Scholarships

 This scholarship was established by John’s brother, Gilbert Ankenbauer, and his wife Jenny, to honor John’s memory. The late John M. Ankenbauer grew up in Berkeley, Illinois. A first-generation college student, he graduated magna cum laude with a chemical engineering degree in 1981 and joined Mobil. He credited Illinois’ rigorous undergraduate program for preparing him to meet the challenges of the oil and gas industry. Illinois instilled within him a belief that a top-level education, scholarly research, and ethical application of science can enable young adults to help create a better society.

Awarded to chemical engineering students, with a preference to students who are United States citizens and have at least a 3.0 GPA in their previous semester and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA while supported by the fund.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Gavin Metzger
• 2022-2023: Riley McDonald
• 2021-2022: Edward Neves
• 2020-2021: Thomas Sheehan 
• 2019-2020: Zhitao Chen
• 2018-2019: Lucas Kreidl
• 2017-2018: Ty’Nya Larry
• 2016-2017: Isaac Strain
• 2015-2016: Ashley May
• 2014-2015: Isaac Strain and Daniel Ziegler

This scholarship was established in 1999 by Stuart and Beverly Ann Boyle. Stuart received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Illinois in 1955. After graduating, he joined Standard Oil.

Awarded to junior or senior chemical engineering students in good academic standing; academic merit and financial need.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Mitchell Rutishauser
• 2022-2023: Brennen Thomas
• 2021-2022: Joel Klecka
• 2020-2021: Joel Klecka
• 2019-2020: Victoria Wisniewski
• 2018-2019: William Spreadbury
• 2017-2018: Elijah Karvelis
• 2016-2017: Jacob Komenda
• 2015-2016: Brandon Rodgers
• 2014-2015: John Gewargis
• 2013-2014: Maciej Kowalkowski
• 2012-2013: Ryan McGowan
• 2011-2012: Min Hao Wong

This scholarship was made possible by Dr. Christopher Burcham, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1992. He went on to earn his doctorate in chemical engineering from Princeton University in 1998. He is a senior engineering advisor at Eli Lilly and Company. His career in process development is at the interface between formulated products and active ingredients. He established this scholarship to help make education more affordable.

Awarded to juniors in good academic standing from the State of Illinois (outside of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties).

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Justine Seelbach
• 2022-2023: Cathy Li
• 2020-2021: Ethan Miller and Sera Trigo

Ron Corn and his family established this scholarship. Corn is an Illinois native who graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1979. Corn started his career at Chevron USA’s refinery in Richmond, California, and has held several roles with Chevron Phillips Chemical throughout the U.S. and Asia. Before retiring in 2020, he was the senior vice president of petrochemicals where he was responsible for the olefins, natural gas liquid, and aromatics product lines. Corn has often returned to campus to recruit students and served as a guest lecturer.

Awarded to chemical engineering students with a preference for women and/or underrepresented students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Emma Streck
• 2020-2021: Andrea Mejia
• 2019-2020: Nicole Jugovich
• 2018-209: Hui Du

This scholarship is named after the late Dr. Howard Cox, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1968, and his wife Mary. After graduating, Cox went on to earn a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he met Mary. She received her bachelor’s degree in theater from Minnesota. Cox worked for General Motors Research and Development for 36 years, specializing in the development and processing of lightweight materials.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Beth Kleimenhagen
• 2022-2023: Isabel Hughes
• 2021-2022: Jacob Milo
• 2020-2021: Jonathan Hartanto
• 2019-2020: Hoya Ihara

The Philip and Anne Drago Scholarship Fund was established by alumnus Joseph P. Drago in memory of his parents. Philip Drago earned a bachelor’s degree (1948) and a master’s degree in the teaching of French (1950) from the University of Illinois. Joseph P. Drago earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Illinois in 1972, and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Illinois in 1974. Joe Drago was a research engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the reactor engineer at the Connecticut Yankee nuclear power plant, the safety compliance officer at Argonne National Laboratory, and a nuclear engineer with US Department of Energy where he performed safety assessments and accident investigations. His current work interests include advancing patient safety in the healthcare sector.

Awarded to students who are in their senior year (or senior standing) in chemical engineering, preferably with a focus on chemical process safety, nuclear safety, or bio-related safety.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Terence Amador
• 2022-2023: Gunhee Han
• 2021-2022: Joel Klecka

Donald E. Eisele received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1971. This award is sponsored by the Zeta of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry society.

