Purdue Aviation Alum Launches Scholarship
Dawitt Lemma is a 2002 alum of Purdue. He launched an aviation company in his home country of Ethiopia in 2015. (photo courtesy: Purdue/John O'Malley)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA 2002 alum of Purdue University who founded an Ethiopian aviation company has given the university a $100,000 gift to launch and fund a new scholarship program. Krimson Aviation Chief Executive Officer Dawitt Lemma says the scholarship will be awarded to students from minority groups who are underrepresented in aviation.
Purdue says the Krimson Aviation Scholarship and the Krimson Business Opportunity Program Scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more undergraduate students seeking careers in aviation and aeronautics.
Lemma was born in Ethiopia. He graduated from Purdue in 2002. He launched Krimson Aviation in 2015.
“I’m thrilled to be in a position to give back to the school that helped me achieve what I have so far. There is no doubt that there is still a significant lack of diversity within aviation, and I hope that by launching programs like this it not only assists students who show potential but also highlights the balance, inspiration and success that a mixed workforce brings to aviation,” said Lemma.
Based at the Addis Ababa International Airport in Ethiopia, the company provides a range of aviation services, such as charters, fueling and flight support.
Enrollment for the first scholarship is anticipated before the end of 2022. Once the scholarships are in place, Krimson Aviation will also offer internship opportunities.