Scholarship Award Ceremony honoring Faculty of Engineering Students on Reserve Duty

The scholarships were awarded to 32 students on reserve duty during a special ceremony held at the Faculty of Engineering. Granted by Aignet-tech and Globrands, the scholarships recognize combat soldiers who are beginning their second year at the Faculty of Engineering and had navigated the challenges of combining their first year of study with serving more than 150 days on reserve duty.

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Shahar Alon, head of the Faculty of Engineering’s neuroengineering track. Vice President for International Affairs and the Third Mission, Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, also partook in the event, as did representatives of the contributing companies: Yoav Volloch, Adi Schwartz and Koby Shoshan of Aigent-tech, and Orian Klachkin and Nagin Cohen of Globrands. Prof. Tuval-Mashiach, an international expert on trauma research, thanked the students for their contribution through reserve duty, as well as the generous entrepreneurs for their scholarship contribution. “I know firsthand the struggles of students who are also combat soldiers on reserve duty,” she said, “in light of research and meetings with combatants who came back home, we could take solace in the fact that trauma is like a strike to the wing, which often leads to reinforced regrowth.”

“This is a complex time for you, more than many civilians experience, which is why I want to give you this push,” said Yoav Volloch, CEO of Aigent-tech. “When this is all over, and you complete your studies, you will discover a fascinating technological world with projects verging on science fiction. With Israel being a tech export-oriented country, you will get to travel the world and meet interesting people. Some of you will own traded companies, others will become world-renowned researchers who will impact humanity. You will be financially comfortable, and we will all benefit from the taxes you pay monthly. Your degree will provide you the financial stability to offer you and your loved ones a better life. Even though your studies are more challenging due to your intensive service, do not give up. This is the future of all of us, not just yours. That is why we are here today, to help you graduate. It is significant to us and to the entire State of Israel.”

Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Orit Shefi, told the recipients: “This initiative is a show of gratitude and appreciation to you, combatants, operating on two critical fronts, long days on reserve duty, ceaselessly risking your life to defend our nation while maintaining academic excellence and promoting Israel’s hi-tech industry as engineering students. The scholarship is meant to ease this burden and reflect the companies’ and the Faculty of Engineering’s appreciation. You are the backbone of entrepreneurial, technological Israeli society.” She also expressed her gratitude to the contributors: “Your generosity and systemic thinking allows the future generation of Israeli engineers to prosper, even during these trying times.”

את ההערכה של חברות ההייטק והפקולטה למאמץ הזה. אתם עמוד השדרה של החברה הישראלית היזמית, הטכנולוגית". היא לא שכחה גם להודות לחברות התורמות: "נדיבות הלב שלכם והראייה המערכתית שגיליתם מאפשרת לדור העתיד של מהנדסי ישראל להמשיך ולצמוח גם בימים מאתגרים".