Zac Sinasac, just finishing his first semester of graduate study in automotive engineering, is grateful for the opportunities he has been afforded.

“I say thank you as much as I can to the people who have supported me,” he says, listing faculty, family, friends — and donors to scholarships for UWindsor students.

Sinasac says the $1,000 Shawn Yates Memorial Award helped inspire him to excel.

“It’s a motivation, because you’re being rewarded and recognized for your efforts,” he says. “Sometimes you’re so deep in your books that you don’t realize people take notice.”

He made the effort to learn more about Yates, a UWindsor alumnus (BASc 1982, MBA 1992) who helped to found the Windsor Engineering co-op program with the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) before his death in July 2017.

“It was an honour for me to receive this scholarship, knowing the impact that he made in the community,” Sinasac says. “I have already met his family, who started the award in his memory, and went to a golf tournament that raised funds for the endowment.”

He says the gift made a difference in his ability to focus on his studies.

“It really reduced some of the stress,” says Sinasac. “Having that security kind of takes the weight off my shoulders.”

Now he is conducting research at the ARDC, working on a confidential project with the potential to speed up and improve the development of future vehicles produced by the automaker. He enjoys research and development and hopes to build a professional career in a leadership role, like Yates.

The Annual Giving Program supports UWindsor students, ensuring their access to post-secondary education and enabling them to achieve their potential. Employees may contribute by payroll deduction, making donations convenient and painless.

To make a gift, visit uwindsor.ca/donate or contact Annual Giving Program co-ordinator Chris Knack at 519-253-3000, ext. 4279 or cknack@uwindsor.ca.