
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
NATE CHENETTE, PHD
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Recipient of the Board of Trustees’ Outstanding Scholar Award – 2024
Dr. Nate Chenette joined the Rose-Hulman faculty in 2014 as a visiting professor in the Department of Mathematics before transitioning to Computer Science and Software Engineering, where he specializes in data structures, algorithms, and cryptography. His expertise in theoretical cryptography has led to influential contributions in the field of searchable encryption, including two patents and publications at leading academic conferences.
A dedicated researcher and teacher, Chenette has earned high praise from students for his clear instruction and passion for his subject matter. His scholarly work was recognized with the RoseHulman Board of Trustees’ Outstanding Scholar Award in 2024.
Chenette has spent multiple summers and a recent extended sabbatical at the Center for Communications Research in La Jolla, California, where he contributes to classified research
INTRODUCTION
Tim Grose, PhD
Chair, Honors and Awards Committee
Associate Professor of China Studies
WELCOMING STATEMENT
Renee Rogge, PhD
Dean of Faculty and Professor of Biomedical Engineering
projects supporting national security. His most recent 11-month appointment resulted in the authorship or co-authorship of four classified research papers. Board of Trustees Chair Carl Cook noted that Chenette’s excitement for his work is evident and that his contributions will continue to have long-term impact.
Outside the classroom, Chenette has taken on leadership roles in faculty governance, including serving as chair of the Employee Relations Committee and co-chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee. He also brings energy and enthusiasm to his personal pursuits, which include cycling, running, and triathlon.
Nate Chenette, PhD
Board of Trustees’ Outstanding Scholar Award Recipient – 2024
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Software
Engineering
DEPARTMENT AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Presented by department representatives
CLOSING REMARKS
Robert A. Coons President
Presented by Bill Weiner, PhD
Associate Professor and Head of Biology & Biomedical Engineering
Gillian Gorocica
This award is presented annually by the Department of Biology and Biomedical Engineering to the outstanding biology graduating senior, based on scholastic achievement, character, and potential for future achievement in the field of biology. The award honors John M. Beals, for the service, advice and encouragement he provides to our department and our students. Recipients receive a scholarship and a custom-engraved glass award.
Natalie Hannum Ellen Shales
This award is presented annually by the Department of Biology and Biomedical Engineering to the outstanding biomedical engineering graduating senior, based on scholastic achievement, character, and potential for future achievement in the field of biomedical engineering. The award honors Samuel F. Hulbert, Rose-Hulman’s 11th president, for his founding contributions and lasting influence on our department and the field of biomedical engineering. Recipients receive a scholarship and a custom-engraved glass award.
Presented by Kimberly Henthorn, PhD
Associate Professor and Head of Chemical Engineering
Makenna Gill
This award is presented annually to a member of the junior class in chemical engineering who is considered by the faculty to be the most outstanding, based on scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, character, attitude, and potential for professional growth. The recipient is presented with a monetary award and a plaque and also receives recognition on a departmental perpetual plaque.
Gwynneth Menzie
This award is presented annually to a graduating senior in chemical engineering who is considered by the faculty to be the most outstanding, based on scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, service, character, attitude, and potential for professional growth. The recipient is presented with a monetary award and a plaque and also receives recognition on a departmental perpetual plaque.
Natalie Green
This award, in honor of a former chairman of the Department of Chemical Engineering, is presented annually to a graduating senior in chemical engineering who shows the greatest promise for a successful professional engineering career. This award is determined by a vote of the faculty and is based on academic performance, diligence, ethics, and professional attitude. The recipient is presented with a monetary award and a plaque and also receives recognition on a departmental perpetual plaque.
Presented
by Ross Weatherman,
PhD Professor and Head of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Jerr
Carolina Guzman
This award, consisting of a reference book and certificate, is presented annually by the Wabash Valley Section of the American Chemical Society. The recipient is selected by the chemistry faculty from the most outstanding chemistry students. This award honors Dr. John White, a chemistry faculty member from 1903-1936, who twice served as acting president of Rose Polytechnic Institute.
