2025 Rose-Hulman President's Report

ELEVATING EXCELLENCE

Elevating Excellence A Year Defined by Momentum and Possibility

In a year marked by record philanthropic support totaling $67 million, Rose-Hulman advanced bold initiatives that elevated the student experience, strengthened academic distinction, and positioned the Institute for long-term success. These accomplishments——powered by the generosity, vision, and belief of alumni, friends, and partners——are shaping an environment where excellence is not simply maintained but continually lifted to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. In 2025, that spirit of elevation was unmistakable.

Philanthropy that Accelerates Transformation

Transformative gifts continued to propel major strategic priorities forward. The $30.5 million Lilly Endowment grant advanced the development of Innovation Grove, laying the groundwork for a district that will elevate hands-on learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. A generous $10 million gift from Niles and Nancy Noblitt established the Noblitt Entrepreneurship Program, expanding pathways for students to explore innovation and business creation.

Philanthropic support also included $6.5 million toward the new residence hall and $2.5 million for student competition teams, ensuring future students benefit from enhanced living spaces and high-impact experiential learning.

Rose Giving Day added further momentum. Held once again on Pi Day——March 14——the event brought together more than 500 donors who collectively contributed over $679,000 in just 24 hours. Momentum is already building for 2026, when Rose Giving Day shifts to May 4th——an occasion when the force of the Rose community is sure to be felt.

Capital Projects that Enhance the Student Experience

Alongside philanthropic advances, Rose-Hulman continued to invest in capital improvements that strengthen campus life. The new $30 million residence hall opened this fall, providing first-year students with a modern, community-focused living experience supported in part through donor generosity. Significant enhancements to the Sports and Recreation Center——including new office and meeting spaces, expanded locker facilities, and a multipurpose room——reflect the growth of student wellness and athletics programs and reinforce the Institute’s commitment to educating the whole student.

Even amid a challenging higher-education landscape, this year’s results underscore a critical truth: philanthropy remains essential to advancing Rose-Hulman’s mission and protecting its competitive edge. Our ability to attract top students, recruit and retain exceptional faculty, and deliver unparalleled hands-on learning experiences is strengthened by each act of generosity.

INNOVATION GROVE

A Catalyst for What Comes Next

Innovation Grove continued to take shape in 2025, advancing as the Institute’s most ambitious investment in hands-on learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Philanthropic support this year played a vital role in accelerating early construction activity as the district moves toward its early 2027 opening.

Designed to bring together Rose-Hulman Ventures, a new ambulatory surgical center, STEM outreach programs, a large-scale solar farm, and a connected trail system, Innovation Grove will serve as an engine for discovery and collaboration.

From geothermal systems beneath the ground to flexible laboratories above it, every element reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, creativity, and the real-world problem-solving that defines a Rose-Hulman education.

JANUARY 14, 2025

Rose-Hulman announced that the graduating class of 2024 earned a record-high average starting salary of $82,817, with career opportunities spanning 35 U.S. states, Australia, Canada, China, Korea, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.

JANUARY 30, 2025

Nina Tandon, CEO and co-founder of biotech company EpiBone, spoke on the future of regenerative medicine as part of the Swearingen Leadership Series and the Rose Research Fellows program.

Designed to encourage healthy and active lifestyles, Innovation Trails will connect to the broader Wabash Valley trail system, offering scenic routes for walking, running, and biking.

JANUARY 31, 2025

Seven teams of Rose-Hulman students competed in the Crossroads Classic Analytics Challenge, analyzing data related to the NCAA Division I Basketball Championship bracket challenge.

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Heath Doll, a 2025 chemical engineering graduate, was named a 2025 Orr Fellow from a nationally-competitive pool of applicants.

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame’s Hoosiers in Flight exhibit opened at the Indianapolis International Airport, featuring the work of aerospace pioneer Abe Silverstein (BSME, 1929; MSE, 1934; HD, 1959).

Site work has begun on Innovation Grove, including construction of the new Rose-Hulman Ventures facility, which is on track to open early 2027..

