Scholarships

H.S. Stillwell
Problem Solving Scholarship

In 1944, at the age of 27, Professor H.S. “Shel” Stillwell founded the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Illinois and remained head of the department for 32 years. Stillwell was influential in the design of the first ramjet-powered missile and highly respected for his contributions to aerospace engineering education. 

This scholarship was set up by a generous alumnus as a tribute to H.S. Stillwell and the role he played as a mentor to students.  The scholarship is awarded annually to an Aerospace Engineering student who exhibits good problem-solving skills. 

Stillwell
Leadership Award

This award in his memory is presented annually to an undergraduate student. The recipient is selected for outstanding leadership qualities as exemplified by his or her participation in departmental extracurricular activities.

Robert W. McCloy
 Memorial Scholarship

Professor McCloy was the first faculty hired in the new Department of Aeronautical Engineering.  He was known for his research and teaching in propulsion and for his pioneering work in jet propulsion. 

This scholarship is awarded annually to an Aerospace Engineering student in recognition of excellent academic performance.

Michael W. Miller Aerospace Engineering Innovation Award

Mike Miller graduated from the Aerospace Department in 1977 and was one of the founders of Orbital Science.  With over 40 years of experience as a venture capitalist in the aerospace industry and Director and Founder of Comspace Development, Miller created the award to encourage entrepreneurial innovation in the Aerospace Engineering industry.

This award was established to increase awareness of entrepreneurship in aerospace engineering.

Lawrence Bergman
Undergraduate Research Award

This award was established to support undergraduate students with a passion for conducting research. 

It was created by Donald J. Leo, B.S. ’90, and his wife Jeannine Alexander to honor Professor Larry Bergman. because of the impact undergraduate research had on Leo.  Learn more about Bergman and the inspiration for the award.

Lee H. Sentman 
Memorial Scholarship

Lee Sentman began his career as an assistant professor at Illinois in 1965, after earning a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Illinois in 1958.  Among Sentman's research interests was his interest in chemical lasers.  

Awarded annually to an Aerospace Engineering student in recognition of excellent academic performance.

Roger A. Strehlow 
Memorial Scholarship

Professor Strehlow joined the aero faculty in 1961.  He was an early advocate of microgravity combustion research and was the first AIAA Fellow in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. 

The scholarship is awarded annually to an Aerospace Engineering student in recognition of excellent academic performance.

H. Everett Sutter Passion for Flying Scholarship

Craig Sutter is a 1971 graduate of the Department of Aerospace Engineering.  He created the scholarship in honor of his father who had a passion for flying. By the age of 31, H. Everett Sutter earned his private license, commercial license, and instructor rating. As a certified flight instructor, he worked as a part-time instructor out of what was then Detroit City Airport and owned four airplanes over his lifetime. 

The scholarship is awarded annually to an Aerospace Engineering student who is “uniquely passionate about flying."

Scott R. White EVS Fund

Professor Scott White was a faculty member in the Department of Aerospace Engineering from 1990-2018.  He was a visionary researcher in the area of composite materials and was instrumental in creating the field of self-healing materials.  Professor White was deeply committed to providing undergraduate students with research opportunities.  He cared for his students and pushed them to reach their fullest potential.  For those students who knew him best, he was a wonderful mentor who was extremely driven and who always set the highest standards for his students.  The fund was created to encourage and recognize undergraduate research in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. 

Class of ‘77 EVS Fund

In 1970, the aerospace industry began a significant and continuing decline in both sales and employment which extended throughout much of the decade.  The Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering Department had an incoming freshman class of over 100 students in the fall of 1973.  By the time these students were seniors, their graduating class numbered 26.  Since their graduation, members of the Class of ‘77 have shown a deep commitment in advancing department initiatives.

Rodney L. Burton EVS Fund

Professor Rodney Burton joined the department in 1989.  His primary research was in the area of combustion and propulsion.  He received the 2023 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Wyld Propulsion Award. 

Gisinger Aerospace EVS Fund

Jack Gisinger received his undergraduate degree from the Aerospace Department in 1971.  He had a 35-year career at SAF-Holland, Inc. where he retired in 2015 as President.

Lembeck/Carmichael EVS Fund 

Michael Lembeck received all three degrees in aerospace engineering from Illinois (BS '80, MS '81, PhD 91).  His career in the space industry spanned over 30 years.  In 2018, he began his teaching career in the department as lead instructor of Senior Design and Director of the Laboratory for Advanced Space Systems at Illinois.

Craig & Annette Bolt EVS Fund  

AE Alumnus Craig Bolt’s career at Pratt & Whitney extended over 40 years, where he retired as Chief Engineer of their “next generation” jet engine program.  In addition to being a 1973 graduate, he is a longtime member of the AE Alumni Advisory Board and supporter of the department.