TERRE HAUTE —
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is mourning the loss of its 14th president, Matt Branam, who died Friday after a sudden medical emergency in his office.
He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and died shortly after his arrival.
William R. Fenoglio, chairman of Rose-Hulman’s board of trustees, stated that the loss “saddens us deeply. Matt Branam was unique and talented; as a graduate of Rose-Hulman, he brought a level of passion for the school that created new energy on our campus.”
He described Branam as a “visionary” who celebrated the college’s achievements and enthusiastically shared them with people throughout Indiana and across the country.
“We all express our deepest condolences to his family,” Fenoglio said.
Details about Rose-Hulman’s interim leadership and memorial services will be forthcoming, he said. The Rose-Hulman board is expected to meet by conference call Monday to make a decision about interim leadership.
Branam, 57, was a Terre Haute native who earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Rose-Hulman in 1979. He was elected Rose-Hulman’s president in late 2009 after serving five months in an interim role.
“I returned to my alma mater to become president because I could not think of a more vital or important place to be at this moment in American history,” Branam stated recently. He was a strong advocate of science, math and engineering education in solving global issues.
Trenton Tabor, a Rose-Hulman senior, worked with Branam on a number of projects. “He was a mentor to me,” Tabor said. “I learned a great deal from him about trying to lead such a diverse organization as Rose-Hulman” and how to reconcile various groups that had different perspectives.
Branam was “so accessible” to students, Tabor said. “I met often with him about decisions he made and the direction he was going. … He was willing to talk with me and explain what he was doing.”
Tabor, Branam and other students worked together on a fun project just Wednesday, when they put together a video announcement for campus to inform them that Dean Kamen — world-famous inventor and science advocate — would be the commencement speaker on May 26.
Branam rode a Segway, a two-wheeled electric vehicle invented by Kamen, on campus. “He had a great time,” Tabor said. Branam sent it out on campus email late Thursday night and students were watching it Friday morning, although it was removed after he died.
“It will be a lot of students’ last memory of him,” happily riding around campus talking about the commencement speaker, Tabor said.
In another project, Tabor was in charge of a senior class giving campaign and the goal was to raise $10,000 to support a scholarship. He asked for Branam’s help, and Branam pledged to personally match the amount raised up to $10,000.
Friday was a “very sad day for me,” Tabor said. “I will miss him a great deal and the campus will as well.”
Bill Kline, dean of faculty, said the campus reaction “was one of shock, sadness and loss.”
During his tenure as president, Branam “came in and held us all to a very high standard of performance and excellence.”
The president “had done an outstanding job” of starting a strategic planning process to establish a vision “for the next great chapter at the institution,” Kline said. The campus is committed to continuing that effort, called “The Great Debate.”
During Branam’s tenure, “There was a sense of pride and energy on campus” and anticipation about the future,” Kline said.
Fenoglio said Branam wanted Rose-Hulman known worldwide for its excellence in engineering, science and math. While he was a “superb leader of the present,” Branam’s most important contribution was his work to define the institute’s future, Fenoglio said.
Accomplishments during Branam’s tenure include the launching of a strategic planning process that so far has involved more than 2,000 alumni, corporate and education leaders, faculty, staff, student and parents. He also presided while Rose-Hulman maintained its No. 1 ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s annual college ranking of specialized undergraduate engineering institutions.
His tenure also was marked by several facility improvements including the creation of a collaborative student working environment, the Student Innovation Center, which opened last fall; the construction of a 240-bed LEED-certified residence hall, to be open this fall; the construction on the William Alfred Cook Laboratory for Bioscience Research, now under way; and the remodeling of five state-of-the-art classrooms, opening this fall. He also expanded global awareness and diversity initiatives.
Before becoming Rose-Hulman’s president, Branam had a 24-year career at United Parcel Service (1972-1996) and rose to the position of vice president of public affairs in Washington, D.C.
He also was the first-ever chief operating officer of the American Red Cross, serving at the request of former Red Cross president Elizabeth Dole. During his tenure, the nonprofit organization’s operating revenue grew by 38 percent to $2.5 billion annually.
Branam is survived by three adult children: Clint, Washington, D.C.; Travis, Terre Haute; and Brooke, Alexandria, Va.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels:
“Matt Branam’s tragic passing is a loss not only to one of America’s finest academic institutions but to our entire state. Matt was leading Rose-Hulman from strength to strength, and its graduates are making enormous contributions to the economic life of Indiana. It’s especially sad because this native son of our state came home to us after an illustrious career elsewhere, and we had all looked forward to many more years of his leadership. He’ll be a very difficult person to replace.”
Indiana State University President Dan Bradley:
“It’s a terrible shame and a big blow for his family and the college. I think he was a great colleague and he brought stability to Rose-Hulman. He’s going to be missed.”
Ann Valentine, chancellor, Ivy Tech Community
College — Wabash Valley Region:
“Matt Branam’s visionary spirit and leadership provided opportunities for Ivy Tech and Rose-Hulman students, faculty and staff to collaborate, work and learn collectively through Rose-Hulman Ventures. Our recent discussions about global workforce development and international relations provided for promising future partnerships. I was shocked to hear the news today and on behalf of the entire Ivy Tech family, our prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Rose-Hulman community.”
Dottie King, president,
St. Mary-of-the-Woods College:
“We at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College are deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Matt Branam. I knew Matt to be kind, generous and extremely committed to the mission of Rose-Hulman. His family and the entire Rose-Hulman community are in our prayers.”
Jeff Belskus, president & CEO, Hulman & Co. and
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. He also serves as vice chairman of the Rose-Hulman board of trustees:
“All of us at Hulman & Co. and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Branam. Hulman & Co. has a longstanding relationship with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and there are very few institutions with which our organization has a stronger tie. We have been fortunate enough to work with and get to know Matt well during his tenure at RHIT. His leadership, vision and commitment to the betterment of the community, and his passion for preparing young adults to succeed and contribute in a competitive business environment will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt’s family, friends and everyone at RHIT.”
Bob Quatroche, interim president of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce (Branam served on the
Chamber’s board of directors):
“The Chamber of Commerce is really saddened by this unexpected passing of President Matt Branam. He provided wise counsel and advice on many issues that came before the Chamber. We extend sympathy to his family and to the faculty, staff and students at Rose-Hulman.”
Dan Tanoos, Vigo County School Corp.
superintendent:
“It’s a tragic loss for the community and his family.”
James M. Danko, Butler University president:
“Matt Branam was an exemplary leader for Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. In his work with UPS, the Red Cross and other organizations, as well as in higher education, he was an innovator and forward thinker. Butler University sends its most heartfelt condolences to the Rose-Hulman community.”
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