Global Engineering Scholarship Fund ("The Charlie Fund")

The Charlie Fund

Established in memory of Charlie Johnson, '21 (1999-2021)

Charlie was a mechanical engineering major, who died the evening before his graduation from St. Thomas. Charlie loved his study abroad experiences in New Zealand and Rome, and completed his Senior Design Project with the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development in Peru. This fund in his honor carries on his legacy to help others and make a difference in the world.

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The College of Engineering takes a global approach to solving problems, preparing our engineers to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Most engineers WILL work abroad during their careers, and our students are ready for those challenges.

Through partnerships with global companies and educational institutions, we offer international opportunities in all disciplines – whether it's high-tech manufacturing in South Korea, innovative design in Germany, studying ancient structures in Italy or sustainability solutions in Peru. Students can choose to participate over J-term, for a semester or over the summer. Upon returning, participants share their experiences through presentations, often incorporating their work into their Senior Design Clinic projects.

These trips elevate the professionalism of our student-engineers and expand the presence of the university to new and exciting regions. Through these tours, student-engineers:

🌎Apply engineering skills in real-world, international contexts

🌍Strengthen collaboration, communication and cultural competency

🌍Spark curiosity, creativity and innovative thinking

YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT
The cost per student-engineer for a study abroad experience is approximately $8,000. In the 2025-26 school year, 24 engineering students were able participate in an engineering-specific study abroad opportunity. We aspire to increase access to these transformative experiences for at least 50-60 students per year.

Please join us in giving talented St. Thomas Engineers the experience of a lifetime!