STEMming from Passion

Honoring the legacy of an extraordinary woman, the Joellin S. Wojtczak Scholarship Endowment for Engineering provides vital support for students in engineering. Established by Bernadine Wu, M.D. and David Wu, M.D., the scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is a tribute to a lifelong friendship and a commitment to advancing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

Joellin, a 1990 graduate of Oakland University’s electrical engineering program, was a trailblazer in a field where women were often underrepresented. She dedicated her career to Ford Motor Company, excelling not just as an engineer but as a mentor and role model for future generations of women in STEM. Her passion extended beyond the office — she was a hands-on problem-solver, an avid car enthusiast and a pioneer who restored vintage automobiles with the same meticulousness she applied to engineering.

Dr. Bernadine Wu fondly recalls their enduring friendship, which began in the summer after fifth grade at a day camp in Bloomfield Township. “Joellin was always the one encouraging me to push my boundaries, whether it was tackling a tough math problem or learning to drive a manual transmission,” Bernadine shares. “She was my best friend from childhood through adulthood, my maid of honor and an aunt to my children. She never let barriers stop her, and she always believed in lifting others up along the way.”

The scholarship is designed to support engineering students — sophomores, juniors or seniors — who have a demonstrated financial need and are members of the Society of Women Engineers or a similar engineering student organization. Joellin, who worked full time at a local grocery store while pursuing her degree, understood the financial challenges that can come with higher education.

The endowment ensures that Oakland University will have the resources to continue awarding scholarships to deserving students year after year. Recipients of the scholarship will not only receive financial assistance but also become part of Joellin’s enduring legacy, inspiring them to persist in their studies and careers in engineering. The award is renewable, allowing students to receive continued support as they progress toward graduation.

“We are incredibly grateful to Drs. Bernadine and David Wu for creating this scholarship,” says Louay M. Chamra, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. “Joellin’s story is one of perseverance and passion, and this endowment will ensure that her legacy continues by empowering talented, ambitious students to achieve their dreams in engineering.”

Joellin’s sister, Richelle Wojtczak, said Joellin often found herself as the only woman in the room throughout her career, carrying the weight of representation on her shoulders. “She refused to be discouraged and instead set an example. She believed in herself, continuously learned and proved to others that she was just as capable, if not more so, than anyone else in the room,” says Richelle.

The Joellin S. Wojtczak Scholarship Endowment for Engineering will help future generations of engineers by easing their financial burdens and encouraging them to pursue excellence in their field. Through this scholarship, Joellin’s passion for learning, perseverance and mentorship will continue to uplift students at Oakland University for years to come.

“Scholarships like this make a lasting impact, not just on the students who receive them but on the entire field of engineering,” says Michael Westfall, vice president for University Advancement. “By honoring Joellin’s legacy in this way, Bernadine and David are ensuring that financial obstacles do not stand in the way of great potential.”