Will Edgar
Will Edgar, a junior in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, describes himself as someone who has always had a knack for engineering.
“I knew I was going to be in mechanical engineering right out of high school,” Edgar said. “I have always been curious about how things worked.”
Edgar grew up on the Western Slope in Montrose, Colorado. He came to Boulder knowing that the ME department is one of the nation’s top public institutions for a mechanical engineering education, but he did not predict the extent of the opportunities he would receive outside of his major.
Edgar was the first student to expand his education through the new CU Mechanical Engineering Student/Tuck Bridge Scholarship Program. The scholarship gives financial aid to CU Boulder mechanical engineering students participating in Dartmouth’s Tuck Business Bridge Program.
“I have always thought about starting my own business one day,” said Edgar. “Money is important to everybody, so I have always been interested in the business side of engineering. The Tuck Business Bridge Program was a really good opportunity to learn about that.”
The three-week immersive experience is designed for non-business undergraduates, providing them a comprehensive business curriculum by combining classroom experience with hands-on training. The program also prepares students for the job application process and helps them network with fellow Bridge Program alumni.
The scholarship was created and funded by Michael Stockman (MSMechEngr’81), a Department of Mechanical Engineering alumnus who is currently a member of the Mechanical Engineering Strategic Advisory Board.
Michael Stockman (MSMechEngr'81)
Stockman knows the value of a strong mechanical engineering and business education. The alumnus made the move from engineering to Wall Street in 1985 after graduating with an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He has since worked at premier investment banks and at both financial services and investment boutiques.
“A significant number of CU Boulder mechanical engineering students want to explore and seek career opportunities in finance,” Stockman said. “This program, in addition to the various mentoring initiatives, is an excellent opportunity for these students to get to their goals quicker.”
Because of public health measures, Edgar joined the Tuck Business Bridge Program remotely in summer 2021. He learned about various business tactics including accounting, economics, finance and communication strategies. These business skills can be key when working in big engineering companies or in the growing startup industry.
“I feel like I could now step into a business and understand what is going on,” Edgar said. “This education opened up my opportunities beyond engineering.”
Stockman said Edgar was an excellent candidate for the scholarship based on his GPA, career interests, ambition and well-roundedness. After completing the Tuck Bridge Program, Edgar’s skills are even more versatile, thanks to the generosity of a fellow Buff.
“As an alumnus of CU Boulder Mechanical Engineering and the Tuck School at Dartmouth, my high admiration for and interest in giving back to both programs led me to pull these two highly effective teams together and let them run with the ball,” Stockman said.
Edgar is now an ambassador for the CU Mechanical Engineering Student/Tuck Bridge Scholarship Program to help guide the ME candidates who are applying for 2022 session.
Those who are interested need to apply through Dartmouth. Applicants who are accepted will get a minimum scholarship, with opportunity for higher amounts based on individual characteristics and need.
Dartmouth will begin accepting applications for Summer Bridge 2022 on Nov. 1. After March 15, 2022, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis as space allows.