assignments, work on projects or participate in over ninety different clubs and organizations.

I would like to expand briefly on this last characteristic. There is no doubt in my mind that all students attending Rose-Hulman will receive an excellent technical education. However, there is much more to a college education than what you learn between the covers of a book or in a classroom. Being technically competent is not enough in today’s competitive world. Students need to “round-out” their education by getting involved in co-curricular activities.

According to a recent report by the National Academy of Engineering entitled, “The Engineer of 2020”, engineers, scientists and mathematicians need to be much more than just technically competent. In addition to strong analytical skills, the academy suggests that engineers, scientists and mathematicians need to: exhibit practical ingenuity; be creative inventers and innovators; be excellent communicators; have high ethical standards and a strong sense of professionalism; understand the principles of leadership and the principles of business and management; be dynamic, agile, resilient and flexible; and have a desire for lifelong learning.

So, in order for you to learn these personal skills - what we call the development of the whole person - it is necessary for you to take advantage of the smorgasbord of opportunities that Rose-Hulman offers, not just the courses we offer, but to take advantage of the co-curricular activities as well.

I am amazed at how many of our students take advantage of the opportunity to get involved in our co-curricular activities from participating in athletics to getting involved with the drama club. Through these activities students develop character and learn leadership, management, and personal skills that prepare them for their future professional careers.

I urge you as freshmen to get involved and to get involved early. We are small enough that virtually everyone gets a chance to participate in just about any activity where you may have an interest. We believe that these activities are just as important as the curriculum in developing the whole person, thus the term “co-curricular.”

I am honored to be serving as President of this great institution. I pledge to do my utmost to maintain the culture and traditions that have made Rose-Hulman what it is today. However, it is up to you as well to help maintain this culture and tradition that has been charted by students who have come before you.

You have come to a very special place that with your arrival just got better!

Sincerely,

Gerald S. Jakubowski, PhD, PE
President

Rose turns over new leaves →