Funding Excellence in Education

Each year, Rodman Scholars, who represent the top 5 percent of Engineering School students, are selected on the basis of their scholastic abilities and potential for leadership. They think broadly and seek creative solutions to problems, they are well-versed in the issues at the intersection of science and technology and they are innovative, entrepreneurial and engaged scholars. The program includes coursework and extensive experiential opportunities, special projects, seminars and hands-on courses that involve developing solutions to societal problems.

It has been difficult, until recently, to offer prospective Rodman Scholars a financial incentive to accept U.Va.’s offer of admission.

“The students we select as Rodmans are the best of the best and we all too often lose them to schools that are able to offer financial scholarships, along with the offer of admission to an honors program,” says Dana Elzey, director of the Rodman Scholars Program.

“Gifts of this sort transform what the Engineering School is able to do,” says James H. Aylor, dean of the Engineering School (see list below). “They make a big difference in the life of the School and in the life of the students who benefit from the support.”

The Donald R. and Edward Webb Scholarship Fund was established by Prudence M. Webb in honor of her late husband, Donald Webb (Engr Sci ’39), and his brother Edward, who was a practicing engineer.

The Jonathan W. Old, Jr. Rodman Scholarship was established by Jonathan Old, Jr. (ME ’47) in honor of his experience here.

The Priscilla and Lyle Ramsey Scholarship was established by Richard L. (Applied Math ’76) and Ann Ramsey in honor of his parents.