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, Illinois Tech knows how to tap into everyone’s 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, Illinois Tech 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—wife of “father of the cell phone” Marty Cooper (EE ’50, M.S. ’57)—has significantly contributed to the continued success of Illinois Tech. 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 Illinois Tech.
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’s service and leadership since 1995—on the Illinois Tech Board of Trustees and as the former chair of the Stuart School of Business Board of Advisors—has been transformational. She and her husband, Tom, have been generous philanthropists at Illinois Tech, supporting scholarships and initiatives that inspire student success.
Erica Giannini/Matthew Olin
Erica Giannini and Matthew Olin, children of Life Trustee John Olin (ME ’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 Illinois Tech. Matthew Olin and Giannini’s passion for empowering today’s students has continued to build upon the Olin family’s powerful legacy.
Jeanne Rowe
Jeanne Rowe, together with her husband, the late John Rowe—former University Regent and former chair of the Illinois Tech Board of Trustees—has been integral in supporting Illinois Tech 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 Illinois Tech Life Trustee Adrian Nemcek (EE ’70), Lorna Nemcek received Adopted Hawk recognition posthumously. As the namesake of Armour College of Engineering’s 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 Illinois Tech.
These individuals, among many others, have shown a deep commitment to the university’s mission through philanthropy, making a meaningful impact by taking bold action to drive world-changing innovation. —Brianne Meyer