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Engineering Scholarship Named in Memory of Beloved Faculty

Grammatical error in the last paragraph has been corrected

Aiken, SC (05/15/2018) — The University of South Carolina Aiken teamed up with several partners to establish a scholarship in memory of a beloved faculty member.

USC Aiken, the Applied Research Center, Dr. Mary Harris who retired from the Savannah River National Laboratory, family members, and friends have established the Dr. Joette Sonnenberg Endowed Scholarship Fund.

The goal of the scholarship is to honor recipients who will continue advancing engineering careers through higher education.

"The scholarship is named in Dr. Sonnenberg's memory and will benefit the community and create a legacy that is highly deserved," said Harris.

This semester, the university awarded the inaugural scholarship to a student graduating in May as part of the first cohort of USC Aiken engineering majors.

All contributors believe honoring Sonnenberg with this scholarship is appropriate. She served on the Aiken Partnership Board and was part of the initial engineering faculty at USC Aiken when the university launched its industrial process engineering program in the fall of 2015.

"Joette's influence here at USC Aiken is more than words can describe. Her dedication to the IPE program brought fruition to lifelong learning for our engineering students," said Dr. Bethany Fralick, engineering professor on campus. "She dedicated her time and expansive expertise to help not only me but our students succeed."

"Joette and I shared a mentality regarding our engineers: they are an extension of ourselves."

"Through many shared involvements in the classroom and beyond, Joette introduced me to all the many avenues in the Aiken area to expose students to a love of engineering. Her friendship and genuine desire to always help is still greatly missed but felt daily."

Fralick adds that this scholarship for IPE students embodies Sonnenberg's desire to promote, encourage, and support students.

Sonnenberg held various positions at the Savannah River Site for more 30 years. In her last appointment, she served as the Savannah River National Laboratory Associate Laboratory Director for Energy Security. After retirement, she became affiliated with the ARC program.

Throughout her career, she led teacher enrichment programs, research internships at ARC and supported STEM programs for girls and young women, including Introduce a Girl to Engineering. Now in its 14th year, this program takes place at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center every spring. According to Harris, this was one of Sonnenberg's favorite programs, saying that "she looked forward to that Saturday every year."

A former colleague lauds beloved professor and respected engineering professional's commitment to ensuring the growth and success of others.

"Throughout her career she always found time to mentor students, interns, and early career researchers," said Fred. E. Humes, president and CEO of Applied Research Center.

Harris agrees.

"As a personal and professional friend for 25 years, the common thread was her desire to help others. She was relentless and had tremendous energy to fulfill her pursuits"

"She volunteered on numerous educational programs dedicating her own time and resources to the cause."

After her retirement from SRNL, Sonnenberg continued to support educational initiatives. In fact, immediately upon her retirement, she became an adjunct professor at USC Aiken, teaching courses in the newly formed industrial process engineering program.

"Dr. Sonnenberg was one of the most helpful and passionate teachers I have had here at USC Aiken," said Rachelle Aupont, the first recipient of the scholarship.

"Every class, she would teach us something different about engineering or bring in a variety of engineers to give us a feel for what the real world is like. The time and effort she put into making us better students and engineers was greatly appreciated."

Sonnenberg's influence reaches beyond the classroom.

Aupont, originally from Orlando, came to USC Aiken to play basketball.

The adjustment to the rigorous college routine, a demanding sports schedule, and learning her way around a new town could be challenging at times. Aupont credits Sonnenberg with her successful transition during her first year here.

"It was tough trying to adjust to the schedule of being a full-time athlete and student pursuing an engineering degree all the while working a part-time job, but Dr. Sonnenberg inspired me to keep pushing," the newly minted engineer said.

"She loved helping all of her students but also wanted to see women in engineering prosper. As a woman in engineering, we are usually in the minority and have to work twice as hard to show that we have what it takes to be successful in this field."

"She showed me, not only is it important to make it in this field, but I need to help my fellow women who follow behind me because together we can build each other up and reach new heights," Aupont added.

Humes says that though Aupont is the first, through the generosity of Sonnenberg's family, friends, and colleagues many deserving students pursuing engineering careers will benefit in the years to come. The scholarship is available to fulltime, degree-seeking students majoring in engineering, with a 2.75 GPA or better. Preference is given to those with documented financial need.

"To be a recipient of this scholarship is a blessing and an honor. I had some trouble figuring out how I was going to pay for my last semester and this scholarship helped me tremendously," said Aupont who graduated last week with a USC Aiken engineering degree.

"I am extremely grateful to have known Dr. Sonnenberg and am thankful for the opportunity to graduate with an engineering degree and someday become as great as an engineer as she was."

For more on the engineering program, go to: https://vimeo.com/219913151

Media Attachments

Dr. Mary Harris, Mr. Fred Humes, Rachelle Aupont, Dr. Bethany Fralick, Dr. Daren Timmons

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