James Franke
This award honors Dr. William Albert Noyes, Sr., a member of the Rose chemistry faculty from 1886 to 1903. He served as the first chief chemist of the National Bureau of Standards and in 1907 became head of chemistry at the University of Illinois, which he developed into a premier department. Noyes was the founder and editor of Chemical Abstracts, and edited the Journal of the American Chemical Society before becoming the society’s president in 1920. The recipient is presented with a monetary award and perpetual recognition on a departmental plaque.
Eliska Whited
This award, presented by the Wabash Valley Section of the American Chemical Society, honors Dr. Edward Mottel, a member of the Rose chemistry faculty from 1980 to 2019. Dr. Mottel was a highly devoted educator who believed strongly in service to the community, best exemplified by his chemistry outreach work with Indiana high school teachers and serving various roles within the ACS local and national organizations. The award is given to the senior who combines excellent academic achievement with an equally strong demonstration of their commitment to service. The recipient is presented with a monetary award from the WVACS.
Presented by James Hanson, PhD, PE Professor and Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering
This is an award made possible by the interest and dedication of the civil engineering class of 1978, especially Matt Wiesenberg. His intention was to help the ASCE student chapter and to stimulate participation and activity by creating this award to be given to a member of the ASCE student chapter who has made an outstanding contribution to the chapter. Wiesenberg was secretary of the chapter from 1977 to 1979 and was the founder of the chapter newsletter. The recipient receives a monetary gift and the Civil Engineering Handbook.
Callie Travioli
This award is presented in honor of Morris L. Cleverley, a 1962 Rose Polytechnic civil engineering graduate who had a distinguished career as an engineer, contractor, businessman, and entrepreneur. Cleverley, a faithful and loyal supporter of Rose-Hulman civil engineering, founded Morris L. Cleverley Engineering, a design and construction firm based in Syracuse, New York. The award is presented to a senior civil engineering student who best typifies the following qualities exemplified by Morris Cleverley: common sense and hard work, focused career objectives and perseverance, work ethic and employment record, scholastic achievement, motivation for a career in design/construction, and commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit. The recipient is provided with a cash award and the winner’s name will be entered on the award plaque in the civil engineering department office.
Presented annually to the civil engineering student of senior standing judged by the faculty to be most outstanding on the basis of scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, character, responsibility, attitude, and practical problem-solving ability. This award has been established through the generosity of Muriel and Shelton Hannig, former President of Marsh, Inc., a leading civil engineering firm based in Terre Haute. It honors the Hannig’s late son, Mark Shelton Hannig.
This award was established in 1964 in memory of Edward A. MacLean, Professor and Head of Civil Engineering, Rose Polytechnic Institute, 19371962. The recipient must have completed the junior year, achieved academic success in mechanics courses, demonstrated academic improvement since entering college, and be an active participant in extracurricular activities. The recipient receives a cash award derived from the income of a special endowment and rotates between Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering.
Presented by Sriram Mohan, PhD
Professor and Head of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Awarded annually to the senior computer science or software engineering student who, in the opinion of the CSSE faculty, has achieved distinction in academics, service, character, and attitude, and who has the promise of an outstanding career in some aspect of computer science. The award includes a set of the four-volume series The Art of Computer Programming by Donald Knuth, which has been donated by Pearson Education, publisher of the books.
Awarded annually to the computer science or software engineering student who, in the opinion of fellow CSSE students and the CSSE faculty, has performed exemplary service to the department, the institute, and/or the community at large. This service should lead to a lasting improvement in the policies or business practices of the organization(s) served. Frank Young is professor emeritus and former head of the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.
Awarded annually to the computer science or software engineering senior who, in the opinion of fellow CSSE students and the CSSE faculty, excels in class work and shows initiative in learning new things.
Presented by Mario Simoni, PhD
Professor and Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Josh Schrock, Computer Engineering
Ethan Ockwig, Electrical Engineering
The award is given to the electrical engineering and computer engineering major who at the conclusion of the junior year has the highest-grade point average. Professor Clarence Knipmeyer taught at Rose-Hulman for 44 years. He was head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and upon retirement served as a consultant to the Turkish government in connection with problems in their government-owned power plants and coal mines. Professor Knipmeyer’s career did much to shape the early nature of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This award is to honor him and today’s recipients. It has been made possible through an anonymous gift by an alumnus of the department.
