Ralph Trine, who impacted every aspect of Trine University, dies at 82

The Trine University community is grieving the loss of its namesake, alumnus, trustee and generous benefactor, Dr. Ralph Trine, who passed away Aug. 14 following a long illness. He was 82.

What was then Tri-State University was renamed Trine University in 2008 to honor the many contributions of Ralph, a 1961 mechanical engineering alumnus, and his wife Sheri, and to better define the university’s mission and direction.

“Ralph Trine is a man whose name literally defines this institution. He and Sheri have supported every aspect of this university through the years, and graciously lent their name to help distinguish this university and launch the incredible growth we have seen since 2008,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “I will miss him greatly both as an unselfish, unassuming, quiet leader of Trine University and many other organizations, and as a close personal friend. His passing leaves a great hole, but his great legacy will live on in the lives of generations of students he has impacted and will continue to impact through Trine University.”

“Ralph cared very deeply about Trine University, Steuben County and the northeast Indiana region, and that care was reflected through his and Sheri’s generous support of many community organizations in addition to the university,” said Dr. Rick L. James, chair of Trine University’s Board of Trustees. “His passion and skill as a business and community leader greatly benefited the economy and quality of life of northeast Indiana and beyond. His advancement of Trine and the economic development of northeast Indiana and his charitable contributions have helped to propel the institution and region to new levels of prosperity and economic vitality. He will be greatly missed.”

Ralph and Sheri Trine both served on the Trine University Board of Trustees, with Ralph joining the board in 1990 and Sheri in 2010. They were named trustees emeritus in 2020.

Giving back by reinvesting in education

Ralph once said that “reinvesting in the education of students by giving to the university is an outstanding way to give back to the community,” and his generous giving reflected that ideal.

The Trines assisted with property acquisition and funded extensive campus beautification and capital construction projects for the university in Angola and Fort Wayne.

They supported remodeling of Forman Hall to include the Trine Welcome Center, the decoration of the renovated C.W. Sponsel Administration Center, the Rick L. and Vicki L. James University Center and the Trine Guest Cottage.

Their donation of the former Angola Christian Church property gave life to the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, which was renovated as a premier regional performance hall and education center for Trine students, the community and northeast Indiana.

They co-founded the Trine Scholarship Gala with Dr. Earl and Melanie Brooks, which has raised millions of dollars for student scholarships. They also have generously supported Books and Beyond Scholarships and the annual scholarship golf outings.

They purchased and donated the Thunder Gear Store (now the site of Thunder Ice Arena) and Capri, Mattox and Quest Halls. They also built and gifted the president’s residence to the university.

In addition, they provided financial support for the construction of the Dr. Earl D. and Melanie N. Brooks College of Health Professions, the Steel Dynamics Inc. Center for Engineering and Computing, the MTI Center, Thunder Ice Arena, Trine Villas and the Ford Hall renovation, among other projects.

The also supported the marble bench project and Trine Thunder athletics.

Business and community leader

Ralph owned Vestil Manufacturing, a fourth-generation family-owned and -operated manufacturer of industrial material handling equipment. His relocation of the business from Albion, Michigan, to Angola in 1982 led to its expansion to the international arena and has allowed it to employ many Trine graduates over the years.

He holds numerous patents for products developed at Vestil.

In addition to their loyal support to Trine University, the Trines donated funds and facilities for many community projects.

Their donation of the 190-acre, $2.3 million Oakhill Conference and Retreat Center to the state of Indiana brought the Trine State Recreation Area to Steuben County, preserving a natural treasure for the enjoyment of future generations.

They purchased the land and helped in the construction, furnishings and completion of the Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County, where both Ralph and Sheri were honorary board members. The also donated the building, renovation and furnishings for the Steuben County Community Foundation and the construction of the building for the Heritage Club of Steuben County.

They helped in the construction and furnishings for the Steuben County Regional Airport and founded the Cameron Memorial Community Hospital Benefit Ball. They also avidly supported the YMCA of Steuben County, the United Way, Junior Achievement and the Steuben County Literacy Coalition.

In addition to his service to the university and the Community Humane Shelter, Ralph served on the board of the Boy Scouts of America.

Many honors

Ralph Trine earned many honors throughout his lifetime for his community service and philanthropy.

Trine University presented him its Distinguished Service Award in 1997 for his contributions as an alumnus, and an honorary doctorate of engineering in 2002. The university bestowed its highest award, the Pillar of Success, upon him and Sheri in 2006.

Ralph received the Congressional Johnny Appleseed Award, established in 1998 to recognize individuals who have made investments for the benefit of future generations.

He was inducted into the Indiana Academy in 2009 for his lifetime of achievement and contribution to the state of Indiana. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest civil honor given in Indiana, twice, once from Gov. Mitch Daniels and later along with Sheri from Gov. Mike Pence.

Ralph Trine was born Nov. 21, 1941, and married Sheri on July 3, 1965. In addition to Sheri, he is survived by son Barry and daughter Carri, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.