UTC Recognizes Recipients of the 2023 Darl Hall and DiJohn Scholarship Awards
Congratulations to Brian Larson, JD and Amy Hofstra, MS
A 2023 Research Assistant at the Urban Transportation Center working toward a Master's Degree in Urban Planning and Policy and a UIC PhD Candidate exploring a performance metric of equity for microtransit modes were recipients of scholarship awards administered by the UTC during a ceremony held April 25. Congratulations are in place for MUPP candidate Brian Larson, JD, and transportation scholar Amy Hofstra, MS.
Brian was awarded the debut Darl Hall Scholarship, established in 2020 by the family of former UTC Research Assistant and PhD Candidate Em Hall. During the presentation event held in CUPPA Hall, Em recalled how her late father, who was committed to repairing Lionel model trains, would schedule rail-center family vacation trips. This passion for transportation also inspired Em to work toward a doctorate in transportation.
In accepting the award, Brian noted that after earning his law degree from the University of Illinois, he wanted to explore a different career path and choose transportation. In May, Brian will take on the position as Program Associate for Transportation at the Northwest Municipal Conference in Des Plaines, Illinois, while completing his Master's studies. Brian also received the 2022 George Krambles Transportation Scholarship Award, a program managed by the UTC since 2006.
Amy, who was not able to attend the ceremony, was given the second Joe DiJohn Memorial Scholarship Fund award. The scholarship was created by the family of Mr. DiJohn, a former UIC adjunct faculty member, UTC researcher, director of the METSI research program, and the first executive director of Pace Suburban Bus. In 2020, Amy was a Krambles Scholarship recipient.
UTC Director Dr. P.S. Sriaj, who worked with Mr. DiJohn, recalled his passion for Chicago and its transportation network and his sense of humor. Dr. Sriraj added that Amy, a former UTC Research Assistant and now a Strategic Analyst with the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA), embodies the transportation legacy of Mr. DiJohn.
CUPPA Dean Dr. Stacey White pointed out that the casual awards presentation provided a welcomed celebratory break at the end of the Spring 2023 semester. CUPPA faculty and staff and UTC Research Assistants also participated in the ceremony.
Visit the Engagement page to learn how to get involved with the UTC through scholarships and funding and as an alumni.