Isaac Towne, Computer Engineering
Liz Francois, Electrical Engineering
Presented annually by the department faculty to the Electrical Engineering student and Computer Engineering student considered most outstanding on the basis of maturity and sense of judgment, responsibility, attitude, professionalism, curiosity, initiative, extracurricular activities, and academic standing.
Justin Rober ts, Computer Engineering
Kaitlyn Kampwer th, Electrical Engineering
Presented by the Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty annually to the outstanding student members of the student branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Recognizes excellence in IEEE-HKN chapters. The award is based on the content and description of chapter activities that are contained in the Annual Chapter Report (which summarizes the chapter’s activities from the previous academic year of 1 July to 30 June). This prestigious national award is presented to the top 1% of IEEE-HKN Chapters in recognition of excellence in their Chapter administration and programs.
Presented by Corey Taylor, PhD Professor of English and Head of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts
The Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts Essay Contest Awards recognize outstanding written work completed for department courses. Each year, HSSA faculty invite students to submit entries for consideration. Essays are judged in three categories: Research and Analysis, Rhetoric and Composition, and Interpretation of Texts and Cultures. Entries are evaluated by a panel of HSSA faculty, who select each category’s winner or winners. This year’s honorees wrote essays for courses offered between Spring 2024 and Winter 2024-2025.
Abdullah Islam
“Engineers as the Final Ethical Gatekeepers: Why Corporate Pressures Do Not Absolve Individual Responsibility”
Danny Oxley
“Harold & Kumar Appeal to a White Audience"
Research and Analysis Essay Award
Rhetoric and Composition Essay Award
Kayla Beiner
“Lively Popular Music Amid Downtrodden Economic Times in America”
Josie Sowell
“Dehumanization in Politics: The Role of Insulting Language” DEPARTMENT
Presented
by
Dave Rader, PhD Professor and Head of Mathematics
Ben Lyons
This award was established in memory of Clarence P. Sousley, professor and head of mathematics from 1920 to 1954. It is awarded by vote of the mathematics faculty to a graduating senior mathematics major who has demonstrated exceptional performance in mathematics. The award is not necessarily presented every year. The recipient receives a book prize and a plaque, and the student's name is engraved on the departmental plaque.
These awards were established in recognition of Henry T. Eddy, Rose-Hulman professor of mathematics and Rose-Hulman president from 1891 to 1894. These are awarded by a vote of the mathematics faculty to students completing their junior year as a mathematics major or double major including mathematics. The students must have demonstrated the potential for either the application of mathematics to another discipline or the advancement of pure mathematics. The recipients receive a book prize, and their names are engraved on the departmental plaque.
Presented by Richard Onyancha, PhD
Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering
Cameron Buckmaster
This honor is based on student leadership, participation in extracurricular activities, and citizenship. The student receiving this award will have a record of transformative student leadership, substantial improvements to new or existing student organizations, and demonstrated integrity and professionalism.
Hannah Ponstine
Presented by faculty of the department annually to a mechanical engineering student of senior class standing who is considered by the faculty to be most outstanding based on scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, character, responsibility, attitude, and potential for professional growth.
Kevin Cotellesso
This award is presented annually by the department faculty to the junior student considered by the faculty to be most outstanding in scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, character, responsibility, attitude, and potential for professional growth.
Presented by Lieutenant Colonel James Antonides Professor of Military Science
Paul Sofineti
This award honors Sylvester Kearns, master military engineer, whose selfless dedication inspired military cadets from 1919 to 1938 at Rose Polytechnic. It is awarded periodically by the department faculty to an outstanding Army ROTC student whose enthusiasm and leadership skills inspire his or her peers to excel. The recipient receives a personal plaque, and the winner’s name is inscribed on a permanent departmental plaque.
CPT William D. Weidlein volunteered to serve with the American Expeditionary Force in France during World War I, earning distinction for his unit’s performance at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Following the First World War, CPT Weidlein volunteered to establish the first Army ROTC Program in the Wabash Valley in 1918. The Wabash Battalion commissioned its first two Army Officers in 1918 and has since minted more than one thousand 2nd Lieutenants, leading troops in every conflict since WWI. CPT Weidlein’s legacy of selfless service continues today through the volunteer activities of many of the Wabash Battalion’s fine cadets.