Awarded to chemical engineering seniors based on academic merit and service to professional groups such as Alpha Chi Sigma, American Chemical Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, etc.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Caleb Sutton
• 2022-2023: Giselle Soares
• 2021-2022: Darshan Patel
• 2020-2021: Jonathan Gong
• 2019-2020: Anna Welton-Arndt
• 2018-2019: Eric Cai
• 2017-2018: Jesus Sanchez
• 2016-2017: Michael Jorgensen
• 2015-2016: Nicholas Connolly
• 2011-2012: Robert Wu

Born on a farm near Laura, Illinois, Robert S. Frye attended a one-room schoolhouse, Peoria Central High School, Bradley University, and eventually the University of Illinois where he graduated with his chemical engineering bachelor’s degree in 1933. He went on to work for Abbott Laboratories in chemical and production development, including penicillin in the 1940s. After 34 years with Abbott, he went to work for G.D. Searle & Co. in development. In 1970, he and his son John Frye bought and ran a printing business in Clinton, Michigan.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Jack Hovey
• 2022-2023: Emily Chow
• 2021-2022: Julie Frederickson
• 2020-2021: Daniel Azmoodeh
• 2019-2020: John Bohn
• 2018-2019: Kevin Wade
• 2017-2018: Robert Schneider
• 2016-2017: Atreyo Ghosh
• 2015-2016: Dongkwan Lee
• 2014-2015: Claire Gibbons
• 2013-2014: Grant Blazina
• 2012-2013: Seong-Min Kim, James Lang
• 2011-2012: Majid Ahmed Alhilali

Clarence “Larry” Gerhold was an inventor with an engaging personality and infectious sense of humor who profoundly impacted the petroleum refining and petrochemical industries. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1928 and 1929. Professor Donald B. Keyes taught him a great deal about petroleum technology and other topics. After graduating, Gerhold joined UOP (formerly Universal Oil Products), where he would spend his entire career developing solutions to problems. During World War II, he applied his knowledge of super high octane gasoline to large-scale production of aviation gasoline. Over the years, he was involved in thermal cracking and reforming, olefin polymerization, alkylation, paraffin isomerization, and much more.

Awarded to chemical engineering sophomores with preference to Illinois residents with financial needs.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Longmei Ge
• 2022-2023: Bobby He
• 2021-2022: Manasi Vaidya
• 2020-2021: William Lyon
• 2019-2020: William Lyon
• 2018-2019: William Lyon
• 2017-2018: Michelle Brown, Anthony Salazar, Sanjna Shah
• 2016-2017: Anthony Salazar, Yiling Loh
• 2015-2016: Dawna Peterson
• 2014-2015: Lauren Schmitt
• 2013-2014: Anthony Tapia
• 2012-2013: Paul Jenkins

This scholarship was made possible by Dr. Joseph “Joe” and Donna Glas. After graduating from Rockhurst College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Joe Glas came to the University of Illinois, where he worked on his doctorate under the legendary James Westwater. After earning his degree in 1965, Glas joined DuPont where he rose through the ranks to become director, vice president, and general manager of DuPont’s Fluorochemicals Division. He later became vice president and general manager of DuPont Fluoroproducts, and in 1998, he was named vice president and general manager of DuPont’s Biotechnology Division. Glas led the development of environmentally friendly refrigerants and reduced the chlorofluorocarbons’ threat to the ozone layer. He advocated for a global approach to address ozone depletion based on science and served as a spokesman for the industry, working with the government and public. Ever loyal to his alma mater, Glas chaired the department’s resource development committee in the early 1990s and has served on its external advisory committee. He is also a former convocation speaker.

Awarded to chemical engineering students with a preference for students from Iowa or Illinois and incoming juniors; academic merit and financial need shall also be considered. At the discretion of the department, the scholarship may be used for sophomores and incoming freshmen.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Kameron Alwan, Sia Mittal, Zachary Mungerson
• 2022-2023: Gavin Metzger
• 2020-2021: Zachary De Leon
• 2019-2020: Samuel Dillon
• 2018-2019: Christian Monte
• 2017-2018: Christian Monte, Alishba Rehman
• 2016-2017: June Qian
• 2015-2016: Vitaliy Dushnov
• 2014-2015: Sophie Friedman
• 2013-2014: Alex Baciu
• 2012-2013: Zachary Dookeran
• 2011-2012: Samantha Fuchs, Enem Martin, Thomas Smith

James "Jim" Grant earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1969. He went on to earn his master’s degree in chemical engineering from Washington University, a second master’s in engineering management from the University of Missouri­ Rolla, and a third in chemistry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He worked in pharmaceutical process development throughout his career and managed major environmental remediation and restoration projects. He oversaw hazardous material handling for the Transportation Security Administration in the Department of Homeland Security until 2019. Currently, he provides services. 

