Amplifying Diversity in Engineering

Unique perspectives and experiences help communities build knowledge, surmount challenges, and thrive—and that’s just one reason Northeastern continues expanding educational pathways for its students. At the College of Engineering, diversity of thought and viewpoints is encouraged, valued, and upheld, and to bolster this commitment, the college offers programs to create and support opportunity for learners from all walks of life.

A strong proponent of interdisciplinary education, Eric Fichtel, E’93, MBA’01, was inspired to provide better access to higher education for minority students in engineering. His philanthropy led to the creation of the Fichtel Family Scholarship, awarded to full-time students enrolled in the Galante Engineering Business Program with preference to historically underrepresented individuals in engineering, as well as students who have overcome substantial educational and economic obstacles.

Scholarship recipient Luke Kim, a fifth-year student working toward a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master’s degree in engineering management, has big aspirations and hopes for his future.

“I plan to pursue a PhD in chemical engineering researching advanced catalysts for application in clean energy production,” says Kim. “Receiving the Fichtel Family Scholarship helps me step closer to my dream, and gives me the confidence to continue chasing it.”