Members of Rose-Hulman’s Class of 2023 are ready to spread themselves across the world to begin their professional careers, graduate school studies or military commissions after receiving their bachelor’s and master’s degree diplomas during Saturday’s Commencement in the fieldhouse of the Sports and Recreation Center. 

Along the way, the college’s 145^th graduating class overcame a disruption of their higher education careers by COVID-19 pandemic health and safety precautions. They studied new academic degrees in engineering design and data science. They also enjoyed such campus additions as the New Academic Building, the Kremer Innovation Center, synthetic football and soccer varsity athletic fields, and the Pi-Vilion addition to the Mussallem student union.

President Robert A. Coons presented diplomas to 405 graduates. However, he proposed that the goal for the group was to use the skills learned at Rose-Hulman to thrive in their chosen careers. Ninety-two percent of the entire graduating class was already placed prior to commencement. Final placement rate for this class is expected to reach our historical averages (98-100%) by fall.

Graduates’ future plans include working for such companies as Blue Origin, Caterpillar, Collins Aerospace, Eli Lilly and Company, Google, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Raytheon, Marathon Petroleum, Northrop Grumman, Milwaukee Tools, and Kiewit. Graduate school plans include attending such schools as Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and Northwestern.

“You are bright and your future is bright. The world will benefit from your problem-solving skills, whether the issues you tackle are small or immense,” President Coons told the graduates—joined by parents, other family members and special guests that filled the SRC’s fieldhouse. “You have what it takes to thrive because you know how to strive. Your past four years of experiences here have set you up to thrive, no matter what unknown challenges lie on the path ahead … Keep growing and developing vigorously. Continue to flourish. And continue to focus on the things in life that feel right. When you do, you will keep experiencing what it means to thrive. Strive to Thrive.”

Picking up on that theme, Senior Class President Sage Dooley, an engineering design graduate, stated, “Engineering is the beginning of a lifelong learning process. It is about the technical aspects, innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. We are trained to think critically, analyze and create unique solutions to real-world problems. Our ability to tackle challenges head-on and adapt to new technologies and changing environments is what sets us apart.” 

In addressing the Class of 2023, alumnus Marshall Goldsmith passed along advice from being a best-selling business book author and recognized executive leadership coach. His exclusive leadership coaching list features a Who’s Who of more than 200 highest level global chief executives, with a six-month waiting list for potential new clients.

Among Goldsmith’s tips were: Ask questions, be happy in the present, appreciate family and friends, and follow your dreams and aspirations. Also, do what you can do to help others. Finally, don’t have any regrets.

“Life is short, have fun … go for it,” he said.

As a special parting gift, Goldsmith presented each of the graduates copies of latest book, “The Earned Life,” which offers practical advice, taken from Buddhism inspiration, to help readers lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life. 

Goldsmith joined Rose-Hulman trustee and Terre Haute native Linda White in being presented with Doctor of Engineering honorary degrees. White, executive director of the Deaconess Foundation and chief administrative officer of Deaconess Henderson Hospital in Henderson, Kentucky, becomes the ninth member of her extended family to earn a diploma from the college.

The Class of 2023 has graduates from 34 states and eight foreign countries, 102 women (25% of the class), 137 graduates declared from diverse or ethnic populations (35%), and 63 first-generation graduates (16%).