These developments strengthen our ability to prepare students for the future while fulfilling key goals of the Advancing by Design strategic plan——most notably our priorities around innovation, discovery, and interdisciplinary learning.

At its core, Innovation Grove is more than a district. It is a catalyst for elevating the environments where students learn, build, design, and lead.

MARCH 8, 2025

Middle and high school students flew drones at the REC Foundation Aerial Drone Competition, which was hosted by Rose-Hulman for the first time.

MARCH 14, 2025

More than 530 alumni and friends raise over $679,000 on Rose Giving Day, breaking the previous year’s record of$650,233.

MARCH 15, 2025

Students developed rapid prototype solutions for industry clients during the inaugural Engineerathon Weekend and Startup Pitch Competition, hosted by the Rose Innovative Student Entrepreneurs Club.

NEW SPACES, RENEWED EXPERIENCE

A New Home for the First-Year Experience

With the opening of Rose-Hulman’s newest residence hall, first-year students now begin their academic journey in a space intentionally designed to build community, support collaboration, and enhance the personal attention that has long distinguished the Rose-Hulman experience. The hall’s bright study spaces, inviting lounges, and purposeful design reflect an investment in belonging——an essential foundation for student success. Now designated as “MRH,” and often called “Hall TBA” by students, the hall’s full name will be revealed in 2027 at the request of the anonymous donor whose generosity made the project possible.

Advancing Health, Wellness, and Student Life

Expansion of the Sports and Recreation Center wrapped up, with new offices for coaching staff, a dedicated recruiting room that strengthens the Institute’s ability to showcase the student-athlete experience, updated locker room space, expanded storage, and a large multi-purpose room adaptable for group meetings, fitness classes, and student activities.

These enhancements reflect the steady growth of athletic and recreation programs since the SRC first opened in 1997——when Rose-Hulman supported 18 varsity sports and just over 300 student-athletes. Today, roughly 500 student-athletes compete across 20 varsity programs.

A $10 million renovation project for Speed Hall will modernize the nearly 60-year-old residence hall, including adding central air conditioning.

MARCH 17, 2025

Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce ranked Rose-Hulman among the top 1% of colleges nationally for return on investment based on high career earnings, net price value, and high placement rates.

MARCH 20, 2025

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers recognized mechanical engineering professor and Engineering Design program director Patsy Brackin, PhD, with the prestigious Kate Gleason Award for her outstanding contributions to the profession.

MARCH 20, 2025

The SRC addition reinforces Rose-Hulman’s long-standing commitment to educating the whole student and ensuring that the facilities supporting their growth—— academically, physically, and socially—— remain among the finest in the nation.

Renewing an Iconic Hall

Renovations at Speed Hall began this year, continuing our investment in modern and supportive residential communities. Updates include adding central air conditioning, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems, expanding common areas, and improving overall accessibility. Much like the new hall, MRH, Speed’s renewal signals a broader commitment to ensuring that the physical spaces shaping student life remain vibrant, functional, and aligned with the needs of today’s learners.

New York Times bestselling novelist Tomi Adeyemi, author of the “Legacy of Orisha” series, urged students to claim their story during an energetic talk in Hatfield Hall.

MARCH 21, 2025

Vineet Ranade (CPE, 2025) earned the NCAA Elite 90 Award as the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA competing at the NCAA Division III Men’s Swimming & Diving Championships.

RISING TO MEET A NEW ENROLLMENT LANDSCAPE

Rose-Hulman welcomed more than 500 new students for the 2025–26 academic year, continuing the Institute’s tradition of attracting exceptionally talented young people from across the nation and around the world. The incoming class, with a median high school GPA of 4.05, represents 40 states and 19 countries and brings strong academic preparation, diverse perspectives, and a shared passion for science, engineering, and mathematics.

MARCH 24, 2025

Rose-Hulman receives two generous anonymous donations to support renovations, including the addition of central air conditioning, to Speed Hall during the 2025-2026 academic year.

