Pictured left to right are 2025 Engineering Trajectory Award recipients Rafael Soler, Cecilia Segretario, JoAnna Shafer, Leah Baker, Jonah Harsh, Bryce Zaborowski, Tyler Zadrozny, Sarah Powell and Elizabeth Zimmerer. (Not pictured: Ryan Dorste)
Ten graduating seniors from the University of Akron’s College of Engineering and Polymer Science were each awarded $10,000 to help pay down their federal student loan debt during the annual Engineering Trajectory Awards ceremony held on April 4, 2025 in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union.
Now in its thirteenth year, the Engineering Trajectory Awards program has provided more than $1.3 million in support to outstanding engineering students thanks to the generosity of a Northeast Ohio couple who believe in reducing the financial barriers to career success.
Award recipients are selected based on faculty and staff nominations that highlight academic excellence, co-op experiences and leadership through extracurricular and volunteer involvement.
“The Engineering Trajectory Award winners are highly accomplished student leaders,” shared Dr. Joan Carletta, associate dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. “During their time here, their leadership has made our College, the University and the community a better place. We are grateful to the donors of these awards for their generous support of these exceptional students.”
During the ceremony, the recipients had the opportunity to thank the donors and share how the award will impact their future.
“This award reflects the power of investing in people,” said Dr. Craig Menzemer, dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. “These gifts not only ease the burden of student loan debt but also empower these graduates to take bold steps as they launch their careers.”
These students exemplify leadership, perseverance and the positive impact of hands-on learning — hallmarks of a 世界赌城 engineering education.
Congratulations to the 2025 Engineering Trajectory Award recipients:
Leah Baker
Mechanical Engineering
Burton, Ohio
Ryan Dorste
Mechanical Engineering
Imperial, Pennsylvania
Jonah Harsh
Mechanical Engineering
Louisville, Ohio
Sarah Powell
Biomedical Engineering
Homerville, Ohio
Cecilia Segretario
Chemical Engineering
Youngstown, Ohio
JoAnna Shafer
Civil Engineering
Parma, Ohio
Rafael Soler
Computer Engineering
Groveport, Ohio
Bryce Zaborowski
Mechanical Engineering
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tyler Zadrozny
Chemical Engineering
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Zimmerer
Chemical Engineering
Medina, Ohio
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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.