For University of Delaware Engineering Grad Students
For graduate students in the College of Engineering
For University of Delaware Engineering Grad Students
For graduate students in the College of Engineering
The objective of the fellowship is to encourage the recipient to become engaged in a broadening intellectual pursuit which may or may not be of direct application to the recipient’s chosen field of study.
The award for 2018 was $22,500 and the recipient’s name was inscribed on a plaque displayed in the College of Engineering. The award is based on merit and may be used by the recipient for any purpose. The donors have specified that the George W. Laird Merit Fellowship in no way endanger or prejudice other funds or grants that might be available to the awardee.
Graduate students in engineering in the process of completing their first year of graduate study at the University of Delaware and who expect to continue in the program during the ensuing year are eligible. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
The fellowship recipient shall be chosen from candidates recommended by faculty members, students, and department chairpersons. The heart of the selection process will be personal contact between award candidates and the selection committee and its advisers. The selection committee consists of members representing the College of Engineering, the University, the community, and the family of George W. Laird.
The candidates will be asked to provide short descriptions of themselves, their accomplishments, and their plans for the future and to make available to the selection committee any records and information necessary for the selection process by signing the appropriate release forms.
In its evaluations, the committee stresses balanced excellence, combining demonstrated intellectual capability with a strong emphasis placed on human qualities such as character, maturity, sense of humor, creativity, ingenuity, and imagination, coupled with practical skills, perseverance and the common sense necessary to execute ideas.
For information on applying for the George W. Laird Merit Fellowship, contact your department chair.
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The award amount varies from year to year, but is typically around $20,000.
Contact your department secretary for guidance during the selection process.
No. Only students who are directly enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Computer and Information Science programs are eligible to apply.
The award is given in the form of a check and it is taxed in accordance with Delaware and Federal law as non-deductible income.
It varies year to year, and department to department, but typically at least one student from each department is chosen to continue, and as many as four have been chosen in the past from a single department.
In a story that appeared in a recent issue of the University of Delaware’s publication, Messenger, the writer begins “It can be difficult — if not impossible — to make sense of the untimely death of a promising young person, but George Laird’s family and friends say they were determined to try.” Indeed, with the longstanding service and support of Mr. Laird’s widow, Ann Wick, and of his close friends, Randy Barton and Ted Ashford, the legacy and spirit of Mr. Laird live on as other promising young people are acknowledged and enriched by being named George W. Laird Fellows.
The George W. Laird Fellowship, established 25 years ago, is among the premiere awards at the University of Delaware. Since its inception, twenty-five men and women have been selected to receive this honor, chosen from a pool of highly-qualified and talented candidates. The Laird Fellows represent the best and the brightest of our engineering students and we are proud of their various and diverse accomplishments.
On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Fellowship, I want to take the opportunity to thank those who have served on the selection committee for their thoughtful, often challenging
deliberations. I extend my deepest appreciation to our friends, Ann and Cal Wick, for their unwavering hospitality, friendship and graciousness in opening their home and their hearts to many students, faculty and staff during this time. The Wicks have given us many special memories.
It is my sincere hope that the Laird Fellows, collectively and individually, will continue to remember the legacy of Geordie Laird and the recognition you received at the University of Delaware and support other promising young people — the opportunities to do so are numerous and rewarding. To each of you, congratulations and best wishes on this occasion and in the years to come.
Sincerely,
David P. Roselle
President, University of Delaware 1990-2007
University of Delaware
DEC
Application Process Begins
Will be announced by your Department Chairs.
FEB 1
Application Materials Due
Application materials are due to
your Department Chair.
MAR 15
Finalist Candidate Selections
Finalist selections are made, successful candidates are notified.
APR 13
Formal Reception Held
Finalist candidates join Laird Selection Committee and participants for a formal reception in Wilmington.
APR 14
Candidate Interviews
Will be announced by your Department Chairs.
APR 14
New Laird Fellow Announced
The new Laird Fellow will be announced once a decision has been made.
MAY 3
Award Presentation
The Laird Fellowship award will be presented during Honors Day.
Questions? Get in touch.
©2023 George W. Laird Merit Fellowship