This year’s enrollment cycle unfolded amid a uniquely challenging national environment. Colleges and universities across the country faced intensified competition from flagship publics and highly selective private institutions, many of which expanded capacity or introduced aggressive financial aid strategies. Families navigated financial uncertainty, market volatility, and shifting conversations about the value of higher education. In addition, international student interest declined nationally,

MARCH 27, 2025

Kristen Hadeed, acclaimed author and entrepreneur, ignited human leadership during a campus talk as part of the Swearingen Leadership Series.

MARCH 28, 2025

and interest in computer science——long a cornerstone of STEM enrollment——softened in response to job market fluctuations.

Despite these pressures, interest in a Rose-Hulman education remains strong. The Institute received more than 6,000 applications for a second consecutive year——the second highest total in its history——and hosted record numbers of prospective students and families on campus. The opening of the new residence hall, enhancements to the Sports and

Alumnus Michael Huhnke (PH/ME, 1975) and wife Karen establish the Dr. Bruce R. Danner Endowed Faculty Fellowship in honor of late Rose-Hulman professor Bruce Danner.

APRIL 5, 2025

Former Board of Trustees Chair Niles Noblitt (BIOE, 1973/HD, 1996) and his wife Nancy established the Noblitt Entrepreneurship Program with a transformative $10 million gift.

Recreation Center, ongoing construction within Innovation Grove, and the addition of new programs added momentum as students arrived for fall classes.

Looking ahead, Rose-Hulman continues to adapt to the evolving enrollment landscape. Strategic efforts include expanding the prospective student search pool to reach broader markets earlier, refining marketing and storytelling with greater emphasis on distinctive academic programs, and more intentionally leveraging financial aid to meet students where they are. These initiatives, coupled with the college’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and personal attention, position Rose-Hulman to remain competitive in a rapidly shifting environment.

APRIL 7, 2025

Chemical engineering alumnus and Eli Lilly and Company

executive Dedric Day (CHE, 2003) shared leadership lessons with students through the Swearingen Leadership Series.

FAST FACTS | FALL 2025

2,168

2,153 Undergrad TOTAL ENROLLMENT

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

24% Women

9% International Students

STATES AND COUNTRIES ON CAMPUS

37

Countries outside the U.S. 47 States, plus Marianas Islands, Virgin Islands, and military bases

STUDENT ATHLETES

499* | 23% BREAKDOWN BY SPORT

*Represents the number of unique student-athletes. The “Breakdown by Sport” team data may include students who participate in more than one sport.

PELL GRANT STUDENTS

304 | 14%

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS

269 | 12%

BRANAM AND KREMER INNOVATION CENTERS CLUBS

American Society of Civil Engineers: Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge

Chem-E Car

Design-Build-Fly FIRST Robotics Area 5188

Human-Powered Vehicle Team Make It Happen MakerLab

Robotics: Combat, MATE, Robomaster, and Rover

APRIL 12, 2025

Eleven entrepreneurial student groups pitched their startup projects at the annual Sawmill Society meeting before a network of alumni mentors and investors.

APRIL 26, 2025

More than 500 local K-12 students explored STEM careers through the SPARK! competition, hosted by Rose-BUD, and the inaugural STEM Jubilee, hosted by the Noblitt Scholars Program.

MAY 6, 2025

Emily Pilloton-Lam, founder and executive director of Girls Garage, encouraged students to forge their own paths and construct their own impact during a campus talk hosted by the Noblitt Scholars Program.

NATIONAL DISTINCTION

Rose-Hulman continued to earn national distinction in 2025, reaffirming its position as a leader in undergraduate STEM education. For the 27th consecutive year, the Institute was recognized as the nation’s No. 1 college for undergraduate engineering education in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges Guide.” Departments also achieved top national placement, with mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering ranked No. 1, and computer engineering ranked No. 2. Computer science, evaluated among more than 600 programs, placed within the top 11% nationwide.

This continued recognition reflects Rose-Hulman’s long-standing reputation for academic rigor, hands-on learning, exceptional faculty mentorship, and a sustained commitment to student success.

