Rose-Hulman and its Alumni Association have presented 2021 Alumni Achievement Awards upon 11 alumni who have brought forth cutting-edge medical treatments, changed the world of telecommunications, military technology, and consulting, and led other innovative businesses. 

President Robert A. Coons congratulated the alumni group at the awards ceremony, stating “we are tremendously proud of your accomplishments, and grateful for them, because they demonstrate to the world just how exceptional our institute truly is in carrying Rose’s reputation out into the world . . . Your presence makes it clear to all that Rose-Hulman engineers, mathematicians and scientists will get the job done well, and artfully solve whatever challenges are brought to them.”

The Alumni Advisory Board Awards Committee and Rose-Hulman Honors and Awards Committee selected the following alumni for their considerable contributions to their professions, communities, alma mater, and institute.

 
Honor Alumni Award

The Alumni Association’s highest alumni award recognizes exceptional achievement in any career field, vocation, and service to society.

Michael Chaney: The 1981 chemical engineering alumnus spent 38 years of service with Procter & Gamble, retiring as senior vice president of global supply. In this role, Chaney managed manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain design of such iconic brands as Gillette, Braun and Venus. He also was involved with company affinity groups supporting diversity and military groups, along with a variety of community organizations.

Larry Geier: After earning a biological engineering degree in 1972, Geier became an oncology, hematology and internal medicine physician known as “the gene whisperer” for his groundbreaking work in cancer genetics. His program of genetic risk evaluation and cancer risk management has become a model for cancer prevention programs across the world. Geier has had more than 4,000 genetic consultations and identified nearly 500 patients with cancer-causing genetic traits.

Lucius ‘Gus’ Taylor: The 1976 mechanical engineering graduate became chief engineer for the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s weapons systems division in Crane, Indiana. Taylor established the military’s Mobile Technology and Repair Complex in Afghanistan and helped deploy advanced weapons and night vision projects. He retired in 1995 as a lieutenant colonel after earning numerous honors for command, combat and staff experience in several Army units.

 
Career Achievement Award

This honor highlights alumni whose professional achievements have brought distinction to themselves, credit to Rose-Hulman and benefit to their communities.

Kevin Bartley: The 1982 computer science graduate has spent a 38-year career supporting technical innovations in telecommunications with AT&T Bell Laboratories and its spinoffs, including current employer Nokia. Bartley led projects for the federal government, Sprint PCS, US Cellular and several international clients. He earned Bell Labs’ distinguished technical staff member award and has been honored for work on the U.S. government’s long-distance telecommunications service management system.

Mark Caswell: The 2001 mechanical engineering alumnus is chief executive officer of Resultant, formerly KSM Consulting. Caswell drives the culture and leadership that has helped the company grow from a 20-person Indianapolis-based firm to one that has nearly 300 employees in five offices across the U.S. He likes teaching others about business leadership, innovation and digital transformation and is helping future generations of entrepreneurs as a member of Rose’s Sawmill Society.

David Yates: The 1984 electrical engineering graduate is in a second career as an engineer and consultant with Kaleidoscope Innovation after retiring from Johnson & Johnson in Cincinnati. Yates has 160 patents from 35 years of medical device design and received J&J’s Hoffman Chairman’s Medal for technical and scientific achievement. His passion for music has launched multiple products in the professional audio industry as well as electronic/audio design enterprises.

 
Distinguished Young Alumni Award

Alumni are recognized for achieving significant success within their first 10 years after graduation in the areas of career accomplishments, community service and dedication to Rose-Hulman. 

Daniel King: The 2010 biomedical engineering graduate is a senior leader whose roles in health care technology research/development and product/marketing management have brought products in advanced wound care, burn and surgical spaces. These advances have included a next generation burn management device and award-winning product development. King also has been a volunteer emergency medical technician and firefighter in his community.

Mariya Krisenko: The 2010 applied biology alumna is a medical science liaison at Novo Nordisk in Chicago. She has done extensive work in the field of diabetes, launching two new treatments for type 2 diabetes – one for adults and another for youths. Krisenko received multiple national postgraduate fellowships before earning a doctorate in medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology. She serves on Rose-Hulman’s Department of Biology and Biomedical Engineering advisory board.

Erinn Reilly: The 2010 biomedical engineering graduate has dedicated the last 10 years to bringing first-in-class medical technology to the market. She is presently director of clinical and biomedical products with FAST BioMedical. Reilly directs aspects of all clinical studies and collaborates on engineering design and development of devices. She holds six worldwide patents. Away from work, Reilly mentors FIRST Robotics teams.

 
Collegian Rose Award

Kimberly Henthorn, a 1999 chemical engineering alumna, was recognized as a graduate who as a faculty and staff member has helped elevate the institute’s mission, strengthened the bridge between alumni and campus, and proven themselves to be an advocate for lifelong relationships with their alma mater. Henthorn is head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and associate professor in the area.

 
Rachel M. Romas Student Award

Cyrus Luczkow, a 2021 biomedical engineering graduate, was honored as an outstanding member of the Student Alumni Association who exhibited excellence in academics and character. He also demonstrated a strong commitment to Rose-Hulman’s initiatives and was recognized for having the promise for post-college success.

 
Honorary Alumni Awards

David Purdy, professor of mechanical engineering, and Ryan Brimberry, associate dean of student affairs, were recognized for demonstrating strong and selfless commitment to the institute, its students and alumni, along with professional achievement and dedication to the betterment of their departments.

Watch the 2021 Alumni Awards Ceremony here.