CARMEL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Four new members of the Indiana Academy were inducted on October 15 as an honor to recognize them for their support of private higher education through the support of Independent Colleges of Indiana and its member institutions.
“The dedication and leadership of this year’s inductees highlight the profound impact they’ve made across higher education and in our communities,” said Elaine Bedel, Chair of the Indiana Academy Board of Regents and Secretary and CEO for Indiana Destination Development Corporation. “Their commitment to service and philanthropy continues to inspire future generations and elevates Indiana’s reputation for educational excellence.”
One of the individuals inducted was Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Board of Trustees Chair Carl Cook, CEO of Cook Group which contains three main divisions that are Cook Medical, CFC, and French Lick Resort and Casino. Cook has worked directly on several Cook products and managed multiple innovative R&D projects including cardiac pacemakers and Doppler blood flow monitors. Cook has been a trustee for Rose-Hulman since 2009 and a Chair since 2023 and has helped the college navigate the challenges of higher education.
“Carl’s leadership and support helped us successfully achieve a $250 million comprehensive fundraising campaign in 2021 that helped increase student scholarships, brought new learning spaces to campus, and further solidified our position as a national leader in STEM education,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. “Also, as Board Chair, Carl continues to play an instrumental role in the planning and implementation of our ‘Advancing by Design’ Strategic Plan, building upon this year’s sesquicentennial celebration.”
Cook has also restored the Tivoli Theater in Spencer, Indiana, supported the expansion of Ivy Tech State College’s Connie and Steve Ferguson Academic Building, and restored the Lion’s Club office building in Newport, Indiana. Cook has also been a part of the restoration of several Indiana Landmarks including the West Baden Springs Hotel and has served as the board chair for Indiana Landmarks. He also has served as an executive advisory council member for the Sisters of Saint Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana; and co-chaired Harmony School’s building restoration campaign in 2004.
Cook discussed reasons for supporting Rose-Hulman to achieve its mission: “The successful leaders and engineers that I have been around if you talk with them about what they did when they were kids … they were trying lots of new and interesting things that were very hands-on. What sets a Rose-Hulman graduate apart is the hands-on experiences. Having more of those facilities and better facilities means the students will get those hands-on experiences that they will need to be successful in the future.”
