The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana has raised $250 million through its “Mission Driven” campaign to increase student scholarships and build new facilities for its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program.
Of the total money acquired throughout the campaign, $127 million will be allotted for student financial aid, while $30 million has been allocated for new workspaces and classrooms. The college will also use $12 million for faculty support and the remaining $81 million for other projects.
According to Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons, the fundraising initiative has prepared the school to become a “top STEM college” that focuses on undergraduate education.
“We’re grateful for the commitment by so many in support of providing our students with the world’s best undergraduate STEM education in an environment of individual attention and support,” he said in a press release.
Aside from utilizing the funds for STEM programs, the money will be used to support projects for athletics and recreational activities, including installation of two multi-purpose fields with synthetic turf.
Staying at the Forefront
Coons explained that Rose-Hulman needs to recruit leading faculty and staff, attract high-achieving students from around the world, and modernize its facilities and equipment to position itself at the forefront of STEM education in the country.
He also emphasized the need to provide students with hands-on experiences to give them an edge for future employment. “Administrators, faculty and staff are already examining short-term and long-range strategic initiatives for the future. Some of those goals will be announced later this year,” he stated.
The new workspaces, laboratories, and classrooms built with the money are expected to provide Rose-Hulman faculty with tools to make students increasingly competitive in the technology industry.
The school has already begun expanding its academic programs in data science, engineering design, biomathematics, and international studies to better serve students.
Achieving the School’s Campaign Goal
Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Rose-Hulman, Steve Brady, acknowledges alumni, friends, corporations, faculty, and parents for contributing to the success of the “Mission Driven” initiative.
He said these people helped in achieving the campaign’s goal of making the institution a leading force in undergraduate STEM education.
“Our alumni value their Rose-Hulman experiences and all of the elements that went into their education, including our dedicated, caring and talented faculty and staff,” he remarked.
Rose-Hulman has also received generous donations to support the creation and expansion of key facilities and programs on campus.
The institution received $15 million from a donor for the construction of a 70,000-square-foot academic building. It also received more than $16 million from th3e Lilly Endowment to support several student-centered initiatives.