Rose-Human and its Alumni Association have presented the 2025 Alumni Awards to a group of past and future graduates, faculty, and staff in recognition for their considerable industry and community contributions, technical patents and publications, and support of the Institute.

President Robert A. Coons notes, “Throughout their careers, these alumni have redefined industries from air travel to medical device research and development, to United States policies regarding artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. They empower the next generation of brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and serve their communities through animal rescue groups, Special Olympics, sports leagues, and nonprofits helping people navigate situations from cancer to disabilities and mental illness.”

This year’s award winners, by category, are: 

Honor Alumni Award

This is the Institute’s highest alumni award, recognizing exceptional alumni achievement in any field, vocational and/or voluntary. It honors those who have attained and maintained extremely high standing in their chosen fields and in their service to society. 

Charles Clancy
Computer Engineering, 2001

Clancy is a technology leader, entrepreneur, and researcher dedicated to advancing global security and emerging technology. He is the chief technology officer and senior vice president for MITRE Labs, leading a team of more than 4,000 scientists and engineers tackling critical national challenges.

His work has influenced U.S. technology policy in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers for his work in information security and digital communications and a member of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. He holds 15 patents, has had works published in more than 200 technical papers and six books, and has testified before Congress nine times on emerging technologies.

After graduating from Rose-Hulman, Clancy earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois and a doctorate in computer science from the University of Maryland. He began his career at the National Security Agency, leading wireless communications research programs. In 2010, Clancy transitioned to academia, joining Virginia Tech and ultimately became the university’s Bradley Distinguished Professor of Cybersecurity. He founded the Hume Center for National Security and Technology, engaging thousands of students in national security research. He also launched multiple successful venture-backed startups, including defense-tech unicorn, HawkEye 360. Clancy joined MITRE in 2019.

Beyond his professional achievements, Clancy serves on nonprofit boards, advises several university defense research centers, and is a trustee of his children’s school. 

Career Achievement Award

Recognizing alumni whose professional achievements have brought distinction to themselves, credit to the institute, and benefit to their communities. 

Christopher Bauer
Civil Engineering, 2001
 
This seasoned construction management professional has more than two decades of experience leading large-scale commercial projects across the United States. After graduation, Bauer’s career started with Hunt Construction Group, now AECOM Hunt, and has played a key role in delivering high-profile developments in aviation, sports hospitality, residential, military, and educational sectors.

Bauer is currently serving as a project executive, leading more than 100 contractors and 1,000 workers on a transformative $2 billion redevelopment of a terminal at New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports. Other aspects of his extensive portfolio include the New Orleans Airport Terminal, where he played a key role in establishing a workforce training and community development project, and two sports stadiums for Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the minor league's Worcester Red Sox.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bauer is deeply committed to community service and volunteerism. He has served on the board of directors for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and actively supports various animal rescue organizations. He is also a member of the AECOM Veterans Alliance Group and has volunteered with UnCommon Construction in New Orleans.

Raymond Lepp
Mechanical Engineering, 1963

A distinguished career in the steel and metals industry has had Lepp specializing in turnarounds, restructuring, and high-performance operations. He retired as president and chief executive officer with Ryson Global Solutions after having executive leadership roles with Inland Steel (33 years), Birmingham Steel, CoSteel, and Ryerson Metals, overseeing multiple plants across the U.S. and Canada.

One of Lepp’s most notable accomplishments with Inland Steel was leading the design, construction, and launch of I/N Kote, a state-of-the-art galvanized steel plant developed in partnership with Nippon Steel. He also transformed a struggling Seattle steel plant into an award-winning facility, earning the Plant of the Decade Award and a Seattle city proclamation recognizing its contributions. He has been honored with the Governor of Washington’s Award for Environmental Innovation and Stewardship.

Beyond his professional career, Lepp has been dedicated to community service, serving on the boards for At Work!, a non-profit supporting adults with disabilities, South Seattle Community College, and Michigan Tech’s Graduate School of Business, as well as multiple Homeowners Association boards. An avid outdoorsman, he also has climbed Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Si. 
 

