Wacker Chemie Establishes Scholarship at Lee
The Spirit of Innovation scholarship was recently established at Lee University as a result of a $10,000 gift from Wacker Chemical Corporation. Two students have been awarded the scholarship for the 2009-2010 school year, and two more will be selected for the 2010-2011 school year.
Photo: (left to right): DeLaLuz, Craig Fitzpatrick, chief financial officer for Wacker Chemical Corporation, Jude, VanDer Wilp, Dr. Paul Conn, president of Lee University, and Thomas Degnan, vice president for human resources and site services.
This year’s recipients are Jessica VanDer Wilp of Lowell, Mich. and Amanda Jude of Orient, Ohio. Both students are juniors and biochemistry majors.
“Not only were these students recognized for their high academic achievement as based on their GPA’s, they were also selected because they demonstrated the curiosity that embodies a true scientist. Both students are hard-working and demonstrate the potential to excel and make contributions beyond the undergraduate level,” said Dr. Paul DeLaLuz, chair of the department of natural sciences and mathematics.
In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must be a junior enrolled full-time at Lee University. They must also be majoring in chemistry with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students who are awarded the scholarship are given $1,250 per academic year for two years, a total of $2,500 per student.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase these individuals who have already established a record of excellence in our chemistry program,” DeLaLuz said.
Recipients were selected by a committee made up of several faculty and staff members at Lee. The committee included Dr. Matthew Melton, dean of the college of arts and sciences, Dr. Paul DeLaLuz, chair of the department of natural sciences and mathematics, Dr. Johnny Evans, associate professor of physics and chemistry, Michael Ellis, director of financial aid and Dr. Jerome Hammond, assistant vice president for university relations, who also served as the chair of the committee.
Founded in 1914, Wacker is a German specialty chemical company with Wacker Chemical Corporation, Adrian, MI serving as its North American headquarters. Since its founding, the company has expanded into a global leader through its focus on silicone and polymer chemistry, biologics, polysilicon production and semiconductor technologies. The scholarship is an example of local partnerships the company has been forging since their recent announcement to construct a major new plant in Bradley County.
“Wacker and Lee University both epitomize excellence in their respective fields. Together we are creating opportunities for students that will carry on that excellence far into the future,” said Dr. Hammond.
For more information about the Spirit of Innovation Scholarship program, contact Lee University’s Office of University Relations at 423-614-8310.
