August 21, 2007

Indiana Eighth District Congressman Brad Ellsworth visited the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology campus Aug. 20 for an update about Rose-Hulman programs to harness cutting edge laser systems and to encourage young students to pursue engineering and science careers. He also toured Rose-Hulman Ventures.

Vigo County is one of 18 counties that make up the eighth congressional district.

Rose-Hulman President Gerald Jakubowski met with Ellsworth to discuss funding passed by the House of Representatives this spring that would support four Rose-Hulman programs. The proposals are now under consideration by the U.S. Senate. The programs include the Homework Hotline, PRISM, Operation Catapult and the Ultrashort Pulse Laser Laboratory. Ellsworth has also supported funding to continue development of the Terre Haute Innovation Alliance, an economic development and educational partnership involving Rose-Hulman, the Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation and Indiana State University. During his meeting with President Jakubowski, Ellsworth also discussed changes in federal financial aid programs.

Ellsworth’s nearly three-hour visit included a luncheon meeting with directors of three of the programs that are seeking federal funding. Others at the luncheon were Rose-Hulman officials involved in financial aid, admissions, student affairs, development and business affairs.

Rose-Hulman President Gerald Jakubowski presents Congressman Brad Ellsworth with a Salty Seamon painting of Moench Hall for use in the Congressman’s Washington, D.C. office.

During the luncheon, Rose-Hulman President Gerald Jakubowski presented Ellsworth with a framed Salty Seamon painting of Moench Hall, and a new Rose-Hulman #1 baseball hat signifying Rose-Hulman’s ninth straight year at the top ranked institution in its category of the U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Colleges” rankings.

Ellsworth assured Jakubowski that both items would be quickly put on display in his Washington, D.C. office.

Ellsworth attended two presentations regarding projects at Rose-Hulman Ventures (RHV). One project dealt with the contributions RHV staff and students have made to improve medical devices. Ellsworth also toured the Ultrashort Pulse Laser Laboratory that is one of only three of its kind in the nation, according to lab director Galen Duree, associate professor of physics and optical engineering. The lab was created with a $1 million grant through the Navy Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Program. The lab is enabling undergraduate students and faculty to use the latest laser technology for applications that include improving military defense systems, detecting biological and chemical agents, and commercial uses in the biomedical and communications fields.