Presented by Galen Duree, Jr., PhD
Professor and Head of Physics and Optical Engineering
The Jean Bennett award comes with a crystal that was donated to Rose-Hulman for the student to keep. This award is given annually to a senior who has demonstrated excellence in optics in honor of Dr. Jean M. Bennett who was a research scientist and the first woman president of the Optical Society of America. This award began in 1988.
Ishaan Mishra
This award is given annually to an outstanding senior physics major in honor of Dr. John W. Rhee who was an inspiring teacher, outstanding scholar and professor of Physics and Astronomy from 1965 to 1977.
Alisha Mastakar
This award is given to a graduating senior in nanoengineering, who is in the top of their graduating class and must exhibit leadership qualities. The student should be dynamic both in and outside of the classroom and must have performed meritorious work in an industry or in a research setting. DEPARTMENT
Presented by Tim Grose, PhD
Associate Professor of China Studies
Outstanding Project Award Kiana Mar tin
“ReSurge: Reusable Electrosurgical Handheld Devices Business Plan for Hospitals in East Africa”
Presented by Erik Hayes
Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
The All-American award recognizes the most outstanding players in all of NCAA Division III football, recognizing 11 offensive and 11 defensive players, plus four special teams players across four separate teams (First, Second, Third, and Fourth Team). All-American status is distributed by three major news entities for the sport of football, including Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, and D3football.com.
Dylan
Jay Smith (Football)
Vineet Ranade (Men's Swimming)
The College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America award recognizes outstanding student-athletes for their combined athletic and academic achievements, honoring the top performers in various sports and levels, including Division I, II, and III of the NCAA. Rose-Hulman extends its streak to 40 consecutive years with at least one Academic All-American.
The CSC Academic All-America Team Member of the Year is awarded to the most outstanding individual student-athlete selected from the Academic All-America teams in a specific sport and division. This award recognizes exceptional academic and athletic achievements, with winners typically having a high GPA and being standout performers on their respective teams. The award is presented by College Sports Communicators (CSC). Only four student-athletes from Rose-Hulman have ever won the award.
The Elite 90 Award is a prestigious accolade that is given to the student-athlete competing in each of the NCAA's 90 championships with the highest cumulative GPA. Only two student-athletes from Rose-Hulman have ever won the award.
Presenter: Tim Grose, PhD
Chair, Honors and Awards Committee
Associate Professor of China Studies
Samuel F. Hulbert was an outstanding biomedical engineering teacher who served as Rose-Hulman’s president for 28 years.
Aimee Hansen
William Mason High School, Mason, OH
Aimee Hansen is the kind of teacher who changes lives. For Shveta Godbole, Hansen was the reason Godbole chose to major in chemical engineering. As Godbole’s AP Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Hansen “forced” her into the class—but from day one, the teacher’s contagious enthusiasm, creative experiments, and legendary taxidermied mole made chemistry irresistible.
These characteristics exemplify why Hansen is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Teacher award.
“Mrs. Hansen shaped me into the person I am today, not just in major but also in personality,” Godbole says. “As a result of her, I am more passionate and enthusiastic about the things I do than I ever was, in addition to absolutely falling in love with chemistry. She showed me what enjoying a subject truly means and made me even more curious to learn chemistry.”
Mrs. Hansen’s deep love for teaching, unwavering support, and high standards pushed students to become passionate learners who never gave up, no matter how difficult the topic. She responded to emails late at night, offered extra help, and turned every lab into a fun, memorable experience, Godbole adds. Even during a serious medical emergency that kept her hospitalized for months, she was still grading quizzes and answering student questions.
Mrs. Hansen’s dedication, compassion, and enthusiasm transformed not only the academic paths of her students but also their approach to life. As Godbole puts it: “Ask any alumni who had her, and they will all say Mrs. Hansen is absolutely iconic.”
Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, FL
Jason Wiggins’ classroom wasn’t just a place to learn math—it was a place where students felt safe, supported, and seen, says former student Lila Bo Williams. Whether teaching AP Calculus AB or leading the math team, Mr. Wiggins made an indelible impact with his kindness, humor, and genuine care for every student, earning him this year’s Outstanding Mentor award.