Measures of long-term value further demonstrated Rose-Hulman’s impact. A 2025 study by Georgetown University’s

Center on Education and the Workforce placed Rose-Hulman in the top 1% of U.S. colleges for return on investment, with 40-, 30-, and 20-year career earnings ranking first in Indiana and comparable to or exceeding many of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

Additional national accolades highlighted the Institute’s strength in outcomes and student experience. Rose-Hulman was

again included in Forbes’ America’s Top Colleges——including its Top 50 Small Colleges——and featured prominently in The Princeton Review’s Best 391 Colleges, recognized for career placement, campus facilities, and overall value. The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 Best Colleges in America ranked Rose-Hulman among the nation’s top institutions for career preparation and as one of the most recommended colleges by students and alumni.

Career outcomes remained a hallmark of the Rose-Hulman experience. The Class of 2024 achieved a 95% placement rate with a record-high average starting salary of $82,817, supported by strong employer demand and recruitment activity at the college’s career fairs.

Collectively, these distinctions affirm Rose-Hulman’s enduring excellence, national reputation, and commitment to preparing graduates for meaningful impact throughout their careers.

MAY 7, 2025

More than 130 student projects completed during the 20242025 academic year showcased innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community impact during the 2025 Rose Show, Rose-Hulman’s collegiate version of the World’s Fair.

MAY 7, 2025

Jayshree Seth, author and 3M corporate scientist, spoke candidly about the impact of science and leadership on everyday life through the Swearingen Leadership Series.

#1

Undergraduate Engineering Program (27th consecutive year) #1 in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering #2 in Computer Engineering

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY ROI RANKINGS

TOP 1% Nationally for Long-Term Return on Investment

#1 in Indiana in 20-, 30-, and 40-year ROI

PRINCETON REVIEW—BEST 391 COLLEGES

TOP RANKINGS for Career Placement, Career Services, Science Labs, and ROI

CAREER OUTCOMES — CLASS OF 2024

95% Placement Rate (of entire graduating class)

215 Recruiting Employers

GRADUATE STUDY

at Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Brown, Northwestern, Cornell, and more

Average Starting Salary $82,817 Highest Accepted Salary $135,000

MAY 9, 2025

Rose-Hulman’s Battery Workforce Challenge Team, in conjunction with Ivy Tech students, earned a third-place finish and several technical awards in the second year of the three-year competition.

MAY 16, 2025

Cynthia (Cindy) Thomas Kalkomey advanced her lifelong support of STEM education and Rose-Hulman when she began an appointment to the Institute’s Board of Trustees at the Board’s winter meeting.

2025 RETROSPECTIVE: A YEAR OF

RISING IMPACT

Across Rose-Hulman, 2025 was a year defined by meaningful progress—— advancement in academic programs, renewal and creation of physical spaces, and achievements that reflect the creativity and determination of our students, faculty, and alumni. Each milestone, whether emerging from the classroom, in competitions, the research lab, or the broader Rose-Hulman community, contributes to a campus environment where excellence continues to rise.

MAY 29, 2025

Members of Rose-Hulman’s Steel Bridge team earned first place as the ASCE Indiana-Kentucky Symposium in the team’s second year on campus.

MAY 31, 2025

Jeff Ready (CS, 1996), founder and former executive of Scale Computing, delivered an inspirational commencement message and received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering.

Advancing Academics and Innovation

This year marked continued momentum in academic innovation, reinforcing Rose-Hulman’s commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving STEM landscape. Following last year’s launch of NanoEngineering, and before that the successful rollout of Engineering Design, the Institute unveiled the next major development in academic evolution: a reimagined Computer Science degree.

MAY 31, 2025

A record 564 graduates turned the tassels to their futures at the Institute’s 147th Commencement Ceremony, ready to push the boundaries of innovation.

JUNE 3, 2025

A team of Rose-Hulman students finished in the top 10 of the prestigious NASA Lunar Autonomy Challenge, developing advanced software to guide a simulated lunar rover across a virtual moon environment.

