Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Written by: Lauryn Elmore

CAMBUS Scholarships have been awarded to five student employees for the spring 2022 semester. Many deserving and well-qualified CAMBUS student employees submitted applications for academic scholarships. After the review of all spring 2022 applicants, the following recipients have been awarded scholarships:  

Luke Doyle, dispatcher 
Grace McClimon, driver 
Reece Sommers, bionic driver 
Amanda Thomas, safety supervisor 
Brandon Wong, student mechanic 

The CAMBUS Scholarship program, established in 2020, awards scholarships to CAMBUS student employees who have made positive contributions to CAMBUS and in service to the university community. Candidates are selected based upon their work record and written responses in an application. In the future, awards will be made each fall - beginning with the fall 2022 semester - as funds allow. 

Recognizing the recipients

luke doyle

Luke Doyle

Course of study: Biomedical engineering 

“With CAMBUS, I have learned how to communicate so much better compared to how I did as a freshman. As a dispatcher, my communications skills have improved greatly, and that has become very beneficial when communicating with other employees, supervisors, and especially professors.” 

“This scholarship means my efforts and contributions to CAMBUS have not gone unnoticed, and I am glad I got recognized. It will also provide financial relief for spring to comfortably afford required materials for classes.”

mcclimon 2

Grace McClimon

Course of study: Economics, political science 

“I remember visiting the university in high school and being shocked to learn that university students drove the buses on campus – I immediately thought I could never do that. Learning to take risks and being open to new opportunities from CAMBUS has made my college experience better in all aspects.” 

“This scholarship will make a big difference in paying my tuition this semester, but it also makes me feel valued for the role I play on campus beyond being a student. I appreciate all the effort the CAMBUS team puts in to take care of their employees and maintain a positive work atmosphere, especially during the pandemic, which has been challenging for transit workers everywhere.” 

reece sommers

Reece Sommers

Course of study: Finance and accounting 

“Working at CAMBUS has allowed me to gain real-life work experience and understand the importance of maintaining a tight schedule to satisfy riders. For over a year, I’ve provided rides to people with disabilities with the Bionic Bus service. Being able to converse and communicate with these individuals will truly be one of my best memories of attending Iowa.” 

amanda thomas

Amanda Thomas

Course of study:  Horn performance, music education 

“CAMBUS has bettered my university experience exponentially. As a supervisor, I’ve gained invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, and management. My experience at CAMBUS has set me up for success in other areas of my life. Without this experience, I wouldn’t feel as prepared for post-collegiate life as I feel I am now.” 

“To be selected for this scholarship is an honor! I hope it is something that is able to grow and help CAMBUS drivers for generations to come.” 

brandon wong

Brandon Wong

Course of study: Rehabilitation counseling 

“CAMBUS has provided me with a unique opportunity to continue my educational and developmental goals. Developing skills such as leadership and time-management have transferred into my classrooms and daily living. I have been able to manage my course load and student responsibilities from the skills I have learned at CAMBUS.” 

About the CAMBUS scholarship 

The CAMBUS scholarship program was established by Doug Couto, who graduated from UI Tippie College of Business in 1972, and is also a CAMBUS alum. While in the residence halls at Iowa, Couto and a few friends started a voluntary busing service from the west residence halls over to main campus. UI President Sandy Boyd heard of this project and officially funded it as a university program in 1972. After a student naming contest, the name “CAMBUS” was chosen for the system. Couto has worked in transportation since graduating from Iowa and has recently dedicated his philanthropy to establish the CAMBUS Scholarship  at the University of Iowa.