Rose-Hulman Awarded Nearly $28M Software Grant

October 28, 2011

News Release

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. –- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students will be able to rapidly develop 3-dimensional solid models for product development and use state-of-the-art industry standard computer software through an unique partnership with Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services.

The $27.8 million in-kind software grant made through Siemens PLM Software’s successful GO PLM™ program, which provides PLM technology to more than one million students yearly at nearly 11,200 global institutions, where it is used at every academic level -- from grade schools to graduate engineering research programs, will provide Rose-Hulman and its students with the latest advanced hands-on training tools to lead the next generation of engineers for innovative, high-tech careers.
The gift is the largest in-kind corporate donation in Rose-Hulman history.

“Rose-Hulman is pleased to work with Siemens PLM Software in a program that will directly benefit our students and faculty members,” said Matt Branam, president of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. “This partnership, and the state-of-the-art software that it provides, will keep Rose-Hulman on the cutting edge of new technology. Our graduates will be more competitive in the global marketplace.”

The in-kind software grant will include NX™ software, the fully integrated computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE) solution, and Teamcenter® software, the world’s most widely used digital lifecycle management solution. These new additions complement Rose-Hulman’s long-standing use of Siemens PLM Software’s Solid Edge® software, the most complete mainstream hybrid 2D/3D CAD system. NX and Solid Edge both use synchronous technology, a Siemens PLM Software innovation that combines the speed and flexibility of direct modeling with the precise control of dimension driven design.

“Siemens PLM Software provides Rose-Hulman access to PLM technology, which otherwise would be out of reach for the academic community, giving students a distinct advantage by being able to use the same PLM technology widely-used by leading multi-national manufacturing companies around the globe,” said Bill Boswell, senior director of partner strategy for Siemens PLM Software. “The experience gained in the use of these tools better prepares students for today’s highly-competitive manufacturing jobs requiring full knowledge of modern technologies and tools.”

The software will be used by Rose-Hulman students, through the electrical engineering and computer engineering programs to develop cutting-edge technology for the U.S. Department of Energy’s EcoCAR2: Plugging In to the Future advanced vehicle development competition. Rose-Hulman is one of 15 select North American colleges participating in this unique three-year engineering design challenge.

“This generous gift from Siemens PLM Software definitely takes our students to a new level and surpasses any design collaboration software currently available on campus,” said Zac Chambers, associate professor of mechanical engineering and director of Rose-Hulman’s Advanced Transportation Systems program. “The grant software provided will complete the suite of PLM tools and enable our students to leave Rose-Hulman with experiences on the forefront of industry product development.”

Rose-Hulman students are already in high demand by industry, with the college’s 2011 graduates having a 98 percent job placement rate. The college ranked in the Top 10 nationally for median starting salaries, according to the 2011 PayScale Salary Survey.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is ranked No. 1 among undergraduate engineering colleges that offer the bachelor's or master's degree as its top degree in engineering. The ranking was based on a national survey of deans and senior faculty conducted by U.S. News & World Report for its college guidebook.

About Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Founded in 1874, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers a rigorous, hands-on education that stresses development of technical and interpersonal skills in an environment characterized by close personal attention for every student. The college, located in Terre Haute, Ind., has an enrollment of 1,900 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students. For 13 consecutive years, Rose-Hulman has been rated the top undergraduate engineering college in the nation that offers the bachelor's or master's degree as its top degree in engineering. The ranking is based on a national survey of deans and senior faculty conducted by U.S. News & World Report for its college guidebook. Learn more about Rose-Hulman at www.rose-hulman.edu.

Source: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology