Tri-State University recognized seven alumni at its annual Homecoming banquet this month.  The awards were given for their achievements since graduation and their service to TSU and to their communities.

“We are proud of what our alumni have accomplished,” said TSU president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D.  “These individuals are true role models for our students.”

The University’s Outstanding Achievement Award went to three brothers, Kwan, Kurt, and Kwang Rim.  Kwan Rim, a mechanical engineering major who graduated from TSU in 1955, founded the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa.  He serves as Chairman of Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology and Chairman of the Board at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. 

Kurt Rim, a 1958 civil engineering graduate, serves as Chairman of Osborn Architects and Engineers and was the structural engineer for many notable projects; including Wrigley Field Renovation, Jacobs Field, Browns Stadium, and the Ohio Stadium Expansion.  He was named Engineer of the Year in 1993 by the American Society of Civil Engineers.  A 1971 electrical engineer graduate, Kwang Rim, worked for Sun Electric Company and Bally Electric before opening RIMTECH, a computer consulting firm in Illinois.

The Distinguished Service Award was given to two alumni this year, Timothy Boeckman and Gary Ward.  A 1976 physical education graduate, Timothy Boeckman works for St. Henry’s High School as the Director of Athletics.  During his 22-year coaching career, he won four state football championships.  He has been instrumental in supporting TSU through recommending students to Tri-State.  Boeckman was also inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988 for track and field. Gary Ward, a 1978 business administration graduate, is the Vice President for Human Resource at Franklin Electric Company.  He also serves on TSU’s Alumni Board of Governors and recruits students for internships and co-ops. 

Jason Stechschulte was recognized as one of two young alumni to earn the Distinguished Service Award.  A 2003 Civil Engineering graduate, he is employed at Marathon Petroleum LLC.  Since graduating, he has introduced TSU to company leaders as a potential recipient for grants toward expanding educational opportunity in the field of civil engineering. 

The award was also presented to Andrew Hinkle. A 1997 Chemical Engineering graduate, Hinkle died in a car accident.  His professional career was spent advancing through the ranks at EFFEM Group where his service with the company allowed him to move to Thailand.  While at TSU, Hinkle participated on the men’s basketball team.  The posthumous award was presented to his parents.