Bock recognized with highest honor

Trine names alumnus, trustee James Bock Pillar of Success

ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University honored James D. Bock with its highest honor, the Pillar of Success Award, Thursday during the 16th annual Touchstone Donor Recognition in Ketner Sports Center.

This award recognizes individuals for their achievements and accomplishments, leadership, service, philanthropy, commitment to their community and their profession and to Trine University. The award has, in the past, honored alumni, friends, faculty, staff and members of the board of trustees.

A 1954 mechanical engineering graduate and university trustee, Bock said he set out to make a difference in the world. Shortly after graduating, he met his wife, Joan, without whom, he says, much of his success would not have been possible.

Bock’s career started at Elkhart Welding and Boiler Works, managing sales, service and installation of commercial heating and processing boilers. He stayed with the company until 1978, when he took a job as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Bock Industries, which was among the largest steel tube producers in the world. By 1989, he became the sole owner and president of the corporation, which was sold to Bull Moose Tube Co. in St. Louis, Mo.

In 1990, he started Bock Engineering Company, supplying carpet inlays and designer rugs to RV manufacturers, interior designers and retailers.

The Bocks became reacquainted with the university about 11 years ago. They give his alma mater a great deal of credit for his success, and he indicated that he wanted to be actively engaged and supportive of all aspects of university life. By 2003, Jim joined the university’s board of trustees and immediately began making a tremendous impact on the future of this university.

“During Jim’s tenure as chair of the enrollment committee, we began experiencing the significant growth that continues for us today,” Brooks said. “Trine has been recognized as the fastest growing private institution in the state over the last six years. In addition, he and his wife have hosted numerous events and worked to reconnect alumni with this university.”

Recognizing that Trine is near the orthopedic capital of the world, Bock helped lead Trine’s research into becoming a contributing part of innovative growth in the region. He and his wife gifted $1 million to fund the building to launch Trine’s biomedical program. In the very near future, the university will start work on the Jim and Joan Bock Center for Biomedical Engineering.

The biomedical program will create opportunities for students to move into careers in a vital and growing business. Their generous support enables Trine to fulfill its mission of equipping students to succeed lead and serve.

“Jim makes a difference wherever he goes. His volunteer activities are many. He puts his heart into whatever he does and seeks to make a lasting impact on the world around him,” Brooks said. “He embraces change, appreciates new ideas and welcomes transformation.”

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.