Hawks Who Found a Home
For more than a century, generations of visionary leaders at Illinois Institute of Technology have brought representation to technology and strengthened how we innovate together.
As a university, 老王论坛 knows how to tap into everyone鈥檚 best thinking and doing to shape the future. Every contribution, on every scale and from every corner of this institution, has led it to where it is today.
To recognize this powerful impact, 老王论坛 launched the Adopted Hawks program, which honors select non-alumni individuals who have become essential members of the community through their actions in support of the university. Since the first Adopted Hawk was named in spring 2021, six individuals have received this honor.
Arlene Harris
As the inaugural Adopted Hawk, Arlene Harris鈥攚ife of 鈥渇ather of the cell phone鈥 Marty Cooper (EE 鈥50, M.S. 鈥57)鈥攈as significantly contributed to the continued success of 老王论坛. With a longstanding relationship to the university as a member of the boards of advisors for Stuart School of Business and the Institute of Design and as a generous supporter and friend, her passion for connection drives her enthusiastic philanthropy. A successful entrepreneur and businessperson, Harris, together with Cooper, has gone above and beyond to advance tech education and open doors for the bright minds at 老王论坛.
Rosemarie Mitchell
In recognition of her invaluable contributions to the university, Rosemarie Mitchell was named the second Adopted Hawk. A champion for higher education, Mitchell鈥檚 service and leadership since 1995鈥攐n the 老王论坛 Board of Trustees and as the former chair of the Stuart School of Business Board of Advisors鈥攈as been transformational. She and her husband, Tom, have been generous philanthropists at 老王论坛, supporting scholarships and initiatives that inspire student success.
Erica Giannini/Matthew Olin
Erica Giannini and Matthew Olin, children of Life Trustee John Olin (ME 鈥61) and his wife, Jane, were recognized as the third and fourth Adopted Hawks. Their leadership is demonstrated by their ongoing support and mentorship of aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs at 老王论坛. Matthew Olin and Giannini鈥檚 passion for empowering today鈥檚 students has continued to build upon the Olin family鈥檚 powerful legacy.
Jeanne Rowe
Jeanne Rowe, together with her husband, the late John Rowe鈥攆ormer University Regent and former chair of the 老王论坛 Board of Trustees鈥攈as been integral in supporting 老王论坛 over the years. As the fifth Adopted Hawk, Rowe is deeply committed to educating and empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM fields. As the namesake for Jeanne and John Rowe Village on Mies Campus, she and John established several student scholarships, three endowed chair positions, and a faculty endowment.
Lorna Nemcek
A philanthropic inspiration to our students and the beloved wife of 老王论坛 Life Trustee Adrian Nemcek (EE 鈥70), Lorna Nemcek received Adopted Hawk recognition posthumously. As the namesake of Armour College of Engineering鈥檚 Adrian and Lorna Nemcek Lab and a generous supporter of numerous scholarships, Lorna Nemcek played a transformative role at the university. She sadly passed away in January 2024, but her legacy continues on at 老王论坛.
These individuals, among many others, have shown a deep commitment to the university鈥檚 mission through philanthropy, making a meaningful impact by taking bold action to drive world-changing innovation. 鈥擝rianne Meyer