New York - October 1, 2008 - The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation recently awarded New York University $15,000 for scholarships for two students, one studying engineering, the other, architecture.
"The foundation's scholarship gift was made in honor of the recent signing of the formal affiliation between New York University and Polytechnic Institute of NYU and in recognition of the importance of integrating engineering education with arts and sciences," said Richard Tomasetti, chairman of the Foundation. "We wanted to do something to celebrate the partnership."
"It is exciting that engineering has come back to NYU," said Matthew S. Santirocco, dean of the College of Arts and Science at NYU. "Beyond engineering, Polytechnic Institute will provide even richer technological resources and opportunities for research by our faculty and students. We are gaining a lot from this partnership."
One scholarship was awarded to Welkinson Robert (above), a student at the Polytechnic Institute who will take courses at NYU's College of Arts and Science, the other to Matthew Bouton (below), a student at the College of Arts and Science taking courses at Polytechnic Institute.
Matthew, a senior in the Urban Design and Architecture Studies program, arrived at NYU planning to study both architecture and Japanese culture. He was able to combine these two interests by studying the history of Japanese architecture and urban planning in Tokyo in fall 2007. This past spring, he organized an event on behalf of the Urban Design Club in New York City, where he presented on urban planning and contemporary design in Tokyo. He plans to take a civil engineering course in the spring and is considering applying for sustainable engineering programs in northern Europe, Scandinavia or Japan.
"I was completely shocked to receive the scholarship," he said. As a freshman, Matthew said he took a freshman honors seminar on engineering design of major architecture, which was taught by Richard Tomasetti. "It made me realize that structural engineering was a field that could have a significant impact and one I could personally enjoy."
Welkinson, a junior majoring in civil engineering, has demonstrated particular strength in mathematics. "I was surprised and very happy to receive the scholarship," he said. "I really appreciate your foundation giving me the opportunity to receive this scholarship since my family is short on money; I will take full advantage of it."
The son of immigrants from Haiti, who grew up in Elizabeth, N.J., Welkenson is involved with organizations including the Construction Management Association of America, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers, where in summer he serves as an informal mentor and role model for students who need help with math. Welkinson initially considered earning a master's degree in civil engineering with emphasis on construction management to become a field engineer. Now he is intrigued by structures like the Burj Dubai and the Chicago Spire, and is considering studies to become a structural engineer.
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About the Thornton Tomasetti Foundation
The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation, a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization established in February 2008, has two primary missions including funding fellowships, scholarships and internships for undergraduate students, and those planning to pursue graduate studies in building engineering, design or technology and providing financial support for individuals and organizations pursuing philanthropic activities related to building engineering, design or technology. Key elements of the program are college scholarships, traveling internships, and grants to, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
Contact
Great Ink Communications - 212-741-2977
Roxanne Donovan/Eric Gerard/Deborah Geiger
Thornton Tomasetti - 917-661-7800
James M. Kent, JKent@ThorntonTomasetti.com
