ROLLIE HELMLING

Rollie is the son of Harold and Imogene Helmling. Rollie married in 1973 to Carol Flummerfelt Helmling from the LHS class of 1968 and is the proud father of three daughters. Heather LHS class of 1996, currently a senior at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, Holly LHS class of 1999 currently a freshman at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, and Hillary LHS sophomore and will be in the LHS class of 2002. Rollie is a 1971 graduate of Vincennes University and a 1973 graduate of Indiana University School of Business.

Rollie is President of Harold’s Supermarkets, Inc. and President of Andretti-Helmling Automotive Corp. Carquest Autoparts Stores.

Rollie has been very active in his community. He is Elder of the First Christian Church of Vincennes and Past Moderator of the Board. Rollie is active in the Southwest Indiana Walk to Emmaus. He has served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA as President from 1989 to 1991, Salvation Army Board of Directors, Vincennes University Foundation Board of Directors, Knox County Association of Retarded Citizens Board of Directors, Knox County Community Foundation and Current Past President, Southwestern Indiana Community Foundation Alliance Executive Committee, Vincennes Kiwanis Club President in 1975 and past recipient of the Vincennes J.C.’s Citizen of the Year Award.

Rollie’s business activities include Board of Directors of the Indiana Retail Grocers Association and was Trade Show Chairman in 1982, the President in 1975, Board of Directors United Federal Savings and Loan from 1976 to 1986, Board of Directors and Executive Committee of American National Bank and AmBank Corporation 1986 to 1998, Knox County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Knox County Development Corporation Board of Directors.

Rollie has been involved in auto racing all of his life. He was a car owner in the United States Auto Club National Midget Series 1978 to 1994. He was runner up for the National Championship in 1985 with driver John Andretti. Also, Rollie owned the car that Jeff Gordon drove to the 1990 National Championship and was the 1991 Hoosier Auto Race Fans chief mechanic of the year. He currently participates in the United States Auto Club Silver Crown series and was chief mechanic on the 1997 runner up in the National Championship. His cars have been driven by Jeff Gordon, John Andretti, Tony Stewart and Ken Schrader as well as many current Indy Car and NASCAR drivers.

Distinguished Alumni 1999

Class of 1969