November 07, 2014
A New York doctor has given Trine University $1.5 million to construct a wing on Best Hall of Science.
The gift from alumnus Dr. James R. Rinker, of Binghamton, N.Y., supports health sciences programs at Trine.
“Such generous support for our health sciences programs is gratifying,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. “The gift from Dr. Rinker truly shows how much he values Trine and the academic programs we offer.”
Dr. Rinker, a 1958 business administration graduate of Tri-State College, now Trine, has fond memories of working his way through college and becoming active in the Angola community, he said.
“We’re very excited about our commitment for the science center,” Dr. Rinker said of the donation from his Rinker-Ross Memorial Foundation. The wing will be named the Rinker-Ross Memorial Center for the Sciences. “We have determined that a private university such as Trine could use our funds and the foundation is dedicated to Trine. We know that our pledge will be well spent.”
Six Trine University civil engineering seniors and two faculty members toured a cement plant and the Newburgh Lock and Dam, learned about the Ohio River Crossing project and traveled to bridge construction sites during a senior trip in November.
Trine engineering mechanical engineering majors Ezekiel Keim, Christian Verst, Collin Seegert, Jacob Batten, Michael Jones, Ryan Somsel and Tristan Pappano secured a sponsorship from one of their hometowns for their senior design project, an entry for the annual Shell Eco-marathon.
Trine University staff members, from left, Emily Chancellor, Lydia Roop and Ben Darnell delivered 51 Christmas wreaths to residents of Northern Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Angola on Thursday, Dec. 11.