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Julie Frederickson
• 2022-2023: Manasi Vaidya
• 2021-2022: Emily Bolger, Beichen Xiong
• 2020-2021: Isabel Hughes
• 2018-2019: Vivek Vermani
• 2017-2018: Vivek Vermani
• 2016-2017: Vivek Vermani

Established in 1990, this scholarship honors the memory of the late Chester W. Hannum, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1929. 

Awarded to able and needy students in the Department of Chemistry or Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Bridget Friel, Nidhish Lella
• 2022-2023: Sydney Nelson, Max Polanek
• 2021-2022: Emily Chow, Briana Sobecks
• 2020-2021: Nathan Avalos, Briana Sobecks
• 2019-2020: Beth Born, Thomas Sheehan
• 2018-2019: Linzixuan Zhang
• 2017-2018: Alishba Rehman, Isaac Strain
• 2016-2017: Justin Genova, Pimpisa Pechvijitra, Yuying Wu, Zijie Wu, Yijiang Yu, Edwin Zen
• 2015-2016: Alex Baciu, Ethan Dukovic, Joshua Jones, Amanda Pritchard
• 2014-2015: Timothy Chen, Ashley May, Brandon Sprenger
• 2013-2014: Aristotle Economou, Ross Romane, Brandon Sprenger
• 2012-2013: Paul Anderson, Kevin Erning, Joshua Walker, Kevin Weyant
• 2011-2012: Nicholas Connolly, Dean Ferracane, Matthew Fischer, Brett Llewellyn, Joshua Moller, Thomas Schulz, Mark Taylor

Raised in Arthur, Illinois, Dr. Edmund “Ed” Heerdt earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Illinois in 1965. He went on to earn a doctorate from the University of Minnesota in 1969. A 30-year employee of Shell Oil, he retired in 1998. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sara Heerdt is a graduate of Marquette University’s School of Dental Hygiene. The two met in Minneapolis while Ed was in graduate school. Heerdt is a former judge for the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Awarded to chemical engineering students entering their junior year. Each recipient shall receive a scholarship for their senior years so long as they remain in good standing. To the full extent possible, the recipients shall be students with financial needs who are active volunteers in service to their communities.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2018-2019: Marko Ivancevic, Jing Zhao
• 2017-2018: Marko Ivancevic, Jing Zhao
• 2016-2017: Lauren Schmitt, Noah Wood
• 2015-2016: Lauren Schmitt, Noah Wood
• 2014-2015: Xiaoxuan Lily Chen, Hector Fuster, Sarah Kuhl
• 2013-2014: Kevin Weyant

This scholarship was made possible by Dr. Jerrod A. Henderson. He earned a doctorate in chemical and biomolecular engineering from the University of Illinois in 2010. He served as a lecturer in the department until 2016. He has dedicated his career to increasing the number of students who pursue STEM careers. At the University of Houston, he is the director of the Program for Mastery in Engineering Studies, aiming to increase student achievement, engagement, and graduation. 

Awarded to students based on merit who contribute to the diversity of the student body in the unit.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2022-2023: Juan Rojas
• 2020-2021: Kingsley Okeke 

This scholarship honors John L. “Jack” Hudson, who earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1959. He continued his education, obtaining his Master of Science in engineering from Princeton University and his doctorate from Northwestern University. He then returned to the University of Illinois as a professor from 1963 to 1974. He became the Wills Johnson Professor at the University of Virginia. Hudson studied complex dynamic chemical reaction systems through experimentation and mathematical modeling.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Chinmay Sahasrabudhe
• 2022-2023: Edward Kruszynski
• 2021-2022: Kathryn Southon

Established in 2020, this scholarship was created by Kenneth E. Jaconetty, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1982. He went on to become a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office before attending law school at the George Washington University Law School. He went on to have a successful career as a patent and intellectual property attorney. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Jaconetty established this scholarship to combat institutional racism and create a more inclusive system. 

Awarded to students who contribute to the diversity of the student body in the unit.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Shihyun Park
• 2022-2023: Julie Frederickson
• 2021-2022: Andrea Mejia 

Born and raised in Arkansas, the late Earp Jennings Jr. was known for his always-searching scientific mind, his infectious laugh, and devotion to his late wife, Ruth. After attending the University of Arkansas, he transferred to the University of Illinois and earned his chemical engineering degree in 1938. After Illinois, he obtained a master’s degree in chemical engineering from MIT. From there, he began a long and successful career with Hercules, a chemical company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Jennings held a number of positions with Hercules, including chief chemical engineer, plant manager, and executive positions in the Wilmington headquarters. Jennings was a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and a long-time board member of the Delaware Solid Waste Authority. Jennings credited his education for his successful career and was an ardent supporter of his alma maters.

