The Rose-Hulman Alumni Association presented the 2026 Alumni Awards on April 25, 2026, to a distinguished group of alumni, faculty, staff, and a student in recognition of their professional achievements, leadership, and meaningful contributions to their communities and the Institute. 

This year’s honorees reflect a shared commitment to impact—applying their technical expertise, leadership, and passion for service to improve industries, strengthen communities, and support future generations of STEM leaders. These recipients demonstrate how Rose-Hulman graduates and campus leaders turn knowledge into action. 

“Among this year’s recipients are leaders advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes, innovators shaping the future of transportation and infrastructure, and pioneers contributing to fields ranging from artificial intelligence and aerospace to law, academia, and global consulting,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. 

“They include entrepreneurs and executives who have built and led organizations, researchers and educators who have expanded knowledge and mentored the next generation, and professionals whose work has influenced national and international standards, policy, and practice,” Coons added. “Many have earned advanced degrees, secured patents, authored publications, and received prestigious honors—while also giving back through volunteerism, mentorship, and service to their communities and to Rose-Hulman. It is also an honor to celebrate one of our future alumni, as well as our faculty and staff recipients, whose dedication and impact help make Rose-Hulman the special place it continues to be today.” 

This year’s award winners, by category, are: 

HONOR ALUMNI AWARD

The Institute’s highest alumni award, recognizing exceptional alumni achievement in any field and service to society.

Jeffrey Brugos
Electrical Engineering, 1966

Brugos built a distinguished career in consulting and technology leadership, including a 27-year tenure with PricewaterhouseCoopers where he rose to lead a global consulting practice of 2,000 professionals. He later served as a vice president at Oracle, advising major corporations on IT strategy and systems transformation. Beyond his professional success, Brugos has remained deeply committed to Rose-Hulman, supporting scholarships and contributing to campus through philanthropy, including the donation of the “Aspirations” sculpture in Root Quad.
    

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Recognizing alumni whose professional accomplishments bring distinction to themselves, credit to the Institute, and benefit to their communities.

Cash Canfield
Civil Engineering, 1994

Canfield is president of American Structurepoint, where he has played a key role in expanding the firm into a nationally recognized engineering and architecture organization. Over nearly three decades, he has contributed to major transportation projects and industry standards, while also supporting Rose-Hulman through advisory board service and through a scholarship for civil engineering students.

Scott M. Simmonds
Mechanical Engineering, 1991

Simmonds transitioned from a manufacturing engineering career into law and is now a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he leads a large intellectual property practice. A registered patent attorney, he has been recognized nationally for his legal expertise and has contributed to healthcare leadership through board service at Decatur County Memorial Hospital.

Christina Chrisman
Biomedical Engineering, 2007

Chrisman is a neurologist and neuromuscular specialist serving as Director of Neuromuscular Medicine and EMG at University of Arizona Medical Center-Phoenix and Banner Neuroscience Institute and a faculty member at the University of Arizona. Her work focuses on complex neuromuscular disorders, and she is widely recognized for her excellence in teaching and research, including national presentations and publications.

Daniel L. Dvorak
Electrical Engineering, 1972

Dvorak has had a pioneering career in artificial intelligence and software systems, including work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory developing autonomous systems for deep-space missions. His contributions span machine learning, software architecture, and national advisory roles, supported by numerous patents, publications, and professional recognitions.
    

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

Recognizing alumni who have achieved significant success within 10 years of graduation through career achievement, service, and dedication to Rose-Hulman.

Abigail Etters
Biochemistry, 2016

Etters is a physician and hospitalist leader who has rapidly advanced into medical leadership roles, including assistant medical director and future medical director within Vituity hospital systems. Her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued contributions to patient care, medical education, and community health reflect a strong commitment to service early in her career.
   

ALUMNI IMPACT AWARD (formerly Alumni Volunteer Award)
Recognizing alumni who make significant contributions of time and talent through mentorship, engagement, and advancing STEM and student success.

David Price
Electrical Engineering, 1986

Price has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Rose-Hulman through alumni leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy, including founding a regional alumni group and mentoring Rose-Hulman students until his most recent mentee graduated in 2025. Professionally, he has held global engineering leadership roles with Honeywell Aerospace and GE Aerospace and remains deeply engaged in STEM outreach through FIRST Robotics programs.

Robert E. Shaw, Jr.
Civil Engineering, 1975

Shaw has had a lasting influence on the structural steel industry, including founding the Steel Structures Technology Center and contributing to major national and international standards. He is also widely recognized for developing the ASCE/AISC Steel Bridge Competition, which now engages hundreds of student teams annually, including Rose-Hulman participants.
   

COLLEGIAN ROSE AWARD

Recognizing alumni employees whose work strengthens the Institute and fosters lifelong relationships with Rose-Hulman.

Ed Wheeler
Electrical Engineering, 1982

Wheeler is a longtime Rose-Hulman faculty member and leader in electrical and computer engineering, known for engaging students in hands-on research in electromagnetics and collaborative industry projects. Over his career, he has authored more than 50 publications, mentored dozens of students into advanced study and research careers, and earned numerous honors, including endowed chair recognition and the Board of Trustees Outstanding Scholar Award.
    

RACHEL M. ROMAS AWARD

Recognizing an outstanding student demonstrating excellence in academics, character, and commitment to the Institute.

Lauren Rexing
Mechanical Engineering, 2024; Engineering Management, 2026

Rexing is a graduate assistant in Student Affairs and Career Services who has been deeply involved in residence life and student leadership throughout her time at Rose-Hulman. Her commitment to supporting fellow students, combined with internships in engineering and a career in technical sales, highlights her well-rounded contributions and future promise.
    

HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD

Recognizing one faculty and one staff member for outstanding service, professional achievement, and dedication to the Institute.

Eva Andrijcic
Associate Professor of Engineering Management

Andrijcic is a respected educator and researcher whose work in systems engineering, risk analysis, and organizational change has been supported by National Science Foundation funding. She is known for her dedication to student mentorship and leadership in faculty development initiatives nationwide.

Pam Pahnke
Human Resources Benefits Manager

Pahnke has served Rose-Hulman since 2009, playing a vital role in supporting faculty and staff through her work in human resources. Her contributions extend to student success initiatives, professional service in the HR community, and active involvement in campus life and events.