JULY 1, 2025

Ellen Goldey, PhD, began her role as provost and vice president of academic affairs, bringing more than two decades of academic leadership expertise to the position.

With two distinct pathways——Developer and Researcher——and new specializations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Science, the redesigned program positions students to excel in fields driving global technological transformation. These enhancements also strengthen interdisciplinary learning, ensuring students are equipped with both the depth and flexibility required for emerging careers. Work continues across departments to explore new teaching approaches and align academic offerings with industry needs. Rose-Hulman’s emphasis on hands-on learning remains central, supported by faculty who lead with curiosity, innovation, and a deep dedication to student success.

JULY 2, 2025

The Indiana Small Business Development Center and Minus K Technology Inc. awarded grants to Rose-Hulman’s Department of Physics, Optical Engineering, and NanoEngineering (PHON) for state-of-the-art technology to develop innovative optical systems.

JULY 8, 2025

An anonymous alumni gift expanded educational opportunities for students within the Physics, Optical Engineering, and NanoEngineering (PHON) department with supercomputing workstations.

JULY 28, 2025

Rose-Hulman concluded its most successful fundraising year in institutional history, with donors contributing $67 million to support entrepreneurship, educational experiences, faculty excellence, and the student residential experience.

Faculty and Leadership Excellence

Leadership transitions and faculty accomplishments continued to shape the academic landscape in 2025. In July, Rose-Hulman welcomed its newest Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Ellen Goldey, PhD. In December, new Vice President of Enrollment Management Greg King came on board. Both bring considerable experience and rich strategic insights to their roles.

President Robert A. Coons was also recognized this year for his leadership and service to the state, earning a place on the Indiana 250 list for the third consecutive year. Coons’ continued inclusion reflects his steady, missionfocused guidance of the Institute during a period of significant growth.

Michelle Marincel Payne, PhD, was appointed the Roland E. Hutchins Endowed Chair, supporting her leadership of a new, multi-institutional initiative funded by the National Science Foundation to enhance undergraduate research mentorship. Together with Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering Irene Reizman, PhD, Payne is establishing the Undergraduate Research Excellence Network, which will develop sustainable approaches for mentoring student researchers and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset across participating institutions.

Alan Chiu, PhD, was reappointed the Samuel F. Hulbert Endowed Chair, allowing him to continue advancing research in brain-computer interfaces with applications for individuals with severe motor impairments. His work integrates undergraduate students into every stage of the research process, from proposal development to human-subject interactions

AUGUST 1, 2025

Rose-Hulman launched a reimagined computer science major, offering specializations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science, as well as two career-focused academic pathways for students interested in industry development or graduate-level research.

and dissemination, strengthening the pipeline of future biomedical innovators.

In the Department of Physics, Optical Engineering, and NanoEngineering, Syed Azer Reza , PhD, became the inaugural Bruce R. Danner Endowed Faculty Fellow. His appointment supports the development of advanced optical and quantum imaging systems and the creation of new coursework and laboratory experiences that will broaden student engagement in these cutting-edge fields.

The Institute also celebrated the achievements of Carlotta Berry, PhD, Lawrence J. Giacoletto Chair, whose national prominence in robotics education and

AUGUST 5, 2025

The last of four summer programs for high school students concluded on campus, welcoming nearly 500 students from 32 states and nine countries through Operation Catapult, Project SELECT, Rose Power, and Creation Crates.

NEW CURRICULUM

Computer Science Reimagined

inclusive STEM outreach was further recognized through the ECEDHA Community Development Award. Her work continues to expand access to open-source robotics platforms and inspire the next generation of STEM learners.

In civil and environmental engineering, Jenny Mueller, PhD, assumed the role of Alfred R. Schmidt Endowed Chair for Excellence in Teaching, supporting her efforts to expand sustainability-focused curricular and co-curricular learning. Her initiatives will deepen student engagement with environmental stewardship, ethical decision-making, and global sustainability challenges.

