Trine University mourns passing of Pete Hippensteel

Trine University is mourning the loss of longtime faculty member and coach Pete Hippensteel, who passed away April 8.

“Pete Hippensteel not only impacted generations of Tri-State College and University students, but he was a stalwart champion for the beautiful lakes that Steuben County enjoys,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “Though we mourn his passing, we know he will live on through the alumni who share his passion for the environment and through the work he did to keep the waters clean and pure in Steuben County and beyond.”

Hippensteel came to Tri-State College as a chemistry professor in 1964 after teaching high school for five years. In 1967, the first year TSC became accredited by the North Central Association, he started the college’s biology program, developing each course in the major as well as teaching it the first time it was offered.

He received the Robert Ewing and Gail Stewart Smith Excellence in Teaching Award in Arts and Sciences, part of the Tri-State’s McKetta teaching awards, in 1989 and 1996. He was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1998 and 2000.

Tri-State recognized him as professor emeritus at Tri-State in 2005 following his retirement.

Athletics and lakes

In 1967, he also became the faculty athletic representative, serving 39 years in that role. During his tenure, Tri-State never had to forfeit a contest due to an eligibility problem.

He coached Tri-State’s baseball team for 11 years between 1966 and 1983, compiling a record of 93-145-1.

A Lake James resident, Hippensteel was very involved with Steuben County’s lakes, serving in leadership with the Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District and Steuben County Lakes Council. He frequently involved students in his efforts, including water sampling in conjunction with the Lakes Council.

He also served on the Indiana Soil Conservation Board, Indiana Lake Management Society Board and Indiana Wildlife Federation Board.

The 101 Lakes Trust presented him with its Environmental Visionary Award in 2022. He also received the Leopold Award from the Indiana Wildlife Federation in 1991 and numerous grants throughout his career to support water quality monitoring.

He coordinated the Northeastern Indiana Tri-State Regional Science Fair for a number of years.

Trine University has two awards that were established in his honor; one recognizes individuals who have served the Athletic Department above and beyond the call of duty and the other provides funding for the university’s Department of Biological Services.