Doug Tougaw
Electrical Engineering, 1991

Tougaw is an accomplished educator, researcher, and leader in the field of engineering education. He is dean of engineering with Valparaiso University, where he has had multiple academic leadership roles, including associate dean, interim dean, and 15 years as chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

His research has led to 75 peer-reviewed publications, evenly split between quantum computing and engineering education, as well as a patent for a novel interconnection method for Quantum-dot Cellular Automata.

Tougaw’s contributions to engineering education have included serving as president of the American Society for Engineering Education and earning national recognition as a runner-up for Outstanding Young Electrical Engineer Award by the Eta Kappa Nu organization and one of the 150 Most influential People in Valparaiso University History.

After Rose-Hulman, Tougaw earned a doctorate in electrical engineering at the University of Notre Dame, where he focused on quantum computing, a master’s degree in electrical engineering at Notre Dame, a master’s degree in business administration from Valparaiso, and a master’s in higher education administration from North Park University. 

Distinguished Young Alumni

Recognizing alumni who have achieved significant success in their first 10 years after graduation in the areas of career achievement, community service, and dedication to Rose-Hulman.

Nick Birch
Mechanical Engineering, 2014

A passionate entrepreneur and technology leader dedicated to innovation and workforce development, Birch has founded multiple businesses, including a technical career training bootcamp called Eleven Fifty Academy, a
software consulting firm, and an Ed Tech software company. He now leads the Technology Institute at United Airlines, overseeing technical training for 2,500 global employees.

As co-founder of Eleven Fifty Academy, Birch helped graduate more than 2,500 students, driving an average 50% income gain for its graduates. Under his leadership, the academy became a key talent pipeline for Indiana’s tech industry and earned the 2022 Talent Impact Award in TechPoint’s annual Mira Award program.

Birch is deeply involved in his community, coaching high school baseball for a decade and being co-chair of the technology cluster for Junior Achievement’s JobSpark event, impacting 12,000 eighth grade students. He also served as a trustee with Rose-Hulman’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity chapter, and board treasurer for Rooted School, a public charter school in Indianapolis.

Alumni Volunteer Award

Recognizing alumni who have donated significant time in their volunteer efforts for Rose-Hulman, toward the advancement of STEM education, in professional/industrial groups and organizations, and within their community.

Corie Biggs
Electrical Engineering, 1990

Biggs is an accomplished engineering leader with over three decades of experience in the energy sector. He currently serves as the engineering supervisor for continuous improvements with Marathon Petroleum Corporation. In his role, he leads initiatives focused on long-term sustainability, reliability, and profitability at the site. He also has spearheaded major projects, including the first large-scale solar energy installation at a Marathon refinery.

After graduation, Biggs began his career with Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative, where he advanced from project engineer to operations manager in 16 years. His leadership there included industry-leading improvements in plant reliability, particularly through a nationally recognized emissions reduction project.

Committed to community service and fostering the next generation of engineers, Biggs has led Marathon’s recruiting efforts at Rose-Hulman since 2009, attracting top-tier engineering talent for the company. He also has over 25 years of service to local education, including 16 years as president of the Palestine CUSD #3 School Board, and supporting youth development through coaching soccer and softball teams, the Crawford County Boys & Girls Club, and Nutrition on Weekends programs. 
 

Ashvin Lad
Bachelor’s Degree, Chemical Engineering, 1996
Master’s Degree, Biomedical Engineering, 1998

Lad has built a diverse career spanning healthcare, payments, public service, hospitality and tourism, and renewable energy. He currently serves as director of health system and group partnerships with American Medical Association, leading collaborations with health systems, medical schools, and residency programs. His
career has included roles in medical device product development with Cook Medical, strategic initiatives at Discover Financial Services, economic development with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, tourism endeavors, and solar energy advocacy.

Beyond his professional achievements, Lad is deeply committed to community service and civic engagement. He serves on the boards of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation, Envision Unlimited, and the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group, and volunteers as a mentor with Imerman Angels, supporting individuals battling cancer. In recognition of his contributions to the city of Chicago, the Mayor of Chicago and City Council officially proclaimed June 1, 2024, as Ashvin Lad Day throughout the city.

Lad also is a dedicated Rose-Hulman alumnus, having served alumni representative to the Institute’s Board of Trustees, past president of the Bloomington, Indiana, alumni chapter, and class reunion chair.