Mr. Wiggins made complex material approachable, always took the time to help struggling students, and made the math team feel like a close-knit community, adds Williams, a chemistry major at Rose-Hulman. For four years, Mr. Wiggins was more than a mentor—he was a bright, steady presence in students' lives, always willing to listen, encourage, or simply share a laugh.
“He was an extremely kind and funny teacher and math team sponsor, making everywhere we was feel safe and familial,” Williams says. “He was always willing to help with any math question or to be there to just listen if someone wanted to talk.”
One of Mr. Wiggins most telling accolades was receiving his school’s “Snuggie of Kindness” award—proof of the warmth and positivity he brought to every interaction.
Adds Williams, “Given his kindness and care to others, he always made others smile when then entered his room for class, going out of his way to help those who were struggling in math and make sure they did well.”
Presented by
Jameel Ahmed, PhD
Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Renee Rogge, PhD
Dean of Faculty and Professor of Biomedical Engineering
When candidates for the following medals have the same grade point average, each student will be recognized as a Heminway, Wischmeyer, or Bogart Scholar. The medal will be given to that scholar who has the highest number of graded hours at Rose-Hulman.
The Bronze Medal was first mentioned in the catalog of 1890 and the first recipient was Arthur M. Dietrich, formerly vice president for the Baker Castor Oil Company. According to the Memorial Volume, in 1888 Mrs. Sarah Heminway contributed a fund for the establishment of a gold medal, to be awarded annually to the graduating senior with the highest academic standing. A year later the bronze medal was added, to be awarded to the student with the highest standing at the end of the first year of residence.
Jeremy Bergman
Brianna Bittel
Samantha Bui
Pei-Jen Chen
David Creen
Maxwell Danielson
Gabriella Ezzell
Adam Fucela
Jacob Gerber
Jonathon Hammond
Ethan Harden
Will Hartman
Brett Hixon
Nathan Hodson
Wenxin Huang
Taehyeon Kim
Lukas Lambert
Irene Lema Madueno
Mark Li
J.J. Moe
Anjeli Prakash
Gabe Rapp
Olivia Ruckauf
Alex Schieltz
Hayden Simmons
Wyatt Starkie
Eric Steuber
Morgan Stratton
Yujin Sung
Jack Traversa
Aiden Walter
Ethan Wilson
Joshua Yang
Chengyang Ye
Kelvin Zhou
Mark Serdinak
The Paul N. Bogart Memorial Prize for scholarship was first presented in 1961 as a continuing memorial for what Bogart prized most: academic excellence. The award is presented annually to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average at the end of the second year of residence. Paul N. Bogart was a Terre Haute banker, civic leader, and chairman of the Rose Polytechnic Institute Board of Managers from 1929 to 1960.
Kyle Asbury
Tommaso Calviello
Drew Cameron
Kevin Cotellesso
John Dickinson
Cynthia Gallegos
Rodriguez
Eli Granade
McKenna Gumerson
Yejia Hao
Ethan Hutton
Travis Judson
Jared Kagay
Edward Kang
Lauren Marquardt
Jaxon Naviaux
Connor O'Connell
Steven Reese
Cale Royer
Chong-Yi Su
Blaise Swartwood
Rebecca Testa
Alex Yim
The executive committee of the Board of Managers decided on October 9, 1970, to give an annual award to the outstanding Rose-Hulman junior. Carl Wischmeyer graduated first in his class at Rose Polytechnic Institute in 1906 and was a distinguished member of the Rose faculty from 1908 to 1955. The winner of this award must have the highest grade point average at the end of the third year of residence.
Carl Wischmeyer Scholars
Salik Ahmad
Ariadna Duvall
Natalie Hannum
Kaylee Lane
Henry Nunns
Hannah Ponstine
Vineet Ranade
Justin Roberts
Josh Schrock
Ellen Shales
Isaac Towne
Tim Grose, PhD Chair, Honors and Awards Committee Associate Professor of China Studies
Kyle Claassen, PhD Associate Professor of Mathematics
Rebecca Clouser, PhD Assistant Professor of Geography
Ashlan Fortner Marketing Manager
Ben Jelen, PhD Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Matt Lance Associate Director of Admissions
Charlie Ricker Director of Alumni Relations
James Vinson Associate Director of Athletics