Awarded to chemical engineering students based on merit. 

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Chantal Korde
• 2022-2023: Charles Carroll
• 2019-2020: Amisha Patel
• 2017-2018: Matuesz Dusza
• 2016-2017: Lucas Kreidl
• 2015-2016: Aza Walker
• 2014-2015: Morgan Bakies
• 2013-2014: Rachel M. Beck
• 2012-2013: Shayta Roy

This scholarship honors Donald Keyes, who led the chemical engineering program at the University of Illinois from 1926 to 1945. He is known for developing the first successful commercial method for producing absolute alcohol, which is still used today. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and his doctorate from the University of California. He worked in industry prior to joining the faculty at Illinois. Later, he served in the federal government before returning to the industry, becoming a vice president at Heyden Chemical Corporation.

Awarded to chemical engineering students with a good academic record and potential for a successful career in the chemical engineering industry.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Luke Brann
• 2021-2022: Kwanghyun Kim
• 2020-2021: Jacob Milo
• 2019-2020: Vikram Mubayi
• 2018-2019: Andrew Gugulski
• 2017-2018: Kevin Wade
• 2016-2017: Ethan Dukovic
• 2012-2013: Alaina Fuller

Michael Konen earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1978 and went on to earn an MBA from Oklahoma State University in 1989. He has spent his career in marketing and finance. Michael passed away in 2023; Renee lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Michael J. and Renee M. Konen Scholarship benefits students from Illinois.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Albert Yan
• 2022-2023 Recipients: Donald Watson

 This scholarship was made possible by John W. Latchum Jr. who was in the graduating class of 1939, earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He was a successful innovator and inventor.

Awarded to chemical engineering student with financial need and strong work ethic.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Cade McAndrew
• 2022-2023: Zachary De Leon
• 2021-2022: Wei Ping Lam
• 2020-2021: Joseph Cangialosi
• 2019-2020: Joseph Cangialosi
• 2018-2019: Joseph Cangialosi
• 2017-2018: Caleb Zmuda
• 2016-2017: Caleb Zmuda
• 2015-2016: Kenan Al-Bardan
• 2014-2015: Raymond Luo, Jesus Sanchez
• 2013-2014: Yuliana Mendez
• 2012-2013: Cornelius Lawson
• 2011-2012: Jacob Becraft, Connie Wong

Established in 2011, this scholarship is named after Arthur and Harriet Limper who graduated from the University of Illinois with bachelor's degrees in chemistry in 1944. The late Harriet "Mimi" Neville Limper was a technical writer at Ethyl Corporation where Arthur was a researcher. Both were proud of the university's emphasis on strong academics.

Awarded through the School of Chemical Sciences based on merit.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Noah Velasco
• 2022-2023: Jacob Milo
• 2019-2020: Rishabh Sanghavi
• 2015-2016: Brandon Rodgers

This scholarship was made possible by the Dr. Ray A. Mentzer Scholarship Fund. After receiving his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1974, Mentzer went on to earn his master's and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from Purdue University. He enjoyed a 28-year career with ExxonMobil, working around the world and in various areas, including oil and gas facility design and operation, research, financial management, safety, health and environment, and public affairs. His last position with Exxon was the Global Upstream Safety, Health, and Environment Manager. He lectured at Texas M before he returned to Purdue University as the associate director of the Purdue Process Safety Assurance Center. He continues to be engaged with process safety research projects, downhole drilling safety, risk management, and more.

Awarded to chemical engineering students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Emily Chow
• 2022-2023: Thomas Cahill
• 2021-2022: Edward Kruszynski
• 2020-2021: Beth Born
• 2019-2020: Daniel Azmoodeh
• 2018-2019: Anthony Salazar
• 2017-2018: Jessica Rabczak
• 2016-2017: Victor Qiao
• 2015-2016: David Ugweje

This scholarship was established by James M. and Karen S. Morris. James earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1981, then began a long and successful career with ExxonMobil. By the time he retired as chief facilities engineer for ExxonMobil Upstream, he was responsible for the global application of facilities technologies, career development for engineers, and planning key strategic initiatives. James and Karen endowed this scholarship in 2024 to honor the memory of James’ parents, Donald and Dolores, whose dream was for their children to go to college.

