National Day of Love Community Scholarship for Engineering

Help us honor engineering students who are making a difference in their communities by providing scholarships to deserving students in the Morrill Engineering Program.

Charles and Diedre met at the University of Illinois. Charles graduated with his B.S in Mechanical Engineering in 2004 and is an alumnus of the Morrill Engineering Program. Diedre graduated from the Gies College of Business in 2004 with her undergraduate degree in Accountancy and in 2005 with her Masters in Taxation.

Having both received scholarships during their time as students, Charles and Diedre have always believed in the importance of giving back and empowering the next generation of students to succeed.

In 2017, Charles and Diedre started the National Day of Love through The Banks Foundation, Inc. which supports educational organizations and other nonprofits to empower people to reach their full potential through love and education.

In 2020, Charles and Diedre awarded the first recipients of the National Day of Love Community Scholarship in the Morrill Engineering Program at Grainger College of Engineering. The Morrill Engineering Program (MEP) empowers African American, Hispanic and Native American engineering students, supports their success as scholars and leverages a community of students, staff and alumni to achieve excellence in engineering. The program hosts activities throughout the year to enhance the student experience and is open to all students who seek its services.

In 2022, Charles and Diedre helped fully fund their endowment of $25,000 at the Grainger College of Engineering. Join today in helping provide scholarships to engineering students so they can reach their full potential.