Kevin Brenner,
University of Illinois

Degrees: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering; Minor in Technology and Management

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps program has given me the freedom to do as I please in college, as a result of providing financial security. It has also given me a family that I didn’t expect to have as I was leaving high school. The Stamps community has been inviting, friendly, diverse, and adventurous, and I am so thankful that I have had the chance to spend the last four years with them.

Tell us a piece of wisdom you’ve learned over the past four years.
The person who speaks the least, typically has the most to say.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
My dad. He has been there for me with every academic, professional, and personal struggle I have faced. Without him, I would not be where I am today.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
During my sophomore year, we went on a retreat to a local park where we had the chance to engage in team-building exercises. While there, we swung on ropes, jumped over obstacles, and carried each other through difficult tasks. It was fun, challenging, and insightful. But most of all, it brought us all together and helped us learn a little bit more about our fellow scholars.

What comes next?
In the fall, I will be pursuing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University. After that, I intend to work as a research engineer in the fields of robotics or prosthetics.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.” – Nikola Tesla