A Dallas-based health care technology company has endowed the largest-ever scholarship program at UT Dallas’ engineering school.
The university received $500,000 from Axxess to create and fund the Axxess Scholars Program, which will assist computer science students in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.
In recognition of the gift, the engineering school’s 2,140-square-foot west building has been named the Axxess Atrium. The building serves as a student hub for the Jonsson School community.
Axxess was founded in 2007 by John Olajide, the company CEO and a UT Dallas alumnus.
“The Jonsson School has done a tremendous job of developing engineering talent that strengthens the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s improving technology community,” Olajide stated in a press release. “We are honored to make our contribution to ensuring that will continue.”
UT Dallas has been working in recent years to boost its offerings in STEM fields, particularly engineering.
UT Dallas earned the classification as a Carnegie R1- Highest Research Activities university a few years ago. In 2018, it became one of only three state universities qualified to receive funding from the National Research University Fund created by the Texas Legislature.
“The Jonsson School provides a vibrant and enriching environment to nurture future leaders in the STEM fields,” Jonsson School dean Stephanie Adams said in a statement. “This unprecedented support from Axxess helps signal that our talented students and the impact they make in their communities are worth investing in. I am grateful to Axxess for their partnership in securing a bright tomorrow for our students.”