The force of the Rose-Hulman community was strong during this year’s Rose Giving Day.

Held May 4—“May the Fourth”—Rose-Hulman’s seventh annual day of giving generated record-breaking participation and support, with alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends rallying together to make a lasting impact on the top-ranked STEM college and its students.

This year’s campaign raised $736,343 through 1,325 gifts, surpassing the ambitious goal of 1,000 gifts while also eclipsing last year’s record fundraising total of $679,322.

The contributions will provide meaningful support for student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, competition teams, Greek life, and other initiatives that enhance the Rose-Hulman experience.

“Once again, our alumni and the entire Rose-Hulman community demonstrated the extraordinary impact of coming together in support of our students,” said President Robert A. Coons. “The generosity shown on Rose Giving Day will create opportunities that will benefit students for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to everyone who answered the call to support Rose-Hulman.” 

A series of participation challenges helped build momentum throughout the day:

Participation Milestone Challenges  

• Trustee Cindy Kalkomey and Kurt Kalkomey pledged $50,000 once Rose-Hulman reached 1,000 gifts.
• John Jacobi (ME, 1969) and Jane Jacobi contributed $25,000 after the community surpassed 750 gifts.
• Trustee Tom Dinkel (ME, 1972) and Susie Dinkel pledged $10,000 for reaching 500 gifts.
• Dave Hoecker (ME, 1969) and Susanne Hoecker contributed $10,000 after 250 gifts.
• President Coons pledged $10,000 in recognition of the Institute reaching 152 gifts in recognition of its 152-year history.

Area Participation Challenges

Additional excitement was generated through competitive participation challenges supporting key student organizations and campus initiatives:

• Rob Hochstetler (EE, 1991) provided $2,500 for Greek Life.
• Chris Lippelt (CHE/ECON, 2016) pledged $2,500 for Athletics and $2,500 for Competition Teams.
• Craig Pohlman (CS, 2000) contributed $2,500 for Academics.

“The response from our alumni and supporters was incredible,” said Steve Brady, vice president for institutional advancement. “This year’s focus was all about participation, and our community answered in a tremendous way. Not only did we surpass our goal, but we also achieved the highest fundraising total in Rose Giving Day history. Time and again, our alumni and friends step forward to support today’s students, and this year’s results once again showed the strength, pride, and generosity of the Rose-Hulman family.”

The annual giving event has become a growing tradition of philanthropy and school spirit for the Rose-Hulman community. With this year’s strong participation and record-setting support, the momentum behind Rose Giving Day continues to grow stronger each year.