Jingbin He, an Air Force veteran and Charlotte native, is the first recipient of the Philip L. and Lisa Lewis Dubois Legacy Scholarship.
A junior majoring in mathematics with a minor in computer engineering, He has demonstrated a commitment to education and a strong desire to achieve his scholastic and career goals. His positive attitude toward studying, learning and collaboration, combined with an excellent GPA of 3.68, were among the factors the selection committee used to pick He, a nontraditional student, as the Dubois Legacy Scholarship recipient.
He, who graduated high school in 2008 and served eight years in the military, enrolled at UNC Charlotte to remain near family.
“My stepfather was diagnosed with cancer and my mother also has some health issues, so I wanted to stay closer to them so I could help,” explained He, whose stepfather died last June. “I feel UNC Charlotte was the right choice. None of my relatives had the opportunity to attend college, and I am proud to be graduating at my age and setting a good example in the future.”
The Dubois Legacy Scholarship was established by the children of Phil and Lisa Dubois: Logan, Taylor and Ali. The three were inspired by their parents’ years of service to the University. Phil Dubois retired in June 2020 following a 15-year tenure as UNC Charlotte’s fourth chancellor.
The Dubois Legacy Scholarship is reserved for a nontraditional undergraduate student from North Carolina, with a preference to a first-generation candidate. The scholarship, which offsets education-related expenses, is facilitated by the Office of Adult Students and Evening Services (OASES), a unit created in 1995 by Dubois, who was then UNC Charlotte’s provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs.
“OASES is a unique program serving adult learners in the UNC System,” said Janet Deal Daniel, OASES director. “Even after being appointed chancellor, Phil Dubois remained in contact with us regarding our advising programs and services. He, too, was a first-generation college student and attributes his successes to the opportunities that a public university afforded him. The Dubois children’s commitment to supporting nontraditional students is a fitting tribute to their parents’ legacy.”
More information about the Dubois Legacy Scholarship and other funding opportunities to assist students can be found by visiting the University Scholarship Office website.