TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is honoring trustee Linda E. White for her many contributions to the community, higher education, and the medical profession by awarding White with an honorary Engineering degree.
As a Terre Haute native, White has committed more than 40 years to healthcare as the president and chief executive officer of several departments within Deaconess Health Systems. White oversaw the opening of the Women’s Hospital, the Heart Hospital, the Deaconess Gateway Hospital, and several ambulatory sites for the Deaconess Clinic expansion, headquartered in Evansville, Indiana.
After White retired in 2017, she became the executive director of the Deaconess Foundation and chief administrative officer of Deaconess Henderson Hospital in Kentucky.
White has earned many accomplishments and accolades throughout the years including the Evansville ATHENA Award, Henderson Woman of the Year, Evansville Regional and Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation Hall of Fames, and Independent Colleges of Indiana’s Indiana Academy.
“Linda’s kindness, sincerity, and concern for others have made her a guiding force in everything that she’s become involved in, including our Board of Trustees. Presenting her with an honorary degree will make our upcoming Commencement even more special for us,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. “Linda has made considerable contributions to our Institute as a trustee, especially as we have charted courses for our short- and long-term goals. She has always put the students and their wellbeing at the forefront of her contributions.”
White’s connection to Rose-Hulman comes through familial ties with 8 of White’s relatives being Rose-Hulman graduates.
“I’m proud to be receiving this honorary degree from an institute that means so much to me and my family. It will be great to share this special day with the Class of 2023, whose members are ready to be the latest Rose-Hulman graduates to make a difference in their science, engineering, and mathematics career fields,” said White.
White has also earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in mathematics, a nursing degree from the Deaconess School of Nursing in Evansville, and a baccalaureate in nursing and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Evansville.
White will be awarded the honorary degree during the college’s commencement on May 27.
