FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandria, VA, September 10, 2024 – The AGMA Foundation Board of Trustees is excited to announce the awarding of $45,000 in scholarships to nine outstanding students pursuing careers in the gear industry. Each recipient will receive $5,000 to support their educational journey.
These scholarships are awarded annually to students at technical schools, and undergraduate and graduate levels dedicated to advancing their careers in the gear and power transmission sectors. This year’s recipients were selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their academic performance, career aspirations within the gear industry, community involvement, and financial need. Applicants were required to submit a personal statement and two letters of recommendation alongside the application.
In addition to the general scholarships, the Foundation is proud to offer a special scholarship from Linda and Bipin Doshi Scholarship Endowment to Nolan Finfrock. Nolan, a Sophomore at Purdue University West Lafayette is pursuing dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Mechatronics Engineering Technology and is currently interning with Schafer Industries. The Doshi Scholarship Endowment, established in April 2018 with a $100,000 fund by Linda and Bipin Doshi, formerly of Schafer Industries, supports top applicants in the field.
This year six of the nine awardees have connections to AGMA member companies.
Undergraduate Scholars:
- Luis Arciniega is a Junior at Minnesota State University – Mankato. While pursuing his degree in Engineering with a mechanical focus, he is also employed by Croix Gear.
- Henry Aiden Ford, a Freshman at Purdue University, is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also has worked at ITAMCO.
- Faith Hyllberg, Senior at Grand Canyon University, is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She also has worked at Twin Disc in Racine, WI.
- Brandon Jahoor a Sophomore at the University of Waterloo, is pursuing a degree in Mechatronics. He also has an internship at ODG.
- Matthew Kolger a Senior at The Ohio University, is pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
- Michael Rinaldi a Freshman at Milligan University is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has ties to Artec Machine Systems.
- Tyler Stiger a Sophomore at Grace College is pursing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He interns at ITAMCO.
Graduate
- Enes Timur Ozdemir, a 4th year PhD student at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell is pursuing a Doctorate of Mechanical Engineering. His research interests are continuous and discrete modeling of linear and non-linear structural dynamics and vibrations of mechanical systems, electromechanical modeling of electric drive systems, and their interactions with power transmission components in electric vehicles.
The selection process for these scholarships was carried out by the AGMA Foundation Scholarship Committee, consisting of nine experienced professionals from the gear industry. Ruthie Johnston, AGMA Foundation Chair, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Our scholarship program aims to support students committed to advancing the gear industry. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each member of the Scholarship Committee for their dedication and time.”
Funding for the scholarships comes from the endowment and contributions from AGMA member companies and industry supporters. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to attract, educate, and advance talent in the power transmission industry.
The AGMA Foundation’s 2024 Annual Campaign is currently in progress. To make a donation, please visit www.agmafoundation.org.
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