Ralph & Sheri Trine

In response to another gift from the largest single contributors in its history, Tri-State University will change its name to reflect the gift and honor those benefactors within two years.

TSU President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., announced the receipt of the gift from Drs. Ralph and Sheri Trine Friday before the assembled university community and the media at the Angola campus. “On August 1, 2008, TSU will have a new name incorporating the name ‘Trine,’” Brooks said.

Ralph Trine, BSME ’61, is treasurer of the TSU Board of Trustees and owner of Vestil Manufacturing in Angola. Sheri Trine also serves on the TSU board.

On Friday, May 4, Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., announces a Tri-State University name change in honor of a gift from Drs. Ralph and Sheri Trine.

President Brooks said Friday that the University, established as a non-denominational normal college in 1884, has become a much more comprehensive institution with a broader education focus. The name change will help the University re-position itself from the original three-state service area to “a world-class institution with an international reputation for excellence,” he said. It will help the institution differentiate itself from the many entities claiming a tri-state identity across the country, he noted.

The gift occurs at a significant time in the University’s history, as its leadership strives to complete a $90 million Vision for the Future capital campaign to implement upgrades such as the University Center and Center for Online Technology, which will open in the fall; the renovation of the historic Sniff building to the C.W. Sponsel Administration Center; $2 million in technology upgrades; and three new student apartment buildings.

Dr. Ralph Trine prepares to comment on a TSU name change to incorporate his family's name.

Dr. Brooks said the gift also occurs at a time of strength for the university, with a 45 percent increase in student applications and an estimated freshman class of 450-500 students.

While he refrained from revealing the amount of the gift, Dr. Brooks said Friday’s gift is the largest single gift ever received in TSU’s history. The specific way in which the family name will be incorporated was not disclosed.

Dr. Sheri Trine responds to an announcement by TSU President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., of TSU's name change, which will honor her family.

After the announcement, Ralph Trine called the name change a great honor. Sheri Trine said that the home of TSU was the couple’s first choice in relocating their Michigan company, and that they have throughout their history employed TSU grads. She called the gift “a small way to give back to TSU, who helped us grow to the business we are today. You are very much a part of our hearts,” she said.

The TSU Board of Trustees gather with Dr. Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., TSU president, and Drs. Ralph and Sheri Trine after the president's announcement May 4 of a TSU name change.

Above photos are clickable for high resolution download.

For more information or to obtain photos, contact Dr. Brooks' office at 260.665.4102.