Giving Impact Stories
Jose Mancias
- David Opperman Study Abroad Scholarship
- Student
Materials Science and Engineering, 2020
Thanks to the David Opperman Study Abroad Scholarship, David was able to take the skills he learned at the University of Illinois and use them around the world.
Samira Tungare
- EVS
- Student
Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2020
“I recognize the impact that donors and scholarships have on current students. I hope in my future I will have the ability to give back.”
Jacob Perakis
- EVS
- Student
Computer Science, 2021
“This scholarship made it possible for my family to send me, my brother, and my sister to college for an affordable price. We are on track to be the first in our family to complete a college degree.”
Sarah Osman
- EVS
- Student
Mechanical Science and Engineering, 2019
“I was confident that an engineering degree from The Grainger College of Engineering would be great preparation for my future career as an engineer.”
David Opperman Study Abroad Scholarship
The David Opperman Study Abroad Scholarship was established by David’s son, Mark, in memory of his father in order to provide students with what is often a life-changing experience living and studying abroad. “A scholarship to support study abroad seemed like the best means to make an ongoing impact on students’ lives in a way that would honor my father’s work”, related Mark.
Abigail Iuorio
- EVS
- Student
Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2020
“I chose my major because of my desire to give back, specifically to the environment. My mentality has always been to leave the world better than I found it. This dream is made possible through my scholarship.”
Oscar Zepeda
- EVS
- Student
Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering, 2022
“I am inspired to pay things forward by being a role model to those within my community and within my program, and to do my best to contribute in any way possible to society.”
Vongai Tizora
- EVS
- Student
Bioengineering, 2022
“Being surrounded by such extraordinary resources and students is a great source of motivation and inspiration for me.”
Larry and Rosalie Sur
- EVS
- Donor
Civil Engineering, 1964, 1965
“We decided to direct our scholarship to Civil Engineering because that is the department I graduated from and I feel so much a part of ... We also give to Bioengineering, because we feel this is a great program for the future. The combination of engineering and medicine is a wonderful thing.”