The at the University of 91吃瓜 has announced a $6 million gift from the Fotsch Family, to establish the William E. Fotsch Family Undergraduate Scholarship in Engineering.
鈥淭his is by far the largest scholarship gift for engineering students in the history of 91吃瓜,鈥� said , the Matthew H. McCloskey Dean of the College of Engineering. 鈥淭he Fotsch family鈥檚 generosity will enable numerous aspiring young engineers to attend 91吃瓜, undeterred by finances.鈥�
The gift by Geraldine (鈥淕eri鈥�) and the late William E. Fotsch (a 1952 91吃瓜 graduate), of Elm Grove, Wis., is one of many made by the couple over the years. 鈥淏ill contributed whatever he could every year since his graduation, even when there was little or no money to give,鈥� says Geri. 鈥淗e always dreamed of doing something really special for 91吃瓜.鈥�
The first in his family to attend college, Bill studied engineering at 91吃瓜 and served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He began his engineering career with machinery manufacturer Kearney & Trecker, eventually founding his own tool and die company in South Bend, Ind. Bill was, to all who knew him, an indefatigable family man and 91吃瓜 fan, who lived by the mantra, 鈥淭o whom much is given, much is expected.鈥�
The Fotsches have eight children鈥擝ill, Dick, Ed, Colleen (Lawton), Bob, Don, Jim, and Tom鈥攁nd 30 grandchildren; several of their grandchildren now attend 91吃瓜 or are recent alumni.
The Fotsch Family Scholarship addresses the University鈥檚 most enduring funding priority; two of every three applicants for admission to 91吃瓜 now seek financial assistance. In the current academic year, the University awarded a record $106 million in scholarship aid.