• 2023-2024: Sumana Dara, Abigail Jackson

This scholarship was made possible by Dr. Kirk Nass and Michael Gillespie. An Illinois native, Dr. Nass graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1983. Nass, an out LGBTQ engineer, worked for over 30 years at Chevron and was a technical team leader when he retired in 2020. Most of his career was devoted to developing or supporting lubricating oil additives. Nass was also a founding board member and past Chair of Chevron PRIDE. His husband, Michael Gillespie, is a retired attorney.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Yixuan Li
• 2022-2023: Yourong Weng
• 2021-2022: Katie Wixted
• 2020-2021: Giorgio Graziano
• 2019-2020: Natalia Markiewicz
• 2018-2019: Michelle Brown
• 2017-2018: Royce Chen

This scholarship honors the memory of the late Elwood E. Nelson, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Illinois in 1939 and a master's degree in chemistry in 1940. Nelson worked for Gulf Oil and Chevron. His wife, Elizabeth, also graduated from Illinois. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1935 and a master's degree in history in 1938.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2015-2016: Pacharapol Charoensuk, Matthew Miller

This scholarship is made possible by Marchoe Dill Northern, who earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in 1997.  Currently, she is the Senior Vice President - Global Home Care Brand Franchise Leader.

This scholarship is intended to support underrepresented students in chemical engineering.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Daniel Hernandez
• 2022-2023: Kingsley Okeke, Aileen Escobar
• 2020-2021: Jared Buabeng, Christina Braker

Edward Onstott earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Illinois in 1944 and received his master's and doctoral degrees in chemistry at Illinois. At Illinois, he met his future wife, Mary. Edward joined the research staff at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1950 as a chemist and retired in 1984. He was a consultant for the lab until his death in 1995. Onstott was recognized for his work in separation and preparation of rare earth metals. His later research focused on the thermochemical properties of rare earth compounds. He was affiliated with the American Institute of Chemists, the American Chemical Society, and was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Kaitlin Wixted
• 2022-2023: Chikako Barnes
• 2017-2018: Faisal Aldukhi
• 2016-2017: Daniel Cordero, Awele Bill Uwagwu, Junli Wu
• 2015-2016: Sasha Ebrahimi, Anthony Tapia
• 2014-2015: Xuxia Nora Chen, Kevin Erning
• 2013-2014: Grace Diekemper

This scholarship was made possible by Raymond M. Pasteris. A native of Joliet, Pasteris received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1975. After graduation, he married his wife Barbara. He became a process engineer with Mobil in Joliet. He became interested in applying cogeneration technologies to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of steam and power generation at the refinery. Later, Pasteris became a senior engineer with Mobil in Princeton, New Jersey, where he worked to develop cogeneration projects for oil refining facilities worldwide. His efforts resulted in the construction of four cogeneration power plant projects at four Mobil oil refineries in the U.S. In 1986, he joined Catalyst Energy Corporation and managed four power plants, including two biomass renewable energy plants and one hydroelectric power plant. He later served as vice president of engineering and development for Catalyst Thermal Corporation. In 1993, he established Pasteris Energy to provide advisory services to energy producers, consumers, and regulators worldwide. He helped develop solar photovoltaic (PV) and other renewable energy projects.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Jenny Hu
• 2022-2023: Kwanghyun (Kay) Kim
• 2021-2022: Beth Born
• 2020-2021: Yazeed Alfawaz
• 2019-2020: Devin Schinski
• 2018-2019: Ty’Nya Larry, Quyen Nguyen
• 2017-2018: Ethan Dukovic
• 2016-2017: Christian Monte
• 2015-2016: Francisco Canales Gonzalez

This scholarship was established as a memorial in 1959 by friends of Professor Worth Rodebush, a physical chemist at the University of Illinois. He had an international reputation for his research on infrared absorption methods for studying molecular structures, especially those involving hydrogen. Rodebush was honored by many organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Physical Society.

Awarded to students who intend to make a career out of chemical engineering or chemistry from the School of Chemical Sciences.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Jack Liu
• 2022-2023: Ela Eames
• 2021-2022: Isabel Hughes
• 2020-2021: Devin Schinski
• 2019-2020: Jennifer Ward
• 2018-2019: Madeleine Chalifoux
•  2017-2018: Dongkwan Lee
• 2016-2017: Shawn Lu
• 2015-2016: Rebecca Boehning
• 2014-2015: Jerome Davis III
• 2013-2014: Kevin Erning
• 2012-2013: John Winters
• 2011-2012: Paul Jenkins

The scholarship was made possible by the family and friends of Rebekah Schiff-Berger to honor and remember Rebekah, a chemical engineering student who passed away in 2015. Rebekah was a James Scholar and active in a variety of organizations, including the Illinois student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and the department's Undergraduate Advisory Board. 

