This scholarship was established in August 2015, with gifts from the James L. Coffey (BS 1978) family, Douglas N. Ball (BS 1974, MS 1975), C. Philip Combs (BS 1971), and Dr. George M. Pantalos (BS 1975, MS 1978, PhD 1983) in honor of former Aeronautical Engineering professor Dr. Gerald Gregorek (BS 1958, MS 1959, PhD 1967). The scholarship is used to provide scholarship support for tuition and other educational expenses. Recipients shall be undergraduate students ranked as juniors or seniors who are enrolled in the College of Engineering, majoring in aerospace engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with preference given to candidates involved in student organizations who demonstrate leadership abilities.
Dr. Gregorek or as his students affectionally referred to him as Dr. G. was a Buckeye through and through. Dr. G received all three of his degrees from Ohio State in aeronautical and astronautical engineering and went on to serve as the chair of the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (1991-1999) and director of the Aeronautical and Astronautical Research Laboratory (Aerodynamic Laboratory). Dr G. became interested in model airplanes as a young boy and became involved in model rockery as an adult because of his son.
Dr. G had a positive effect on all his students. There wasn’t a student that he wouldn’t help. He had an innate need to help kids and he never stopped teaching. He was known to always carry a flared pen and take every possible opportunity to teach the next generation of engineers.
Dr. G retired in 2010 after serving 50 years at Ohio State. After his retirement, he continued to be engaged in research projects at the Aerospace Research Center and mentoring younger faculty until his passing in 2019. He had a profound impact on the Aerospace Research Center and every Buckeye aerospace engineer. His legacy will continue on through this endowed scholarship created by some of his former students.
Click here to read more about Dr. G’s impact at Ohio State and the aerospace field.