From left, Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president, and Dr. Rick L. James,
chair of Trine University's Board of Trustees, honor Dr. Tomas Furth as trustee emeritus
during the annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner. At right is Dr. Furth's
wife, Ema. (Photo by Dean Orewiler)
Trine University honored alumnus Dr. Tomas Furth, namesake of the university’s T.
Furth Center for Performing Arts, as trustee emeritus during its annual Touchstone
and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Friday, Oct. 3.
The event was held in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletic and Recreation
Center.
“Dr. Furth is truly a Renaissance man who has directly impacted the entire Trine University
campus and its surrounding community through his generous support,” said Earl D. Brooks
II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “He is and has remained a close personal friend,
as well as a close friend and staunch supporter of his alma mater, along with his
wife, Ema.”
“Dr. Furth has been amazing as a board member, an amazing trustee and has done more
for this university than we can imagine,” said Dr. Rick L. James, chair of Trine University’s
Board of Trustees. “Most importantly, I've always appreciated his willingness to tell
me what he thought, whether I wanted to hear it or not.”
“I guess what you get out of this is if you get old enough, you’ll finally get recognition,”
Dr. Furth joked. “I really thank Tri-State and Trine University, having given me the
education to apply to be what I wanted and to have a wonderful family. Thank you,
all of you.”
About Dr. Furth
A native of Argentina, Dr. Furth attended what was then Tri-State College by recommendation
of that nation’s U.S. cultural attaché.
He graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering
and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering in 1955. After completing these
two challenging degrees, he went on to become an outstanding business leader.
He served as director of United Merchants and Manufacturers and the president of Sudamtex
Group, which produced and marketed natural textiles and synthetic fabrics for the
garment industry, as well as fiberglass products for the oil, marine, construction
and automotive industries.
He also served as the director and principal shareholder of Cametion Corporation in
the United States and Fudelar Corporation in Argentina.
Dr. Furth was a member of a Venezuelian Bank from 1985-90, the advisory board of the
Georgia Institute of Technology from 1991-97 and a board member of United Merchants
from 1980-89.
Dr. Furth has a long history of support for Trine University’s annual and athletic
funds and campus development. He and his wife Ema established the Tomas Furth Scholarship
Fund in 1992 to support mechanical and chemical engineering students.
Tri-State University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree in 1994.
He joined the Board of Trustees in 1997 and served for 27 years. His service on the
board included the finance, audit and investment committees.
In 2009, he made a significant contribution to the university’s new performing arts
center, resulting in the naming of the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, which
was dedicated in 2014.
Trine University awarded Dr. Furth the Pillar of Success in 2014. The award is the
university’s highest honor, recognizing individuals for their achievements and accomplishments,
leadership, service, philanthropy, and commitment to their community, their profession,
and Trine University.
Dr. Furth has made multiple significant contributions to support the teacher education
programs at Trine. The gifts were used to transform classrooms inside Shambaugh Hall
and funded training for Franks School of Education faculty.
Trine University honored Kathy Eikenberry, known along with her husband Mike for her service and philanthropy throughout the Greater Fort Wayne area, with its annual Woman of Distinction Award during the university’s annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Oct. 3.
Rick Henvey, chief executive officer for Parkview Health, was named Trine University’s Pillar of Success during the university’s Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Oct. 3.
Trine University honored five distinguished graduates with alumni awards during its annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Friday, Oct. 3.