Purdue Fort Wayne awards 7 full scholarships to winners of 2025 Summit Scholars Competition

The Summit Scholars Competition at Purdue University Fort Wayne is capped off by one life-changing moment, but the pivotal experiences it sparks continue to build to a crescendo over the next four years. That’s the realization six students who have been identified as Chapman Scholars and another who has earned the title of Doermer Distinguished Scholar are now making.

This annual competition, which identifies top high school seniors who will receive full, four-year scholarships to Purdue Fort Wayne, has grown significantly during the nearly two decades of its existence. Recipients are chosen based on their academic merit and community involvement. The 80 applications submitted this year is a record number, and 10 more than the university received in 2024.

Interviews are conducted remotely to encourage participation from applicants near and far, including those whose families may be facing a degree of financial insecurity that would make travel to Fort Wayne a hardship.

The Chapman Scholars Program was endowed in 2007, and the first scholarships were awarded in 2009. Howard Chapman and his late wife, Betsy, established the four-year scholarships, in which the recipients may pursue any degree at Purdue Fort Wayne. The class of 2025 includes three international students.

Kauã Felippe Francisco de Souza is a resident of Rio de Janeiro and attends CE Lia Marcia Goncalves Panaro. He is the son of Cristiane Francisco and Jose de Souza, and the stepson of Abdilson Cardoso. During high school, Francisco de Souza has taken part in student council, the 2022 Rocket Competition, the XV National Science and Technology Fair and Workshops, and an advanced math study group. He plans to major in biochemistry at PFW.

Quang Ho is from Nam Dinh, Vietnam, and plans to major in computer science. He is the son of Ho The My and Phan Thi Kim Anh. His extracurricular activities at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted include the Destination Club, the Flashlight English Club, the youth pioneer team, and service as the class coordinator and representative.

Samuel Hoover, a student at Central Noble High School in Albion, is the son of Cordell and Shawn Hoover. He plans to major in education and finance. His school activities include CN Mathletes, jazz band, National Honor Society, and Sources of Strength Bible study. Hoover also competed in varsity baseball, football, and wrestling.

Kyle Sims is a student at Wayne High School in Fort Wayne. He is the son of Daniel and Lucia Sims and intends to major in English with a concentration in writing. Sims’ school activities include jazz band, Chess Club, beginning choir, peer tutoring, and he is a member of the speech team.

Giovana Alonso Villapando is from São Paulo and intends to major in industrial engineering technology. She is the daughter of Luciana Alonso. Her extracurricular activities while attending Colégio Objetivo and Colegio Dante Alighieri schools has included participation in the Dante Alighieri Apprentice Scientist Program, the IV Social Entrepreneurship Challenge, and service as a coordinator of the Brazilian Section of a Global Education NGO.

Maraya Wiltfang of Johnston, Iowa, is a student at Johnston High School. She is the daughter of Tim and Ahnalee Wiltfang and plans to major in commercial music. Wiltfang’s involvement outside of the classroom includes Mock Trial, theater, A Capella Club, the Science and Sustainability Club, student council, National Honor Society, and show band.

The Doermer Distinguished Scholars Program is named in honor of the late Richard T. Doermer and is made possible through the support of his family’s foundation. Doermer was a well-known and well-respected businessman and philanthropist who had a great fondness for this university.

The Doermer program was established in 2006 and has funded one scholar each year since 2012. It provides a four-year, merit-based scholarship to an incoming freshman who majors in business or hospitality and tourism management, and allows the recipient to have networking opportunities with the local business community, work with mentors, and participate in internships. Recipients also have the opportunity to take part in an international business experience and are expected to complete a community-based business project during their junior and senior years.

PFW’s Doermer Distinguished Scholar for 2025 is Mahlan Dircksen of Waterloo. He is the son of Adam and Adrienne Dircksen and attends Garrett High School. Dircksen plans to major in marketing. His extracurricular activities include Sources of Strength Bible study, soccer, track and field, National Honor Society, CyberPatriot, Science Bowl, membership in the Environmental and Salty Surveyors clubs, and service as leader of the Entrepreneurship Class. 

To learn more about the Summit Scholars Competition, its selection process, and the programs, contact Michele Shawver, Chapman Scholars Program director and Summit Scholars Competition coordinator, at 260-481-0535 or [email protected].

For additional information, contact Geoff Thomas at [email protected] or 260-437-7657 (mobile).