Dave '76 and Diane Lohr

Blending the impact of helping first-generation students and retaining top faculty

Dave Lohr, a proud member of the chemical engineering class of 1976, was the first in his blue-collar, middle-class family to attend college. His journey to Virginia Tech was marked by the need for a co-op program to supplement his tuition and scholarships. The co-op with DuPont gave him seven different work experiences in its chemical processing unit operations. These experiences, coupled with the mentorship he received from full-time employees, taught him how to operate in a professional facility — and gave him a significant advantage in the unit operations lab course upon returning to school from his junior-year co-op.

15 years ago, Dave and his wife, Diane, established a scholarship in the Department of Chemical Engineering for first-generation students in honor of Dave’s father, Ronald B. Lohr, who was passionate about educating his children. The thank-you letters from students who benefited from this scholarship were a testament to its impact. Now retired, the Lohrs wanted to do more. Being part of the Chemical Engineering Advisory Board since its inception allowed Dave to understand the department’s needs, particularly the need for more faculty fellowships to retain top faculty. The Moraco Fellowship Challenge was the perfect opportunity to leverage their philanthropy. 

In memory of their daughter, who they lost to childhood cancer at age four, the Lohrs established the Erin Michelle Lohr Memorial Faculty Fellowship in Chemical Engineering. This fellowship aims to propagate her memory positively and support ongoing improvements in childhood cancer outcomes, an area where chemical engineers play a crucial role. The Lohrs want to ensure Erin’s legacy continues to inspire and make a difference.

“There’s been a ton of work done over the years to improve treatments and outcomes for childhood cancer,” Dave said. “Technology was a huge part of the reason Erin made it to age four instead of age two. Chemical engineering faculty are doing research in health sciences and other related fields, and the university even has a partnership with Children’s National Hospital to continue these efforts. This fellowship creates a prominent memorial for Erin.”

For the Lohrs, giving back through a fellowship was crucial. They recognized that to truly benefit first-generation students, it was essential to recruit and support top-tier faculty, equipping them with the necessary means to provide a world-class education.

“For the students in chemical engineering to truly benefit, they need excellent faculty with the brightest minds,” Diane said. “The Moraco Fellowship Challenge enabled us to blend our assistance to first-generation students with helping retain the faculty that will provide them the education to be successful.”

The Lohrs encourage fellow alumni to get involved with Virginia Tech Engineering, not just through financial contributions but by joining advisory boards, volunteering as speakers in the classroom, or mentoring students. 

“By giving back to a department like chemical engineering, you are preparing the future technology leaders of the United States and the world,” Diane said. “Really, you’re investing in the future.”