Awarded to a freshman or sophomore who are James Scholars and/or have earned and maintain a 3.5 GPA out of 4.0. Shall also be active participants in an RSO and/or active participants in a ChBE organization.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Nathan Kuswanto, Rohan Mendes
• 2021-2022: Chantal Korde
• 2020-2021: Kaitlin Wixted
• 2019-2020: Isabel Hughes
• 2018-2019: Beth Born
• 2017-2018: Sanjna Shah

The Roger and Ruth Schmitz Scholarship honors the late professor Roger A. Schmitz and his wife Ruth Schmitz. Roger Schmitz earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1959 and went on to earn a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. He was a long-time researcher, educator, and administrator at the University of Notre Dame. A member of the National Academy of Engineering, his research contributions were in experimental observation of complex behavior in chemical reactions and catalysis.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Martha Abrahamson
• 2022-2023: Kevin Chen
• 2021-2022: Melissa Manetsch
• 2020-2021: John Ito
• 2019-2020: Ameer Barbour

Dan Hanus established this cooperative education scholarship in the School of Chemical Sciences (SCS) in honor of Rebecca J. Simon, who served as an advisor and director of the SCS Placement Center. Hanus graduated from the University of Illinois in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Shortly after, he began a career with Procter & Gamble in the Foods Division and held a number of roles with the company. He worked in research and development as a process engineer, a products researcher, and a long-time package developer. He served as director of packaging for the U.S. Merchandising Solutions Organization in Product Supply Packaging at P&G upon his retirement in 2021. Hanus has often returned to campus to conduct interviews and recruit students. He also has served as a judge at the department's undergraduate research symposium.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Zylle Constantino, Aidan Jalloul
• 2021-2022: Serena Escalona 

Born in Joliet, Thomas Stein earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Illinois in 1964. He went on to earn his doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1968. While at Minnesota, Thomas met his future wife, Yolanda Shirley Stein. Born in Panama, Yolanda earned a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Minnesota. In 1968, Thomas Stein joined Mobil, where he held technical and managerial positions in research, engineering, and planning. When he retired in 2002, Stein was general manager of products research and technology of the ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company. Yolanda Stein worked as a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2018-2019: Yiling Loh, Sanjna Shah
• 2017-2018: Channing Richter, Jesus Sanchez
• 2016-2017: Madeleine Chalifoux, Yijung Chen, Sohum Patel
• 2015-2016: Jae Kwan Song, Jake Gold
• 2014-2015: Jordan Blake Banks, Nicholas Connolly
• 2013-2014: Jake Bennett, Daniel Spence
• 2012-2013: Benjamin Kanevsky, Amelia Su Xia Witcoski
• 2011-2012: John Gewargis, Katherin Hasan, Richard Shin

This scholarship was established by Deborah Tulig and Dr. Thomas "Tom" J. Tulig, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1978. He went on to earn a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota. Tulig spent his entire career working for the Royal Dutch Shell Group of Companies in research and development, project development, technical support, and operations. He began in the reaction engineering department and eventually served as the vice president for novel processes and new energies technology and as the general manager of process development in Shell's projects and technology organization.

Born and raised in South Dakota, the late Glenn Ulloyt earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1933 and his master's degree and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1935 and 1938. He was a long-time employee of Smith, Kline and French Laboratories (now GlaxoSmithKline). He played a significant role in developing several products with the company, including a non-stimulating inhaler, topical anesthetic, and a diuretic to treat high blood pressure.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2019-2020: Matthew Brucks
• 2018-2019: Faisal Aldukhi, Natalia Markiewicz
• 2017-2018: Ugonna Oduocha, June Qian
• 2016-2017: Zaid Al-Bardan, Francisco Canales, Scott Kieback, Alexander Koutsostamatis
• 2014-2015: Omotola Okesanjo, Brandon Rodgers2013-2014 Recipients: Xiaoxuan Lily Chen, Pawel Grimm, Alexander Olenskyj, Erica Peterson
• 2012-2013: Seo Woo Choi, Sherri Xuan Lu Lim
• 2011-2012: Morgan Bakies, Brendon Knaizer, Christine Rovani

Established in 1997, this scholarship is named after Ronald Van Mynen and his wife, Janet. Van Mynen earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in 1960. After graduation, Van Mynen joined the Union Carbide Corporation, where he rose through the ranks to become a vice president.

Awarded to chemical engineering students based on merit. 

