College of Science and Engineering dean honored with named endowment
Ronald L. Christenson, Chair of the CSE Dean’s Advisory Board, announces an endowed scholarship fund named for Steven L. and Karen L. Crouch
Ronald L. Christenson, Chair of the CSE Dean’s Advisory Board, announces an endowed scholarship fund named for Steven L. and Karen L. Crouch, on May 19, 2016.

Scholarship recognizes commitment to undergraduate education

The College of Science and Engineering Dean's Advisory Board has established The Steven L. and Karen L. Crouch Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of their contributions to the college. The announcement was made at the Dean's Advisory Board meeting on May 19, 2016. Steven L. Crouch, who is dean of the College of Science and Engineering, will step down from his position on Aug. 31, 2016.

Funded with an initial contribution of $100,000 by board members and CSE campaign volunteers, the named scholarship will be used to provide scholarships for College of Science and Engineering students.

"Under Steve's leadership, the College of Science and Engineering has produced more than 15,500 science and engineering graduates, many of whom are now in leadership positions around the world," said Ronald L. Christenson, chair of the Dean's Advisory Board. "The board felt that establishing this scholarship fund was a fitting way to honor his legacy for future generations and to celebrate his commitment to undergraduate education."

Additional contributions to the fund are welcome. If you would like to make a gift to the Steven L. and Karen L. Crouch Scholarship, please visit The Steven L. and Karen L. Crouch Endowed Scholarship Fund (enter Fund 21341 Crouch Scholarship in the "Other" box).

Crouch leaves legacy

Crouch, who received bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in mineral engineering from the University of Minnesota (in 1966, 1967, and 1970, respectively), was named dean in 2005 after serving as associate dean from 1997 to 2004, and head of the Department of Civil Engineering from 1987 to 1997.

Under Crouch's leadership, many initiatives have truly made the College of Science and Engineering an extraordinary place. Some examples include:

  • The number of CSE graduates has increased in direct response to a nationwide need for more scientists and engineers. With enrollment now at about 5,300 undergraduates and 430 faculty members on staff, the number of bachelor’s degree graduates has grown by more than 39 percent over the past 10 years.

  • The demand for admission to the college has more than quadrupled, with nearly 14,100 applicants for about 1,100 seats. In addition, CSE students are more academically prepared than ever with freshmen now entering the college with an average ACT score of 31.5.

  • The number of scholarships awarded to deserving students has nearly doubled, and the average amount awarded has increased by nearly 42 percent. The total amount of scholarship money awarded in 2008 has grown from more than $790,000 to $2.3 million this past year.

  • The recent renovation of Lind Hall has created a nucleus of student activity that provides supportive services, fosters community, and accommodates space for academic advising, the career center, student programs, student study, the Taylor Center/CSE computer lab, and more.

  • More than $350 million in building projects were championed by Crouch for the college. They include the new Physics and Nanotechnology Building, Amundson Hall’s Gore Annex expansion, the Lind Hall renovation, and the current renovation of Tate Laboratory of Physics.

Crouch has also maintained a prominent national profile, having been elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2013. Among his accolades, he previously served as the University of Minnesota’s Theodore W. Bennett Chair in Mining Engineering and Rock Mechanics. In 2004, he received the Charles W. Britzius Distinguished Engineer Award from the Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies. His other honors include the U.S. National Committee For Rock Mechanics Applied Research Award (with M.G. Mack), the AIME/SME Rock Mechanics Award, and the Minnesota Council on Quality Award. He was recently selected by the International Association for Boundary Element Methods to receive the 2016 Frank J. Rizzo Award.

“Karen and I are humbled and we are grateful to have a named scholarship in our honor," said Crouch. "Having had the good fortune of working with an outstanding team of faculty and dedicated staff, I am proud to have served as leader for what I believe is the best college at one of the best universities in the country.”

 

Share