Ian Rehmert '95, M.S. '97, Ph.D. '00

Creating a full-circle moment: from one fellowship recipient to another

Ian Rehmert '95, M.S. '97, Ph.D. '00 attributes his journey to becoming a triple Hokie to the mentorship of Joel Nachlas, lacrosse coach and associate professor emeritus of industrial and systems engineering (ISE), and the Pratt and Cunningham Fellowships he received.

“The fellowships I was awarded played a significant role in my decision to pursue graduate studies instead of entering the workforce,” said Rehmert. “By participating in this challenge, I hope to provide someone else with the same opportunity.”

Rehmert, an alumnus of the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and his wife, Katie, were particularly impressed by the Moraco Fellowship Challenge’s multiplier effect that ensured the momentum of the impact on graduate students. In honor of Nachlas, who profoundly influenced Rehmert’s academic path as a professor, coach, mentor, and friend, they decided to name the fellowship the Rehmert-Nachlas Graduate Fellowship.

Recently, Rehmert has reconnected with the Industrial Systems and Engineering department by:

• Serving on its advisory board
• Sponsoring senior design projects
• Hiring Hokies at Republic Finance, the consumer lending company where Rehmert is the chief executive officer
• Being inducted into the ISE Academy of Distinguished Alumni

He urges other alumni to reconnect with the college and their respective departments in any capacity they can.

“Engagement at any level or through any method creates a rewarding and mutually beneficial relationship,” Rehmert said. “If everyone contributes in some way, it collectively results in substantial support, fostering more success stories among the department and students, both now and in the future.”