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Max Kim
• 2022-2023: Mary Ehmann 
• 2021-2022: Nicholas Cys
• 2020-2021: Nicholas Cys
• 2019-2020: Andrea Mejia
• 2018-2019: Zhitao Chen
• 2017-2018: Ami Patel
• 2016-2017: Faisal Aldukhi, Nicholas Chan
• 2015-2016: Lingqing Yan, Weikun Zhu
• 2014-2015: Pawel Grimm
• 2013-2014: Shayta Roy, Eugene Swisher
• 2012-2013: Rujia Wang

This scholarship is named after Alex Vogel, who earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1963. He went on to earn a master's degree in chemical engineering from Stanford University in 1965. He joined the Dow Chemical Company in 1966 and was named global director of process research and development for Dow Agrosciences in 1989. He held numerous positions with consulting firms after he retired from Dow in 1995.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Logan Carlson
• 2022-2023: Anomitra De, Mackenzie Fieser
• 2020-2021: Siddhartha Peri
• 2019-2020: Mary Huber

This scholarship was established by the Dora Weedman-Kerker Trust in memory of her husband, John Arbon Weedman. John Weedman earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1940.

Awarded to chemical engineering students.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Maxwell Coman, Yewon Moon
• 2022-2023: Yixuan Li, Tae Yeun (David) Yang
• 2021-2022: Mary Ehmann, Kyle Gray, Anh Nguyen, Suyay Someshwar

Wanda H. Wojcik established this scholarship in memory of her husband Dr. Bruno Wojcik. He received his bachelor's in chemistry in 1930 and went on to earn a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. He was a research and development manager at Olin Matheson's industrial division in Baltimore and later served as a scientific advisor for the marketing division. He joined VIDA's Southern Utilization Research Division as assistant director for industrial development in New Orleans. 

Awarded to chemical engineering or chemistry students based on ability and interest in research in chemistry or chemical engineering.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Dylan Hendrixson
• 2022-2023: Yujie (Vincent) Yang
• 2021-2022: Vikram Mubayi
• 2020-2021: Arzam Harris
• 2019-2020: Ziqi (Jerry) Ye
• 2018-2019: Alishba Rehman
• 2017-2018: Huayang Liu
• 2016-2017: Moeen Meigooni
• 2015-2016: Omotola Okesanjo
• 2014-2015: Dongkwan Lee
• 2013-2014: Xinyu He

This scholarship honors Donald “Don” Ernest Woodmansee, who earned his doctorate in chemical engineering (advised by Thomas J. Hanratty) from the University of Illinois in 1968; his research focused on wave propagation in multiphase flows.

With his wife Phyllis, he established this scholarship to support prospective students who are interested in studying chemical engineering, which he often cited as an important area of study for the betterment of society.

Scholarship Recipients:

• 2023-2024: Sonja Domanus
• 2022-2023: Chinmay Sahasrabudhe

The Alumni Scholarship is a departmental award made possible thanks to the financial support of our generous donors.

Criteria: Chemical engineering students; merit-based.

• 2019-2020 Recipient: Jun Zhi Tan
• 2016-2017 Recipients: Elijah Karvelis, Ashley May, Omotola Okesanjo, Benjamin Pedretti, Weikun Zhu
• 2015-2016 Recipients: Benjamin Pedretti, Timothy Chen
• 2014-2015 Recipients: Alex Baciu and Matthew Fischer
•  2013-2014 Recipient: Claire Gibbons
• 2012-2013 Recipient: Alia Khan, Eugene Swisher
• 2011-2012 Recipient: James McCommas, Fengyu Ren

 The Omega Chi Epsilon Scholarship is a departmental award given to a student for meritorious academic achievement and contributions to the Omega Chi Epsilon (OXE) student organization. The award is supported by donations from students and alumni. The group dates back to 1931, when a group of chemical engineering students decided to recognize juniors and seniors who displayed academic excellence and leadership in their profession. The name, Omega Chi Epsilon, is based upon the organization’s motto: Ode Chrototos Eggegramai which means, “In this society, professionalism is engraved in our minds.”

Criteria: Chemical engineering students; merit-based.

• 2016-2017 Recipients: Byeongjin Kang, Alexandra Warton
• 2015-2016 Recipient: Shayta Roy
• 2014-2015 Recipient: Connie J. Wong
• 2013-2014 Recipient: Sarah Kuhl

This scholarship is designed to attract students traditionally underrepresented in chemical engineering, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian & Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. The scholarships are for a select number of outstanding incoming freshmen. The department launched the Pathways to Success Scholarships in 2016.

• 2017-2018 Recipients: Claudia Cappa, Estelle Mace, Randy Marquez, Ambar Rivera, Christopher Torres
• 2016-2017: Austin Cepeda, Daniel Cordero, Andrew Morrice, Liam Quinn, Anna Welton-Arndt

BP is a British multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London, England. With operations in 70 countries worldwide and approximately 65,000 employees, BP serves as a leader in the oil and gas industry. 

