May 06, 2025
Dr. Sheri G. Trine has rejoined the Trine University Board of Trustees as a full member,
following a vote of affirmation by its membership.
Dr. Trine originally joined the board in 2010 and was named trustee emeritus along with her husband, Dr. Ralph D. Trine, in 2020.
“Dr. Sheri Trine in many ways has been a mother to Trine University, not only because it bears hers and Ralph’s name or because of their gracious support throughout the years, but because so many facilities on this campus have benefitted from her special, elegant touch,” said Dr. Rick L. James, chair of Trine University’s Board of Trustees. “We are delighted to welcome her back to full membership on the board, and look forward to her participation in the continued growth of this institution.”
“Sheri’s love, care and attention are reflected throughout every part of Trine University,” agreed Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “It’s an honor and a privilege to have her once again fully active in Trine University’s leadership.”
“Trine University and its students been so dear to Ralph and I, and I’m glad for the opportunity to continue to make a positive impact, both today and in planning for future generations,” Dr. Trine said.
Ralph served as a trustee beginning in 1990. He passed away last August following a long illness.
What was then Tri-State University was renamed Trine University in 2008 to honor the many contributions of Ralph, a 1961 mechanical engineering alumnus, and Sheri, and to better define the university’s mission and direction.
Supported projects throughout campus
Sheri is executive vice president of Vestil Manufacturing Company, which she owned along with Ralph. They have generously supported Trine University for many years.
The Trines assisted with property acquisition and funded extensive campus beautification and capital construction projects for the university in Angola and Fort Wayne.
They supported remodeling of Forman Hall to include the Trine Welcome Center, the decoration of the renovated C.W. Sponsel Administration Center, the Rick L. and Vicki L. James University Center and the Trine Guest Cottage.
Their donation of the former Angola Christian Church property gave life to the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, which was renovated as a premier regional performance hall and education center for Trine students, the community and northeast Indiana.
They co-founded the Trine Scholarship Gala with Dr. Earl and Melanie Brooks, which has raised millions of dollars for student scholarships. They also have generously supported Books and Beyond Scholarships and the annual scholarship golf outings.
They purchased and donated the Thunder Gear Store (now the site of Thunder Ice Arena) and Capri, Mattox and Quest Halls. They also built and gifted the president’s residence to the university.
In addition, they provided financial support for the construction of the Dr. Earl D. and Melanie N. Brooks College of Health Professions, the Steel Dynamics Inc. Center for Engineering and Computing, the MTI Center, Thunder Ice Arena, Trine Villas and the Ford Hall renovation, among other projects.
The also supported the marble bench project and Trine Thunder athletics.
Sheri was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Tri-State University in 2007 and received the university’s Pillar of Success in 2006 and Woman of Distinction in 2010. She also has been honored as the sweetheart of Sigma Phi Epsilon, Alpha Sigma and lifetime sweetheart of Kappa Sigma.
Active throughout the community
In addition to their loyal support to Trine University, the Trines have donated funds and facilities for many community projects.
She received the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest civilian honor given in Indiana, along with Ralph in 2015.
Their donation of the 190-acre, $2.3 million Oakhill Conference and Retreat Center to the state of Indiana brought the Trine State Recreation Area to Steuben County, preserving a natural treasure for the enjoyment of future generations.
They purchased the land and helped in the construction, furnishings and completion of the Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County, where both Ralph and Sheri were honorary board members. The also donated the building, renovation and furnishings for the Steuben County Community Foundation and the construction of the building for the Heritage Club of Steuben County.
They helped in the construction and furnishings for the Steuben County Regional Airport and founded the Cameron Memorial Community Hospital Benefit Ball. They also avidly supported the YMCA of Steuben County, the United Way, Junior Achievement and the Steuben County Literacy Coalition.
This year’s annual year-end awards ceremony for Trine University faculty, held prior to Commencement on May 3, included two special moments of recognition for those who have served the university.
ATLANTA — Trine University’s Cast in Steel team recreated a piece of history, earning national honors for their effort.
With its namesakes in attendance, Trine University broke ground on what university President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., hailed as “a launching pad for innovation, creativity and collaboration.”