Tiffany Trusty
Bachelor’s Degree, Electrical Engineering, 1997
Master’s Degree, Engineering Management, 2007

Trusty is a digital health and software product development leader with nearly 30 years of experience. In 2017, she joined Eli Lilly and Company to support the launch of its digital health organization, focusing on Software as a Medical Device and patient-facing digital tools to improve healthcare outcomes. Her career started in public safety, spending 15 years with Motorola Public Safety, where she gained expertise in the full software development lifestyle, cybersecurity, and design for testability, and discovered a passion for serving customers and others.

Beyond her professional achievements, Trusty is a dedicated advocate for women in STEM, working with both local and national organizations to mentor and support young girls and women pursuing careers in technology and engineering. She is passionate about ensuring that women in STEM feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Collegian Rose Award

Recognizing alumni employees whose work elevates Rose-Hulman’s mission, strengthens alumni-Institute connections and who have proven themselves to be advocates for lifelong relationships with the Institute. 

Erik Hayes
Bachelor’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering, 1997
Master’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering, 2001

Hayes is a dedicated leader in higher education student affairs with a passion for fostering student success and
building a vibrant campus community. He is vice president of student affairs and dean of students after serving as associate dean, assistant dean, and director of residence life. 

Throughout his career, Hayes has played a transformative role in student life, developing Rose-Hulman’s current housing model and pioneering gender-inclusive housing for both freshmen and upper-class students. He was also a key contributor to the MINDful College Connections initiative, a Lilly Endowment-funded program focused on improving student mental health resources.

Recognized for his service and leadership, Hayes’ many awards include the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award, the President’s Outstanding Service Award, and the Jess Lucas Alumni Leadership Award. Beyond campus, he has served more than 20 years on board of the Terre Haute Children’s Museum Board and
participates in the United Way of Wabash Valley’s “Real Men Read” program.

Rachel M. Romas Award

Recognizing an outstanding student who exhibits excellence in academics and character while demonstrating a strong commitment to Institute initiatives and promise of post-college success.

Elley Adkins
Civil Engineering, 2025

Adkins is a student who is deeply involved in campus leadership and student life, and stays active through intramural sports and community service. She has served in residence life, the Residence Hall Association, Alpha Omicron Pi (AOP) sorority, and Lilly Scholars Network, while contributing to the Rose Drama Club, Safe Zone Administration group, and Operation Catapult summer STEM camp for high school students interested in STEM.

Inspired by her mother’s selflessness, generosity, and resilience, Adkins is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. She has helped organize the campus’ annual “Rock Out for Rosie” event, supporting childhood diabetes research, and AOP’s Mr. Rose Contest, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. 

Honorary Alumni Award

Recognizing one faculty and one staff member each year who demonstrate strong and selfless commitment to the Institute, professional achievement, and dedication to the betterment of their respective departments.

Nate Chenette
Associate Professor, Computer Science

Chenette began his Rose-Hulman career as a visiting professor in mathematics before transitioning to the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, specializing in data structures, algorithms, and cryptography. His research in theoretical cryptography has led to influential contributions in searchable encryption, two patents, and publications at top conferences.

As a visiting researcher at the Center for Communications Research-La Jolla, California, he has collaborated on fundamental research in support of national security. His research efforts led to him receiving the Rose-Hulman Board of Trustees’ Outstanding Scholar award in 2024.

Beyond academics, Chenette has had leadership roles in faculty governance, including chairing the Employee Relations Committee and co-chairing the Faculty Affairs Committee.

Brad Noffke
Lab Technician, Engineering Design Program

Retirement as a 33-year career as an engineering design technician with Eli Lilly and Company has led Noffke to having an influential role in Rose-Hulman’s growing Engineering Design program. His expertise in developing drug delivery devices and cutting-edge medical technology, along with passions for innovation and education, are being passed along to future engineers.

Beyond his professional career, Noffke is committed to community service. He provides coaching support for Boone County Special Olympics and volunteers his time repairing toys for Reach Services of Terre Haute.

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Joining Coons in recognizing this year’s Alumni Award winners were Steve Brady, vice president of institutional advancement; Amanda Stapleton, vice president of the Alumni Association’s Alumni Advisory Board (AAB); and Mike Chaney, chair of the advisory board’s Awards Committee and AAB member.

Visit this page to watch the 2025 Alumni Awards ceremony and learn about past Alumni Award recipients.