IBTTA Releases Press Statement on IBTTA Foundation Scholarship Recipients
This below statement was originally released as a press release. View or download the full release in our Press Releases section. For more information, contact Tanya Sheres.
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.
- Read more about the Scholarship Programs.
- Read more about the IBTTA Foundation.