The IBTTA Foundation has awarded its 2025 IBTTA Scholarships and will celebrate the recipients during the tolling association's 93rd Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Denver, from 11–14 October.
The scholarships consist of a $5,000 award for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing transportation-related degrees at accredited universities.
There is also a $10,000 award for employees, children and dependents of IBTTA members studying engineering, business, public policy, technology and related fields.
“The IBTTA Foundation plays such an important role in encouraging students to consider careers in tolling,” said James Hofmann, president of IBTTA and executive director and CEO of the North Texas Tollway Authority.
“Ours is a dynamic and complex field — from the technology that powers our systems, to the financial structures that sustain them, to the evolving ways we engage with customers and build and maintain our facilities. Helping students advance their education is one of the most meaningful ways we can secure the future of our industry.”
“As Foundation Chair, I’ve seen first-hand how much impact this programme can have on a student’s life," said Jim Wilson, IBTTA Foundation board chair and senior vice president at TransCore.
"Our member organisations have a responsibility to invest in the next generation of leaders, and the Foundation is how we do that together. I encourage every IBTTA member to step up and help grow this programme so we can open even more doors for future professionals in tolling and transportation."
The 2025 IBTTA Scholarship recipients are:
Beyah Baylor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Morgan State University (HBCU)
Major: B.S. civil engineering, graduation year: 2026
Matthew Caldwell of Fresno, Texas — Prairie View A&M University (HBCU)
Major: B.S. mechanical engineering, graduation year: 2026
Alexis Musaelyan-Blackmon of Manassas, Virginia — Northeastern University
Major: B.S. information technology, graduation year: 2026
Priyanshi Patel of Brampton, Ontario, Canada — Toronto Metropolitan University
Major: B.S. information technology, graduation year: 2026
Anthony Tucker of Atlanta, Georgia — Howard University (HBCU)
Major: B.S. computer science, graduation year: 2027
Immanuella Umoren of Little Rock, Arkansas — Philander Smith College (HBCU)
Major: B.S. information technology, graduation year: 2026
The Foundation has also announced the inaugural IBTTA Foundation Family Scholarship:
Jennifer Celeste of Downers Grove, Illinois — Michigan Technological University
Major: B.S. mechanical engineering, graduation year: 2028
The daughter of HNTB's Deanna Dinkel, she has been "inspired by her family’s connection to the tolling industry", IBTTA says.
Her academic work is in sustainable design, artificial intelligence and engineering innovation.
