Published: September 30, 2008 10:53 pm            

Homecoming to reunite Rose alumni this weekend

Eighty events are planned Friday through Sunday

TERRE HAUTE — Thousands of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology alumni will return to reunite with former classmates, visit professors and staff members, and reconnect with their alma mater during the college’s homecoming Friday through Sunday. Not surprisingly, “Reunite — Reconnect” is the theme of this year’s event.

Eighty events are planned throughout the three days, according to Brian Dyer, director of alumni affairs. Alumni have been making reservations for the past two months to attend events.

“There’s a special bond between Rose-Hulman and its alumni. The college played a significant role in many of our alumni’s lives, and our alumni appreciate and cherish that role,” states Dyer. “Friendships were made during college that has continued as long as 50 years later. Several met their spouses on campus or in the community. Others met their business partners and clients at Rose-Hulman.”

And, there’s also a lot of tradition, with current freshman students building the homecoming bonfire, topped by an outhouse; the pep rally, cheer and spirit banner contests on Friday night; and induction into the 50-Plus Club for members of the class of 1958 on Saturday evening. Several 1958 classmates also will be honored on Saturday at a recognition luncheon for the college’s last undefeated football team (8-0).

The Alumni Awards Breakfast on Saturday will feature eight alumni receiving Honor Alumni and Distinguished Young Alumni Awards, and a faculty and staff member earning honorary alumni status from the Alumni Association.

Receiving the Honor Alumni Award for their loyal, unselfish and meritorious service in furthering the interest of Rose-Hulman; contributing to the national interest of our country; or professional achievement will be Jim Benzing, a 1977 mechanical engineering graduate who is principal engineer for advanced product and processes technology with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; Baron Gemmer, a 1985 electrical engineering and computer science alumnus who is owner and president of Innovative Corporate Solutions Inc.; Jerry Matthews, a 1977 mechanical engineering major and region vice president of Southern California Operations for Frito-Lay; and Joe Witulski, a 1988 mathematics alumnus who is staff engineer with ITT Corp.

Earning the Distinguished Young Alumni Award as graduates from the past 10 years with notable endeavors in the areas of career achievement, continued education, community service and/or commitment to Rose-Hulman will be Elizabeth Hagerman, a 2000 chemical engineering graduate who is manager of technical assessment for Baxter Bioscience; Dan Hohne, a 1999 chemical engineering alumnus who is technical operations associate for Bristol Myers-Squibb; Nellie Hohne, a 1999 mechanical engineering graduate who is a power-train noise and vibration engineer for General Motors Corp.; and Bill McKenna, a 2002 computer science and mathematics alumnus who is a patent attorney with Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, McNett & Henry LLP.

Alumni have selected Fred Berry, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Sue Dayhuff, ECE secretary, to receive the Honorary Alumni Awards.

Other major homecoming event reunions for Rose-Hulman’s classes of 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998; academic open houses, the football game (vs. Manchester College), the dedication of The Self-Made Man Sculpture, donated by former athletic director and coach John Mutchner and his wife, Norma; a reception for the Friends of Al Schmidt, a longtime math professor; and the 50-Plus Club’s Golden Gala.

To help the campus get prepared for these events, members of Rose-Hulman’s Greek community had a Brush Up For Homecoming event last Saturday on campus. More than 150 students participated in this event.

        

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