Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, renowned for its premier STEM education, commemorated its 150-year sesquicentennial in grand style with the "Rose Gala: A Sesquicentennial Celebration" on Saturday, October 5. The black-tie event, held at the Terre Haute Convention Center, drew 600 attendees and served as the capstone to a weekend of homecoming festivities.

The sold-out gala brought together a diverse group of Rose-Hulman stakeholders, including alumni, faculty, staff, students, corporate and community partners, and local officials. Guests enjoyed an evening of eloquent speeches, fine dining, and the timeless tunes of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. More than just a celebration, the event also raised funds for student scholarships through ticket sales.

In remarks to the attendees, Robert A. Coons, president of Rose-Hulman, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the institute's graduates.

“At Rose-Hulman, we don’t just educate graduates—we cultivate leaders who shape the future of our world,” Coons said. “In this room, you’ll find engineers transforming industries as CEOs, scientists making life-saving discoveries, mathematicians driving innovation in data science, and entrepreneurs building the jobs of tomorrow. Our legacy is their success, and their work will continue to inspire generations to come.”

The gala also featured student voices, including Jack Cooperman, a Class of 2025 computer engineering major and President of the Student Government Association. A multi-generation Rose-Hulman student, Cooperman shared, “I chose Rose-Hulman because I admired my grandfather, a proud alum, but I stayed because this place pushes every student to reach their full potential. The small class sizes, world-class professors, and countless opportunities make Rose-Hulman a place where you can thrive.” He praised the institute’s commitment to excellence, highlighting the key factors that contribute to its success.

Carl Cook, Chair of the Board of Trustees, shared a forward-looking message, noting, "For 150 years, Rose-Hulman has been more than an institution – it's been a launchpad for dreams, a crucible for ideas, and a beacon of excellence in STEM education. As we stand on the start of the next 150 years, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement. If our past is any indication, the future holds limitless possibilities."

The gala marked the culmination of a weekend filled with milestone events. Earlier, the institute broke ground on the transformative $102 million Innovation Grove complex, unveiled the redesigned and accessible Root Quad featuring a new sculpture, and received a multimillion-dollar gift from an alumnus to enhance STEM education.

These developments come at a time when Rose-Hulman continues to garner national recognition. The institute recently claimed the top spot in U.S. News and World Report's undergraduate engineering rankings for the 26th consecutive year. Additionally, it has earned recognition among the top 100 in The Wall Street Journal's 2025 Best Colleges in America and Princeton Review's Best 390 Colleges 2025.

As the Rose Gala concluded, attendees departed with more than just memories of an elegant evening. Each guest received a copy of Forever Rose: 150 Years of STEM Education, a commemorative book celebrating the institute's storied history. The book is available for purchase at rose-hulman.edu/150Book. Attendees also left with a renewed sense of pride in Rose-Hulman's legacy and an eager anticipation for its future. The event not only celebrated 150 years of achievement but also set the stage for the next chapter in Rose-Hulman's story – to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation in STEM education for generations to come.