IBTTA Foundation Honors Seven Scholars, Including First Family Scholarship Recipient

Media Contact:

Tanya Sheres
202.304.7805
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The IBTTA Foundation today announced the recipients of the 2025 IBTTA Scholarships, recognizing outstanding students pursuing careers in transportation, engineering, and technology. This year, the Foundation expanded its program with the inaugural IBTTA Foundation Family Scholarship, reinforcing the association’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders in tolling and transportation.

Through these scholarships, the Foundation invests in the future workforce by offering a $5,000 award for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing transportation-related degrees at accredited universities, and a $10,000 award for employees, children, and dependents of IBTTA members studying engineering, business, public policy, technology, and related fields.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation and material moving occupations are projected to have about 1.8 million job openings each year through 2034, driven by retirements, turnover and industry growth. Meeting this demand is essential to operating and modernizing road networks, which are vital to strengthening local and national economies.

“The IBTTA Foundation plays such an important role in encouraging students to consider careers in tolling,” said James Hofmann, president of IBTTA and executive director and CEO of the North Texas Tollway Authority. “Ours is a dynamic and complex field — from the technology that powers our systems, to the financial structures that sustain them, to the evolving ways we engage with customers and build and maintain our facilities. Helping students advance their education is one of the most meaningful ways we can secure the future of our industry.”

The 2025 IBTTA Scholarship recipients are:

• Beyah Baylor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Morgan State University (HBCU)
  Major: B.S. civil engineering, graduation year: 2026
• Matthew Caldwell of Fresno, Texas — Prairie View A&M University (HBCU)
  Major: B.S. mechanical engineering, graduation year: 2026
• Alexis Musaelyan-Blackmon of Manassas, Virginia — Northeastern University
  Major: B.S. information technology, graduation year: 2026
• Priyanshi Patel of Brampton, Ontario, Canada — Toronto Metropolitan University
  Major: B.S. information technology, graduation year: 2026
• Anthony Tucker of Atlanta, Georgia — Howard University (HBCU)
  Major: B.S. computer science, graduation year: 2027
• Immanuella Umoren of Little Rock, Arkansas — Philander Smith College (HBCU)
  Major: B.S. information technology, graduation year: 2026

In addition to these awards, the Foundation proudly recognizes the recipient of the inaugural IBTTA Foundation Family Scholarship:

• Jennifer Celeste of Downers Grove, Illinois — Michigan Technological University
  Major: B.S. mechanical engineering, graduation year: 2028

Jennifer, the daughter of Deanna Dinkel with HNTB, has been inspired by her family’s connection to the tolling industry. Her academic pursuits in sustainable design, artificial intelligence and engineering innovation reflect both the values of the tolling community and the Foundation’s mission to ensure that no talent is left behind.

“As Foundation Chair, I’ve seen firsthand how much impact this program can have on a student’s life. Our member organizations have a responsibility to invest in the next generation of leaders, and the Foundation is how we do that together. I encourage every IBTTA member to step up and help grow this program so we can open even more doors for future professionals in tolling and transportation,” said Jim Wilson, IBTTA Foundation board chair and senior vice president at TransCore.

The Foundation will celebrate the 2025 scholars during IBTTA’s 93rd Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Denver, Oct. 11–14, 2025. Additional funds for the scholarship program will be raised through the third annual IBTTA Foundation Pickleball Tournament. Join us in Denver to support the next generation of transportation professionals and be part of this important investment in the future of the industry.

Scholarship Program Details

Through a competitive selection process, the IBTTA Foundation awards $5,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing transportation-related degrees at accredited universities, as well as a $10,000 Family Scholarship for employees, children, and dependents of IBTTA members. This scholarship program is launched every spring and is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarships, tuition assistance, and other education support programs. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin. The program opens each February, and awardees are notified by July of the same year.

About IBTTA and the IBTTA Foundation

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the global association for toll facility owners, operators, and businesses, dedicated to advancing transportation solutions through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Founded in 1932, IBTTA promotes innovation and improved transportation systems worldwide.

The IBTTA Foundation, IBTTA’s charitable arm, supports education, research, and workforce development. Through scholarships, internships, and outreach, the Foundation helps ensure a diverse and skilled future for the transportation industry.

For more information, visit www.ibtta.org and www.ibtta.org/foundation.