Trine University's Derrick Gray Earns Learning Stipend

2012 Jun 18

Trine University junior informatics major Derrick Gray of Bedford was one of nine student winners for the Lilly Foundation 2012 Summer Semester Experiential Learning Stipend.

To make internships and co-op education more affordable, the grant provided $2,500 scholarships to each student to cover relocation, housing, travel, books, supplies, equipment and other living expenses associated with in-state experiential learning opportunities arranged by Trine's employer outreach coordinator Paul Viglianti.

He is completing a summer internship with Aptica LLC in Angola.

"Derrick is a great student. This internship not only will prepare him for his career search, but for his final year of informatics classes. He will also be able to share real-world experiences with his classmates," said Craig Lake interim dean of the Jannen School of Arts & Sciences. "With our career-oriented approach to education, I encourage students to seek out and apply for as many opportunities while they're in college and to go ahead and take those first essential steps to obtaining professional careers."

To be eligible, students had to register for an internship of three or more credits, an engineering internship or a full-time co-op. The experiential learning experience must encompass at least 112 work hours with an Indiana employer located outside a 50-mile radius of the students' permanent homes.

Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees in programs to students in engineering, mathematics, science, informatics, business, teacher education, communication, criminal justice, golf management, social sciences, and various other fields of study. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 21 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Ind., and education resource centers throughout the state.