Divyne Hutchinson ’24 has always wanted to fly. The ambitious first-year Syracuse University student has been fascinated by airplanes since she was a child, and after her uncle enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, she was inspired to pursue the same dream. To get a jumpstart on becoming an aerospace leader, Hutchinson joined the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program as a junior in high school. Open to children and young adults ages 12 through 20, the program develops skills in leadership, aerospace, fitness and character.
Hutchinson got her first glimpse of Syracuse University on the way back from a high school trip to Canada. After that visit, chatting with a University representative at her high school, and some research into the aerospace engineering program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, she knew she wanted to apply.
Hutchinson worked extra hard to ensure her grades and test scores would be more than sufficient for admission. To help with the cost of attending, she applied for and received the Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students offered through the University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.
“If it wasn’t for generous donors like Wilder Leavitt and Mary Morningstar, then I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now,” she says. “It takes a lot of financing to achieve your dream, and for donors to continue to give with scholarships like this is a huge help. I know when I reach my goals and I’m at a great place in my life, I am going to give back.”