One of the over-arching goals of The Rensselaer Plan—to achieve global reach and global impact—is more than just an aspiration. It is a reality. Around the globe, Rensselaer alumni and friends are promoting the Institute by building relationships and opening doors with representatives from the highest levels of government, business, and academe, showcasing Rensselaer as the top-tier, world-class, university that it is.
Douglas C. Henck '74, working closely with Rensselaer to expand its horizons throughout Asia, exemplifies this global perspective. Doug graduated from Rensselaer with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1974, and shortly after joined Aetna, who moved him to Hong Kong in 1987. He later joined the American International Group, followed by several successful years with Sun Life Financial Asia, retiring as president in August 2005.
Doug’s commitment to Rensselaer included input in the very early stages of The Rensselaer Plan, affirming that, “the most useful scientists and engineers in the world of business are those that can ‘bridge disciplines’, engineers with a sense of the consumer or marketplace, and scientists who can communicate effectively.” He has served on the School of Engineering Advisory Board, as vice-president of the Rensselaer Alumni Chapter of Hong Kong, and he spoke at both his reunion and at the Lally School, on doing business in the global market.
In April 2006, the Henck family will begin a new chapter, fulfilling their desire to combine both work and service, as Doug and Suzanne move to Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, where Doug will serve as Chief Financial Officer at the Bahá’i World Centre.
In addition to numerous contributions of time and expertise in his volunteer efforts, Doug and his wife Suzanne have also generously supported the institute for many years, most recently showing their commitment to the Renaissance at Rensselaer Campaign by establishing the Suzanne and Douglas C. Henck '74 Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
To establish an Unrestricted Endowment, contact Bill Shumway.