Three Generous Individuals Contribute to Rose-Hulman’s Future

“Many men have been capable of doing a wise thing, more a cunning thing, but very few a generous thing.” Alexander Pope, English poet (1688–1744)

Rose-Hulman was recently the beneficiary of three very generous alumni. These men left their legacy through their estates and provided for the future of Rose-Hulman in three different areas of philanthropic planning.  All were intent on securing Rose-Hulman’s future, but each chose a different route to that destination.

John Bartholome

John Bartholome

John was an electrical engineering graduate of ’48. He served with the 36th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. John worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation his entire business career and retired from that corporation in 1984. Until his death, John was a proud member of the Chieftains of Rose-Hulman—those who contributed $500,000 or more to the Institute.

John planned his estate recognizing the benefits of making a charitable gift from his retirement fund. Rose-Hulman was a principal beneficiary of his estate, including the proceeds of his entire 401(k), which was left to the Institute as an unrestricted gift. In this way, he provided for the Institute, leaving the use of the gift to be determined by Rose-Hulman’s needs at the time of receiving it. His aid helps Rose-Hulman maintain first-class facilities, provide passionate and dedicated faculty, and ensure the stability of the Institute.

Robert E. Miller

Robert created Southwest Engineering, Inc. during a period of major road and highway improvements in New Mexico. His career began in the United States Army following graduation from Rose-Hulman in 1943 with a degree in electrical engineering. He was assigned to help provide vital radio communication information for all armed forces. During an assignment at the Pentagon, Robert collaborated with the Federal Communications Commission to determine allocations of FM radio and television transmission frequencies. Following his service in World War II, Robert used his engineering expertise to improve the road and highway system in New Mexico. He created a materials-testing laboratory in Las Cruces, N.M., that expanded into a highly successful engineering company.

Robert left his entire estate to Rose-Hulman, including two parcels of real estate, his savings, and personal property, which he requested be used to establish a scholarship endowment fund. One unique possession he left Rose-Hulman is a rare $500 bill that is securely retained in Rose-Hulman’s vault. Not only will his generosity help provide financially for his alma mater, but it will ensure that students deserving and wanting a Rose-Hulman education will not be denied because of financial roadblocks. His scholarship leaves a living memorial to his life and accomplishments while generously providing for others.

Chester Stock

Chet was a chemistry major in the class of ’32. His father, Orion L. Stock, was also a Rose-Hulman graduate and was later a professor of drawing and descriptive geometry at Rose-Hulman. Chet received a doctorate from The Johns Hopkins University and a master of science degree from New York University. He became an executive of the Sloan-Kettering Institute and retired as vice president of Sloan-Kettering and director of the Walker Laboratory after 34 years of service. He was known for many innovations in the cancer research field, including developing a program to screen chemicals and natural materials as possible chemotherapy agents for cancer.

Chet chose to remember Rose-Hulman by establishing a living trust arranging for Rose-Hulman’s gift in the form of real estate that will ultimately be sold.  The Institute will receive the proceeds, which Chet earmarked to support the class of 1940 scholarship fund.  Again, the generosity of a single person will ensure that numerous students down through the ages will be financially able to attend our prestigious and first-rate institute of technology. Perhaps even one graduate will take up the research that Chet began at the Sloan-Kettering Institute.