Celebrating NJIT Scholarships: Student, Alum Thank Donors for Support
A generous scholarship enabled Charu Arya to attend New Jersey Institute of Technology, and her professors helped solidify her career path. Indeed, both financial assistance and academic support fueled her success.
Arya ’21 reflected on that fruitful journey during NJIT’s annual Scholarship Brunch, sharing a pivotal moment during her sophomore year when she reconsidered her initial decision to study medicine.
“I struggled to decide if I was passionate enough about medicine to do it for the rest of my life,” explained Arya, a student in NJIT’s Albert Dorman Honors College. “I am thankful that I had the support of several advisors who helped guide me during that difficult time and I decided to pursue my interests in business and forensic science.”
Arya added that the biology and forensic science departments were “truly remarkable in helping me navigate this transition and positively impacted my education with their support both in and out of the classroom.”
Arya’s personal story was among several celebrated at the 32nd annual brunch, which took place virtually and featured the presentation of awards to three exceptional seniors. Other speakers included President Joel S. Bloom and Trustee Norma Clayton ’81.
Bloom cited statistics to underscore the continuing need for scholarships and the far-reaching impact they have on students who receive them, particularly those from families of modest means. Since 2011, NJIT alumni and friends have given nearly $62 million to establish more than 280 scholarships.
“Scholarships change the lives of our students and their families and the society of the future,” Bloom said. “They are life-changing. That's what you do when you give us support for our scholarships.”
Clayton, a retired vice president for learning, training and development at The Boeing Company, shared the joy of opening her letter of acceptance to NJIT, which included scholarships, tutoring services, federal aid, work study employment and housing via the university’s Educational Opportunity Program.
“I was astonished,” said Clayton, now a vice chair on the Board of Trustees who has given generously to EOP and NJIT’s general scholarship fund and recently endowed NJIT’s learning center in the Central King Building. She also established the Jacqueline V. Brown Memorial Scholarship in honor of her mother, a champion of education. “I remember standing in the living room in tears, thinking, I am going to attend a prestigious school and get the support I need to achieve my goals. That was a moment that I will never forget.”
Also, much like Arya, Clayton remains grateful for the support she received after arriving on campus, particularly in moments of doubt.
“My professors, counselors and teaching assistants led me to believe that I was good enough and could do anything,” said Clayton.
The awards – which were established through gifts from Albert Dorman ’45, his wife, Joan, and their children, Laura, Ken and Richard – recognize the next generation of leaders and scholars. Al and Joan provided the transformational gift that established the Honors College in 1995, and they continue to be among the most visionary and supportive friends of the university. Here’s a look at the award recipients.
Albert Dorman Future Leader Award - Owen Busler ’21
Owen is pursuing a bachelor’s in electrical engineering with a minor in computer science. He has served as a senior staff writer for The Vector, a resident assistant in the Honors College dorms, the director of programming for the Honors Hall Council, the electrical engineering representative on the NJIT Student Senate and the director of student organizations for the Student Senate. Off campus, he volunteered to mentor high school robotics teams during build season and referee their competitions. He plans to join Audible as a software engineer in July.
Joan Dorman Prize in Community Education and Development - Paul Bosin ’21 MBS ’22
Paul is pursuing a bachelor’s in concrete industry management (in the combined BS/MBA program) with minors in business, innovation and entrepreneurship and legal studies. He has served as vice president on the Veteran Students Organization, a participant in Honors College’s Center for Civic Leadership and Engagement track, the undergraduate representative for judicial matters on the Academic Integrity Hearing Board and a member of the Pre-Law Society. Off campus, Paul volunteered at Newark Kids Code, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Fisher House Foundation. He plans to attend law school to study environmental law with a concentration in mineral litigation.
Dorman Honors Scholar Exceptional Service Award - Laura Gould ’21
Laura is pursuing a bachelor’s in architecture. She has served as vice president of NJITGreen, working with faculty and students to implement more sustainable policies, and vp of the American Institute of Architecture Students at NJIT, coordinating events and goals for four committees and three entrepreneurial services. In addition, Laura is a member of Alpha Rho Chi, the national co-ed fraternity for architecture and allied arts, and co-founder of ProtectNJ, a nonprofit that has donated more than 5,200 masks and face shields to 34 organizations in New Jersey. Since its inception in March 2020, she has served as director of operations, ordering and preparing materials for volunteers who create the personal protective equipment and coordinating donations to local homeless shelters, soup kitchens and food banks. Laura plans to pursue graduate studies in urban planning with a focus on environmental sustainability and community-based design.