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  Scholarship established in memory of Charlie WrightA new endowed scholarship fund that will increase opportunities for women to pursue careers in science and engineering has been established at the Iowa State University Foundation in memory of Charles T. Wright, Jr., of Roland, Iowa. Wright, a former professor of electrical and computer engineering, died in March of injuries sustained in an automobile accident while returning from the University of Northern Iowa, where he had given a presentation. Contributions to the Charles Wright Memorial Scholarship can be sent to the Iowa State University Foundation, 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50014. Administered by the Program for Women in Science and Engineering, the Wright scholarship will be awarded to sophomore or junior female students majoring in mathematics, physical or computer sciences, or engineering. Wright joined Iowa State’s faculty after earning a Ph.D. degree in computer science in 1970. During his 30-year career at Iowa State, he gained national recognition for his work in advancing computer engineering education. Colleagues praised Wright’s abilities as a mentor and his commitment to encouraging students, particularly women, to study and pursue careers in science and engineering. “Charlie was a great friend of students and always first to volunteer as a mentor for the Women in Science and Engineering program,” said Gurpur Prabhu, associate professor of computer science who worked with Wright on several projects. “This scholarship is a fitting tribute to his tireless efforts in teaching, mentoring, and recruiting women students.” Wright also was an avid sports fan, and served as scorekeeper, videographer, and public address announcer at Roland-Story High School athletic events. Iowa State’s Program for Women in Science and Engineering was established in 1986 to increase the representation of women in science, engineering, and technology-related fields. Since the program began, the number of undergraduate women enrolled in science, engineering, and technology fields at Iowa State has increased more than 50 percent, and the number of female graduate students in these areas has increased by nearly 40 percent. |