AUGUST 15, 2025

The Indiana Historical Society honors alumnus and trustee Greg Gibson (CE, 1984) as one of four 2025 Indiana Living Legends in recognition of his local, statewide, and national accomplishments and contributions.

AUGUST 15, 2025

The first cohort of Summer Sustainability Scholars present their disciplinespecific, sustainability-focused research projects completed on campus with a faculty mentor.

Student Achievements that Inspire

Whether designing next-generation energy systems, crafting precision structures, or tackling complex robotics challenges, Rose-Hulman students again demonstrated the ingenuity and teamwork that define the Institute.

A joint team of Rose-Hulman and Ivy Tech Community College–Terre Haute students distinguished itself in the highly competitive Battery Workforce Challenge, earning third place overall in the second year of this Department of Energy–supported program and collecting multiple technical awards for design, project management, and communication.

As the only all-undergraduate team in a field largely composed of

AUGUST 29, 2025

Rose-Hulman’s newest residence hall opens to its first cohort of students, housing approximately 160 students and providing community and collaboration spaces.

Rose-Hulman earned several honors at the Battery Workforce Challenge’s Year 2 competition, including third place overall and best battery module design.

The Steel Bridge team earned first place at their competition at the ASCE Indiana-Kentucky Symposium.

master’s and doctoral students, the group’s success affirmed the rigor of a Rose-Hulman education and the readiness of its students to compete on a national stage.

On the structural engineering front, the Steel Bridge team captured first place at the ASCE Indiana–Kentucky Symposium and qualified for nationals—an impressive

AUGUST 29, 2025

Over 500 new students started their collegiate careers, representing 40 states, 19 countries, and a shared passion for science, engineering, and mathematics.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

Five Rose-Hulman Army ROTC cadets joined teams from across the county at the U.S. Special Operations Command Ignite 2026 Kickoff, launching a yearlong collaboration to develop innovative solutions encountered by U.S. Special Operations Forces.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

U.S. News and World Report recognized Rose-Hulman as the nation’s No. 1 college for undergraduate engineering for the 27th consecutive year, as well as honored several departments with top accolades.

OCTOBER 3, 2025

Mechanical engineering alumna Nellie (Magnanti) Hohne began service as the Alumni Representative to Rose-Hulman’s Board of Trustees at the Board’s fall meeting, after serving previously as the Alumni Advisory Board president.

achievement for a program only in its second year since reintroduction. Students designed, fabricated, and assembled their bridge entirely on their own, applying classroom learning to a real-world challenge that tested speed, strength, and efficiency.

In the NASA Lunar Autonomy Challenge, a student team advanced into the top 10 nationally, developing advanced software to guide a simulated lunar

rover across a virtual moon environment. Their work in perception, navigation, and energy management required extensive collaboration across computing and engineering disciplines and showcased the depth of student talent in emerging fields such as autonomy and machine learning.

Rose-Hulman Army ROTC cadets also earned distinction through their participation in the U.S. Special Operations Command Ignite 2026 Kickoff at MIT Lincoln

Laboratory. Working alongside peers from leading universities, the cadets helped address complex engineering problems facing U.S. Special Operations Forces, demonstrating the leadership, technical skill, and professionalism that characterize Rose-Hulman graduates.

Collectively, these achievements highlight a student body eager to take on demanding problems, collaborate across disciplines, and turn ideas into impactful solutions.

Alumni Engagement that Strengthens Community

Throughout 2025, alumni continued to play an essential role in inspiring students and advancing Rose-Hulman’s mission. Their return to campus——as speakers, mentors, and leaders——reinforced the powerful, lifelong connection between the Institute and its graduates.

As part of the Swearingen Leadership Series, 2003 chemical engineering alum Dedric Day and 1981 mechanical engineering alum Steve Hill separately each shared candid insights from careers that span global pharmaceuticals, economic development, and large-scale civic projects. Their conversations with students and President Coons highlighted the importance of values-driven leadership, resilience, and a willingness to take informed risks at pivotal moments.

