Engineering students receive gift of a lifetime - $10,000 to pay off student loans

The University of Akron News

05/14/2021

When 10 graduating engineering seniors received their diplomas at commencement, they did so with significantly less student debt. These deserving University of Akron engineering students received an extraordinary gift of $10,000 each to be directed towards their outstanding student loan balance. The annual gift from an Akron-area couple was designed to recognize the efforts of dedicated students and encourage them to become leaders in their field.

As stated on the certificates given to each of the students:

"The Trajectory Award is given to you, by way of reduced student debt, to continue giving the gifts of your time and talents to lift up the communities in which you find yourself. It is given with the understanding that you will persevere and lead by example."

Each year, college faculty and staff nominate students for the award. The nominated students then submit essays and letters of recommendation from co-op sponsors and others, along with evidence of leadership, community involvement, and academic excellence.

This year, the Order of the Engineer Ring Ceremony took place virtually, with remarks from Dr. Joan Carletta, Dr. Craig Menzemer, and the generous donors.

The 2021 Trajectory Award recipients:

Yazan Aburaad
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Olmstead Falls, Ohio 

Alexis Alves
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Massilon, Ohio 

Kayla Covington
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Dalton, Ohio 

Steven Innocenzi
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Solon, Ohio

Jayme Jennings
Bachelor of Science in Corrosion Engineering
Mountain City, Tennessee 

Owen Lacey
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Tiffin, Ohio 

Daniel Nahra
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Nashport, Ohio 

Hannah Pineault
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Morgantown, West Virginia

Timothy Wenger
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Wadsworth, Ohio 

Solomon Whitmire
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Uhrichsville, Ohio

Congratulations to this year's Trajectory Award recipients!

Related content: 

  • For incoming students, learn what scholarship opportunities are available to you in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. 
  • Many of these students will be featured in our "What's Next" Instagram series. Follow us @UAkron_Engr and check it out!