Former Rose-Hulman President Dies
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowRose-Hulman Institute of Technology is mourning the death of former president Samuel Hulbert. Hulbert served as president from 1976 to 2004, the longest tenure of any president at the school. He was 79.
The institute says at the time of his retirement in 2004, Hulbert had presented diplomas to 70 percent of Rose-Hulman’s living alumni. Hulbert also served as a faculty member, teaching classes in biomaterials, biomechanics, introduction to design and the design of artificial organs. His legacy includes leading the school’s transition to co-education in the 1990s.
"Sam Hulbert left an indelible mark on this campus during his 28 years as president," said Rose-Hulman President Jim Conwell. "Sam was the institute’s biggest cheerleader. Even in retirement, he took enormous pride in the faculty, staff, alumni, and students, and proudly celebrated their accomplishments. Everyone associated with Rose-Hulman owes a great debt of gratitude to him for the large number of contributions he made on this campus."
During Hulbert’s 28-year tenure, the institute’s student retention and graduation rates became among the best of any private engineering college or university throughout the country. The number of students and faculty doubled, which helped the institute maintain its 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio.
A faculty chair in biomedical engineering was named after Hulbert in 2010. The institute’s basketball arena carries his name as well.
Hulbert is survived by his three children and 10 grandchildren. Rose-Hulman will host a memorial event on campus, though details have not yet been released.