Commencement speaker and 1996 computer science alum Jeff Ready, CEO of Scale Computing, challenged the record 564 graduates in the Class of 2025 to embrace entrepreneurial thinking and innovation as they chart their own paths, underscoring the role Rose-Hulman alumni play in shaping emerging technology sectors. Entrepreneurship was also front

OCTOBER 3, 2025

The traditional homecoming bonfire and fireworks display illuminated the faces of a near-record 2,000 alumni and friends who returned to campus for Homecoming festivities.

OCTOBER 25, 2025

Students across engineering and science majors turned innovative ideas into startups during Startup Weekend, hosted by Techstars, the ESCALATE program, and the Rose Innovative Student Entrepreneurs (RISE) organization.

and center at Sawmill Society and Startup Weekend events, where alumni mentors worked alongside student founders to refine ideas, build business models, and explore new ventures connected to Innovation Grove and the Noblitt Entrepreneurship Program.

Homecoming 2025 brought a near-record number of alumni and friends back to campus, filling classrooms, labs, residence halls, and athletic facilities with stories that bridged generations. The weekend’s events celebrated both the Institute’s rich history and its forward-looking initiatives, reminding students that they are part of a global community invested in their success.

Through their time, expertise, and philanthropic support, alumni continued to elevate the Rose-Hulman experience—— expanding opportunities for students today while strengthening the foundation for those who will follow.

OCTOBER 27, 2025

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO and President Steve Hill (ME, 1981) shared his career journey from engineering to economic development through the Swearingen Leadership Series.

NOVEMBER 1, 2025

The 59th annual Rose-Hulman High School Mathematics Competition welcomed 275 students from 18 high schools across Indiana and Illinois to campus to challenge their mathematical prowess.

DECEMBER 8, 2025

Greg King began his role as vice president of enrollment management, bringing more than 17 years of higher education enrollment leadership experience.

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JUNE 30, 2025

$82.2 MILLION

MILLION

$131 MILLION

ASSETS $484.3 MILLION

EXPENSES BY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

As we look back on 2025, one theme rises above all others: the power of a community working together to elevate excellence in every corner of our campus. This year brought remarkable progress——advances made possible through the dedication of our faculty and staff, the curiosity and drive of our students, and the unwavering belief of alumni and friends who continue to invest in Rose-Hulman’s mission.

Thanks to record philanthropic support, including a historic $67 million raised this year, Rose-Hulman accelerated initiatives that will shape the Institute for generations. Gifts supporting Innovation Grove, the Noblitt Entrepreneurship Program, endowed faculty chairs and fellowships, and the renewal of Speed Hall strengthened our academic enterprise and expanded opportunities for student learning, research, and discovery. Philanthropy also elevated student experiences through enhanced program support, curricular innovation, and handson design and entrepreneurial activities that distinguish a Rose-Hulman education.

The Institute continued investing strategically in the physical campus to improve the learning, living, and wellness environments our students rely on every day. The opening of the new first-year residence hall marked a major milestone in strengthening community and belonging. Enhancements to the Sports and Recreation Center and progress on long-planned Speed Hall improvements ensured that our facilities evolve to meet the needs of current and future students. These capital projects—— funded through institutional planning and philanthropic stewardship——reflect Rose-Hulman’s commitment to creating a campus that supports the whole student. At the same time, we continue to navigate a shifting national enrollment landscape. Even amid heightened competition and economic uncertainty, interest in Rose-Hulman remained strong, reflected in record campus visits and more than 6,000 applications for a second consecutive year. Strategic

refinements in recruitment, financial aid, and outreach will continue to position the Institute for success as we move into 2026.

Throughout the year, what stood out most was not any single achievement, but the collective momentum created by thousands of individual commitments—— acts of generosity, creativity, and leadership that move the Institute forward. Philanthropy fuels our mission; capital investments strengthen the campus that makes that mission possible; and the daily dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni brings both to life.

Thank you for your partnership, your advocacy, and your belief in the transformative power of a Rose-Hulman education. With your continued support, we enter 2026 with optimism and determination, ready to build upon the solid foundation you help make possible.