TERRE HAUTE —
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Class of 2012 will honor the memory of Matt Branam during today’s commencement ceremony by wearing special pins with the phrase “Make It Happen; Make It Fun,” a favorite saying of the former Rose-Hulman president, who died unexpectedly on April 20.
Several graduating seniors came up with the idea for the pins, according to Andrew Jordan, president of the Class of 2012. Jason Block, a mechanical engineering graduate from Morton Grove, Ill., designed the pin.
“These pins will help the public see how much Matt Branam meant to us as a class,” Jordan said. “We were the only class that was here during his entire tenure, and I feel that he had a huge impact on not only us, but on how we saw Rose-Hulman as a school.”
Branam also will be honored by a moment of silence during the commencement ceremony.
Besides the pins, the Class of 2012 is leaving a legacy through a Senior Challenge fundraising drive that donated the largest graduating class gift in Rose-Hulman history. The seniors’ efforts, which started earlier this spring, were enthusiastically endorsed by Branam. The generosity has been matched by students from other classes, faculty, staff, alumni and special friends.
The fundraising total was $4,528 through May 24, with additional donations expected throughout commencement weekend.
Today will be Rose-Hulman’s 134th commencement, with 358 graduates receiving undergraduate or master’s degrees. Another 59 seniors will participate in the ceremony as summer or November graduates.
Commencement speaker will be inventor Dean Kamen. He will join Bruce Cahill, founder and CEO of California’s Centaur Corp., and Thomas Hoback, president and CEO of the Indiana Rail Road Co., in receiving honorary degrees.
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Rose grads honoring late president Branam at commencement today
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