Kent State University student Ms. Lannie Marsh, from Hubbard near Youngstown, has been named recipient of the first-ever Nikki Kukwa Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Women in Aeronautics. The $1,250 scholarship was presented to Marsh on Feb. 27.

As a graduate student working towards a Master of Technology degree with a concentration in aeronautics, Marsh currently holds a perfect cumulative grade point average of 4.00 and is a member in the Golden Key International Honor Society and Women in Aviation.  In addition, she has served in executive positions as the president and vice-president of the Kent State chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives.

In her personal essay that was part of the scholarship application, Marsh chronicled her love for aviation which stemmed from the heroic and historic tales told by her grandmother who was among the female pioneers that flew in the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs) program during World War II. In addition to her private pilot certificate, Marsh holds an instrument rating and views Nikki Kukwa as "an amazing person" who "did great things for all Kent State University, especially the females."

The Nikki Kukwa Endowed Scholarship for Women in Aeronautics was established by the parents of Nicole “Nikki” Marie Kukwa in her memory. Nikki was an instrument-rated pilot and honors student in Kent State’s aeronautics program from fall 2002 until her passing in fall 2006 from leukemia.

“Establishment of the endowed scholarship in Nikki’s memory is a powerful testament to her parent’s commitment to aviation education at Kent State University and the education of women in aviation,” says Dr. I. Richmond Nettey, associate dean at Kent State’s College of Technology and senior academic program director of aeronautics. He adds, “As an instrument-rated female pilot who met Nikki before her passing, Lannie’s perfect grades and record of leadership in professional student organizations at Kent State University make her an ideal candidate for the Nikki Kukwa Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Women in Aeronautics.”