Two Drexel Engineering students and three students from the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business are the first recipients of the Doug Peacock Scholarship, a new award created by a generous gift to Drexel from TransDigm Group Incorporated, a global producer, designer, and supplier of highly engineered aerospace components, systems and subsystems. The scholarships will support female students from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Over the course of five years, approximately 25 students will receive awards from the Doug Peacock Scholarship Program for a total of 75 awards. The scholarships are renewable for up to five years of the recipients’ undergraduate education. The inaugural recipients of the award, all rising sophomores, are computer engineering major Mariane Takizala, chemical engineering major Natasha Tse, finance majors Annie Zhange and Isha Mundlye, and undeclared business major Diany Oliveria Rosa.

“Drexel and TransDigm are aligned in our commitment to developing and promoting a talented and diverse future workforce,” said Kevin Stein, TransDigm Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With an increasingly global economy, the importance of a diverse workforce cannot be understated. The development of a diverse workforce leads to better innovation, decisions, and outcomes for everyone. Assisting students who might not otherwise have the resources to pursue postsecondary educational opportunities is an important initiative for TransDigm and we are honored to contribute through the Doug Peacock Scholarship Program.”

The scholarship is named for Doug Peacock, the founding CEO and Chairman of the Board of TransDigm. Peacock, a lifelong entrepreneur, held a BS in chemical engineering from Washington State University and a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Illinois. After many successful years in engineering for various companies, including Westinghouse, Peacock co-founded TransDigm with Nick Howley, a 1975 graduate of Drexel Engineering. Howley earned his BS in mechanical engineering from Drexel and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Howley has been Chairman of TransDigm’s Board of Directors since 2018. He previously served in a number of roles since co-founding TransDigm, including President and CEO. He is also Chairman of the Cristo Rey Network Board, a collection of 32 Catholic, college preparatory schools that serve more than 10,000 economically disadvantaged students across 21 states. Howley has also served on the boards of Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland Clinic, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and St. Martin de Porres High School, among others.

“Drexel is an innovative university that follows a unique cooperative model of learning and is committed to preparing its students to thrive in their chosen careers. My undergraduate experience at Drexel laid the foundation for a successful career and taught me invaluable leadership skills that I still carry with me today,” said Howley. “It is a privilege to assist Drexel students through the Doug Peacock Scholarship Program, so they may also benefit from a Drexel education and carry it with them into their future endeavors.”

The scholarships can be used to fund expenses such as tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, and other needs that if not fulfilled, may adversely impact the scholar’s ability to complete their undergraduate degree.

“Engineering is a field that demands diverse approaches to a problem,” says Sharon L. Walker, PhD, Dean of the College of Engineering. “By welcoming in students and other members of our community who have diverse life experiences, we strengthen the field as a whole. Nick Howley has worked tirelessly throughout his career to promote this goal, and we are delighted to join him in furthering that effort.”