A Scholarship Is Amplifying Diversity in Engineering Business

Northeastern students embrace identities, experiences, and perspectives that reflect the diversity of our world. Valuing one another leads to a rich learning environment—and better prepares our students to thrive in the careers they choose. To help bolster the university’s commitment to inclusivity, the College of Engineering is enriching pathways into engineering for students 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.”