Impact of Giving

Your contributions make an impact on promising students pursuing science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other fields. Our students receive scholarships that are wholly or partially funded by alumni and friends of the university—people who believe in the lasting value of an IIT education. Large or small, these gifts add up and have a big impact for students who need support to continue their educations.

Lissette Ayvar
Mechanical Engineering, 3rd Year

Finances were a consideration for my family when it came time to look at colleges. Thanks to my scholarship, I’m able to get an excellent education without placing a burden on my family.

Now in my third year, I’m a mechanical engineering major and plan to focus my future on the advancement of medical machinery. I’m very involved in campus activities and spend my free time with Kappa Phi Delta, Engineers Without Borders, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. 

I wouldn’t be here if not for the generosity of IIT alumni. Your support is making my education and future possible.

Doug Wilhelm
Information Technology and Management, 3rd Year

Being a student at IIT has opened up a whole new world to me, and I am so grateful for the generosity of alumni who have made my scholarships possible. IIT is such a unique and diverse university with extremely challenging academics. I have come to realize what a privilege it is to be a student at IIT, so I work hard every day to make the most of my time here.

I am currently enrolled in the Information Technology and Management program, and I thoroughly enjoy the hands-on type of learning environment that allows me and other students to learn more efficiently and experience a real world approach to problem solving.  

Mariah Dixon
Mechanical Engineering, 3rd Year

I came to IIT to study architectural engineering but quickly realized that buildings are not for me. I like things that move! My dream is to build rollercoasters. 

Without my IIT scholarship, I wouldn’t have the freedom for such thoughts—there’s no way my family could have made IIT work without this scholarship. 

IIT has shown me that my “silly” rollercoaster dream didn’t have to be a dream—it could be a career path. Because of my scholarship and IIT education, I’ve learned that I can do something different, something bold.

Melissa Hoelting
Architecture, 4th Year

The idea of being able to design buildings that will be part of the fabric of a city like Chicago seemed like only a dream not so long ago. Today, I know that dream is a reality, and I look forward to working hard after I graduate.  

I am so grateful for the support of so many generous alumni whose donations have made it possible for me to be here. The scholarship I have been granted has allowed me to focus on my studies and immerse myself in the living classroom that is Chicago.

For more stories about the impact your gift can make at IIT, read our annual Impact magazine.