When Professor George Kurajian joined the University of Michigan-Dearborn's School of Engineering (now the College of Engineering and Computer Science) in 1964, he was assigned a student assistant: Roy Rennolds.

Rennolds learned a lot from Kurajian. And now, four decades later, Rennolds is giving back: He recently established a scholarship named for Kurajian, who retired in 1990.

"I received a quality education at UM-Dearborn, largely due to the work and dedication of the instructors I had," Rennolds said.  "When the idea of an endowed scholarship fund came up, I just thought of Professor Kurajian.  It was natural to name it for him."

Kurajian, who now spends winters in Florida, said he enjoyed working with Rennolds years ago and is honored that the new fund is named for him.

The George Masrob Kurajian Scholarship will benefit undergraduate mechanical engineering students.  Kurajian asked to include his middle name in the fund's name to acknowledge his father-whose first name was Masrob.  Kurajian said his father was obsessed with education and learning.

"I can't find the words to express how privileged I am," Kurajian said.  "I think it's great that Roy has initiated this scholarship, but in addition to that, to honor me by naming it for me, I'd have to go through Webster's Dictionary to find the proper words.  I am deeply indebted to him."

Rennolds, who worked full time while he was in school, said he hopes the fund will make it easier for students to obtain their degrees.  He is hoping fellow graduates from UM-Dearborn's early days will join him in honoring Kurajian and giving back to a future generation of students.

"Professor Kurajian really stuck out in my mind.  His teaching method put students at ease and made us want to learn.  He was easy to talk to; you never saw him without a smile on his face," Rennolds said.  "I'm hoping we can grow this into something nice.  Professor Kurajian is a great man; I can't think of anyone else I'd like to see this named for."

This endowed fund may be added to by Professor Kurajian's students, colleagues, friends and family members at any time with gifts of any amount.  If you would like contribute to this scholarship fund, you may do so at http://www.umd.umich.edu/makeagift/ .  For questions or additional information, please contact Mike Stein, director of development, at mjshd@umd.umich.edu or (313) 583-6744.