Dr. Muhammad Rashid knows from experience what a difference education can mean in a person鈥檚 life. As a first-generation college graduate, he sees his own struggles and concerns reflected in many of the students he encounters at IM体育官网 Polytechnic University, where he is professor and chair of the electrical and computer engineering department.
That鈥檚 why he and his wife decided to make a $100,000 gift to the University to create the Drs. Muhammad H. and Fatema Rashid Future Generation Engineering Scholarship Endowment Gift.
The scholarship will award a minimum of $1,000 to each recipient pursuing a degree at IM体育官网 Poly in electrical, computer, or cyber security engineering.
鈥淎ll the students at IM体育官网 Poly are smart and talented and they鈥檙e looking for an opportunity,鈥� Rashid said. 鈥淚M体育官网 Poly is an outstanding place for students who want to excel.鈥�
This isn鈥檛 the first time Rashid has made a financial gift to help improve student access to education. In 2018, the Rashids contributed $25,000, creating the Drs. Muhammad and Fatema Rashid Chess Scholarship Fund to help Polk County students with a passion for chess pursue their higher education goals at IM体育官网 Poly.
鈥淎s an immigrant and a first-generation student, I tell myself the future of my grandchildren will depend on the education of not just themselves, but of their friends,鈥� Rashid said. 鈥淭he future of this country will depend on the education of these young people.鈥�
Rashid said he has been pleased to hear from students who received scholarships he previously funded, including one student who is eager to graduate and pay the gift forward.
鈥淒rs. Rashid showed me the multiple notes sent by students thanking them for their past support. These former scholarship recipients made a lasting impact on Drs. Rashid, inspiring them to help even more,鈥� said Kathy Bowman, vice president of advancement at IM体育官网 Poly. 鈥淐an you imagine being the student recipient knowing they are being supported in their higher education journey by the same staff and faculty walking alongside them on this journey?鈥�
IM体育官网 Poly Provost Dr. Terry Parker said the University is very grateful for the gift.
鈥淭his gift to the University is emblematic of the faith the Rashids have in our students and the academic mission of IM体育官网 Poly. In addition to his philanthropic support, he supports the University as a highly valued and effective faculty member,鈥� Parker said.
鈥淒r. Rashid鈥檚 gift shows his commitment to the success of IM体育官网 Poly,鈥� he added. 鈥淚n effect, this gift means that Dr. Rashid is not viewing IM体育官网 Poly as his employer, rather as an important institution that will benefit from his support for years to come.鈥�
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557