• 2022-2023 Recipients: Alexander Schuffler, Grace Fields 

This scholarship is sponsored by Chevron Corporation, which is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. It is headquartered in San Ramon, Calif.

• 2019-2020 Recipient: Yazeed Alfawaz

CITGO is a Houston-based refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products.

• 2017-2018 Recipients: Pacharapol Charoensuk, Elizabeth Tang, Kevin Wade
• 2016-2017 Recipients: Pacharapol Charoensuk, Dongkwan Lee
  2014-2015 Recipient: Brett Llewellyn
• 2013-2014 Recipient: Mark Taylor
• 2012-2013 Recipient: Callie Rahe
• 2011-2012 Recipients: Callie Rahe, Braden Christian

Clorox is an international manufacturing company whose products include bleach and cleaning products, water filtration products, and many others.

• 2015-2016 Recipient: Alejandro Urbina Leon De La Barra

Crane Composites Inc., a subsidiary of Crane Company (NYSE:CR), is the world's leading provider of fiber-reinforced composite materials.We combine our expertise in composite material science, process, and technology with a deep understanding of customer needs to deliver innovative products that outperform traditional metals and woods. Since 1954, we have continued to pioneer numerous patented technologies for industrial and commercial product applications.

• 2023-2024: Yousef Sakhnini

ExxonMobil is an international oil and gas company that uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. Many Illinois chemical engineering graduates have gone on to become leaders at ExxonMobil, including Dennis Houston and Ray Mentzer.

• 2022-2023 Recipient: Kihong (Max) Kim
• 2020-2021 Recipient: Rachel Park
• 2019-2020 Recipient: Melissa Manetsch
• 2018-2019 Recipient: Robert Schneider
• 2017-2018 Recipients: Pak Wing Chen, Weikun Zhu
• 2016-2017 Recipients: Seo Woo Choi, Tiernan Ebener
• 2015-2016 Recipient: Xuxia Chen
• 2014-2015 Recipient: Maciej Kowalkowski

As the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund focuses on providing access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship opportunities for under-resourced and underrepresented communities. Ford Funds partnerships and programming are designed to be responsive to unique community needs, ensuring people have equitable opportunities to move forward. Harnessing Fords scale, resources and mobility expertise, Ford Fund drives meaningful impact through grantmaking, Ford Resource and Engagement Centers and employee volunteerism.

• 2023-2024: Jakob Quezada

LyondellBasell is one of the largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies in the world. Its US headquarters are in Houston, Texas.

• 2023-2024: Mackenzie Fieser, Elizabeth Miczuga
• 2019-2020 Recipient: Tiffany Yen

Phillips 66 is an energy manufacturing and logistics company headquartered in Houston, Texas.

• 2022-2023 Recipient: Abby Liu, Chantal Korde, Megan Shamsi
• 2020-2021 Recipients: Sophia Belvedere, Meher Jain, Melissa Manetsch, Anh Nguyen, Sanjna Shah, Megan Shamsi
• 2018-2019 Recipients: Sophia Belvedere, Nicole Jugovich, Victoria Wisniewski
• 2017-2018 Recipients: Mingyan Liu, Gina Partipilo, Victoria Wisniewski
• 2016-2017 Recipients: Rebecca Boehning, Jesus Dominguez, Mikaela Dressendorfer
• 2015-2016 Recipient: Jordan Blake Banks
• 2014-2015 Recipient: Talia Shalen

The Rohm and Haas Company was a manufacturer of specialty chemicals for end-use markets such as building and construction, electronic devices, packaging, household, and personal care products. In 2009 it became part of Dow Chemical Company, now known simply as Dow.

• 2023-2024: Brennen Thomas
• 2022-2023 Recipient: Seungwon Rha
• 2019-2020 Recipient: Aayush Asthana
•  2018-2019 Recipient: Chea Yean Chee
• 2014-2015 Recipient: Yasheen Jadidi
• 2013-2014 Recipient: Brett Llewelyn
• 2012-2013 Recipient: Chotitath Sanpitakseree

Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies in more than 70 countries and territories and more than 90,000 employees worldwide, including many Illinois graduates, such as Thomas Baron, Steve Miller, and Ed Heerdt. The company uses advanced technologies and innovative approaches to help build a sustainable energy future.

• 2015-2016 Recipient: Seo Woo Choi

Formerly Universal Oil Products, UOP is now a subsidiary of Honeywell, a global technology and manufacturing company. UOP is part of Honeywell’s Performance Materials and Technologies unit, which develops advanced materials, process technologies and automation solutions.

• 2015-2016 Recipient: Sisto Andrea Perciballe