Chauncy Rose Part 2: Giving Back

The railroad was the builder of Rose’s fortune. It had turned out to be a huge success, and even expanded to include Evansville. Although it was a success, Rose had one major problem while building his railroad. Men with technical training had no interest coming west to Indiana to work on his project. Rose decided there should be opportunities for men in the “west” to learn engineering.

After much reflection and research, Rose formed a corporation on September 10, 1874. This corporation was the Terre Haute School of Industrial Science, later renamed Rose Polytechnic Institute. After its construction, Rose left an initial endowment of $500,000 to the school. Ever focused on the future, Rose gave the money so, “this institution has a productive capital, exclusive of buildings.” Although the cornerstone was laid in 1875, the school did not begin operations until 1883; long after Chauncey Rose’s death in 1887.

It is reported that Chauncey rose gave roughly 3 million dollars to charity during his lifetime. His charities allotted money and resources for: orphans, widows, crippled, deaf, and the blind. Libraries, colleges, and schools also received monetary donations.

Although generous with his fortune, Rose rarely wanted any recognition. He strenuously objected Terre Haute School of Industrial Science being renamed Rose Polytechnic Institute. He did not want any of his funded projects to bear his name. Personal recognition went against his belief in true charity. Only Rose Polytechnic was named for Chauncey Rose during his lifetime. All other name ties result from commemorative, posthumous changes by grateful recipients.