Dr. Donald P. Visco, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, College of Engineering (far left) and Dr. George K. Haritos, Dean of the College of Engineering (far right) with the 2014 Trajectory Award winners.
When 10 engineering graduates received their diplomas at commencement on May 9, they did so with significantly less student debt. With an average student-loan debt totaling more than $20,000, the deserving students from the College of Engineering at The University of Akron received an extraordinary gift from a donor wishing to "promote career success and inspire lifelong meaningful contributions from these emerging leaders.”
The $100,000 gift from an Akron-area couple was designed to recognize the efforts of dedicated students and encourage them to become leaders in their field. The donors also hope to inspire others who are looking for a way to direct their philanthropy to a meaningful and immediate need.
For the second year in a row, faculty in the College of Engineering were notified of the opportunity to nominate students for a $10,000 Trajectory Award scholarship. The nominated students then submitted essays and letters of recommendation from co-op sponsors and others, along with evidence of leadership, community involvement, and academic excellence.
The 2014 Trajectory Award recipients:
Michael Benroth, B.S. Civil Engineering
Massillon, Ohio
Margaret Calder, B.S. Electrical Engineering
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Katherine Dzurisin, B.S. Biomedical Engineering
Parma, Ohio
Kate Kalnicki, B.S. Biomedical Engineering
Parma, Ohio
Ryan Kruse, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Willhoughby Hills, Ohio
Maxwell LaBonte, B.S. Chemical Engineering
Kent, Ohio
Kyle Mann, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Canton, Ohio
Corbin Moon, B.S. Chemical Engineering
Canton, Ohio
Jonathan Proch, B.S. Computer Engineering
Canfield, Ohio
Sam Shaffer, B.S. Civil Engineering
Canton, Ohio