AGMA Foundation Grants $45,000 in Scholarships to Future Gear Industry Leaders

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 education.

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 yearโ€™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, seven of the nine awardees have connections to AGMA member companies:

Undergraduate Scholars

  • Luis Arciniega is a Junior at Minnesota State University โ€“ 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, a 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 degreein Mechatronics. He also has an internship at ODG.
  • Matthew Kolger, a Senior at The Ohio University, is pursuing a degree inAerospace Engineering.
  • Michael Rinaldi, a Freshman at Milligan University, is pursuing a degree inMechanical Engineering. He has ties to Artec Machine Systems.
  • Tyler Stiger, a Sophomore at Grace College, is pursuing 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.

Funding for the scholarships comes from the endowment and contributions from AGMA member companies and industry supporters. This initiative aligns with the Foundationโ€™s mission to attract, educate, and advance talent in the power transmission industry.

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, โ€œOur 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.โ€

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