In celebrating its 150-year sesquicentennial and on March 14 – Pi Day – Rose-Hulman held its fifth annual Giving Day, and supporters made it a memorable one.

Alumni, faculty, staff, community members, families, and other friends of the top-ranked STEM college contributed a record $650,223 through 667 gifts. These donations will help support to meeting the college’s greatest needs, student scholarships, academic programs, student experiences, athletics, and more. The total raised well exceeded the previous record of $508,607 set in 2023. 

“The incredible generosity and unwavering support of our donors once again surpassed our expectations,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. “As we commemorate our 150th sesquicentennial anniversary this year, these contributions will help to shape the legacy of Rose-Hulman for the next century and a half.”

Several donors helped spur the giving with matching gift challenges. Those included significant gifts from the Cless Family in supporting student experiences and services. Susan and Dave (Class of 1969) Hoecker and Victoria (‘06) and Matt (‘05) Ellis offered generous matching gifts in support of the college’s greatest needs, while Karen DeGrange, the family of Dr. Herb Bailey, and Jason Carlyle (’98) donated to support student scholarships.

Lyle Carlson (’91) contributed to cybersecurity initiatives, while the company Kalogon supported student competition teams in the Branam and Kremer Innovation Centers. Brent Mewhinney (‘84) and Dana (’06) and Jon Pierson contributed gifts in support of athletics, while Randy Potts  (‘71) contributed to the ROTC. Margo and Jack (’59) Fenoglio, and the President and his Cabinet also supported the day with matching gifts.

“We challenged our supporters to make a lasting difference with this year’s Rose Giving Day theme and they once again rose to the occasion,” said Steve Brady, vice president for institutional advancement. “Our donors truly demonstrated how one gift on one day can make an impact for a lifetime, and we are deeply appreciative of their generosity.”