Alumnus Douglas D. Schumann ’64 Donates $25 Million to Name School of Engineering

In a milestone that will shape the future of engineering education in Boston, Wentworth Institute of Technology has received a record‑setting $25 million donation from alumnus and Trustee Emeritus Douglas D. Schumann ’64. The gift will permanently name the university’s School of Engineering the Douglas D. Schumann School of Engineering, creating a lasting link between a legacy of hands‑on ingenuity and the next generation of STEM leaders.

How a $25‑Million Gift Transforms Engineering Education

For many colleges, gifts of this magnitude are rare. For Wentworth, the contribution signals a deliberate acceleration of a well‑articulated strategy that already has produced tangible gains: the engineering program’s rise from No. 70 to No. 38 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, the opening of a new Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering, and new concentrations in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

The Schumann gift will support four key pillars: scholarships, program expansion, facility upgrades, and faculty excellence. Each pillar is designed to keep Wentworth’s curriculum aligned with industry needs and to position its graduates for high‑impact careers.

Scholarships That Build the Next Generation

Scholarships remain the most direct mechanism for widening access to engineering. With the new endowment, Wentworth can expand its scholarships to reward students who demonstrate:

• Problem‑solving skills and a “can‑do” attitude
• Financial need paired with a clear career vision
• Leadership potential in research, design projects, and community service

By targeting these attributes, the school will attract students who are not only academically capable but also ready to translate classroom knowledge into real‑world impact.

Action: Apply for Our Engineering Scholarship Program

Students who meet these criteria can apply through the engineering scholarship portal as part of their undergraduate admission package.

Expanding Academic Programs and Research Capabilities

With the 2024 Institutional Master Plan, Wentworth intends to add several new engineering degrees, including a focus on sustainability and data‑driven product design. The Schumann gift will accelerate these plans by funding:

• Curriculum development for emerging fields
• Industry‑aligned project labs
• The launch of a dual‑degree program with the School of Architecture & Design

These initiatives will help students graduate with not only theoretical knowledge but also hands‑on experience that employers prize.

Action: Explore Our Engineering Departments

Learn more about specific programs by visiting the School of Engineering website and reviewing the new majors that will be available in the coming years.

Facility Upgrades: From Labs to Innovation Hubs

Modern engineering education increasingly relies on state‑of‑the‑art labs, collaborative studios, and digital fabrication spaces. The Schumann gift will finance:

• A new robotics and automation lab
• Upgrades to the existing electrical and mechanical engineering classrooms with advanced simulation tools
• Expansion of the co‑op and internship infrastructure, ensuring that students can secure placements that complement their academic work

These updates position Wentworth as a destination for students who seek an integrated, project‑driven learning environment.

Action: Schedule a Campus Tour to See New Facilities

Discover the upgraded labs and welcome a faculty member to discuss program offerings by scheduling a campus tour.

Faculty Excellence and Industry Partnerships

Professor‑led research and industry collaboration drive innovation. The Schumann gift supports:

• The Schumann Professorship, providing research funding and attracting top educators
• Collaborations with leading companies in aerospace, manufacturing, and technology sectors
• Faculty development initiatives to keep instructors on the cutting edge of both teaching and research

By investing in faculty, the school ensures that students receive mentorship from experts actively shaping their fields.

Legacy of Lived Experience: Schumann’s Personal Journey

Douglas Schumann’s story exemplifies the teaching values at Wentworth – hands‑on learning, curiosity, and community impact. From his days in the Aircraft Maintenance program to founding P‑Q Controls, Inc., his career illustrates how practical knowledge can be scaled into industry leadership.

His philanthropic pattern – through scholarships, facility upgrades, and a focus on student well‑being – has already reshaped the campus. The new $25 million gift is the largest single contribution in the institution’s 120‑year history, underscoring the depth of his belief in Wentworth’s mission.

What the Gift Means for Prospective Students

When you apply to Wentworth’s School of Engineering, you are requesting entry into a program that benefits from:

• Strong financial support through scholarships and reduced tuition for those receiving aid
• Access to cutting‑edge labs and real‑world projects
• Guaranteed co‑op placements that count toward your degree and build professional networks
• Mentorship from faculty who have both academic credentials and industry experience

The University of Opportunity in Boston offers an environment where students can transition from study to practice without leaving campus.

Action: Apply Now for Undergraduate Engineering

Start your trajectory toward a career in engineering by applying to the undergraduate program and become part of the next generation of graduates who will carry the Schumann legacy forward.

Engaging with Alumni and Trustees

Alumni play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding institutional capabilities. The Schumann story underscores the impact that a committed former student can have when combined with a strategic partnership with a university board.

If you are a Wentworth alumnus or a potential board member, consider how your experience and resources can help further establish a culture of innovation and generosity.

Action: Join the Wentworth Alumni Network

Connect with other alumni, share knowledge, and support ongoing initiatives by joining the alumni community.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Engineering at Wentworth

With the 10‑year Institutional Master Plan in place, the Schumann gift serves as a catalyst for rapid, sustainable growth. By aligning financial resources with academic strategy, the university positions itself to:

• Lead in emerging engineering disciplines such as sustainable energy and AI integration in manufacturing
• Maintain industry relevance through continuous curriculum updates
• Strengthen its reputation as a pipeline to lucrative, high‑impact engineering careers for Boston‑area high schools

Students and faculty will benefit from an ecosystem that balances rigorous training with entrepreneurial opportunity. The school’s rebranding underscores a new era of ambition – one rooted in practical experience, research excellence, and community impact.

Celebrate the Milestone and Learn More

The official unveiling of the Douglas D. Schumann School of Engineering will occur on Friday, October 17, coinciding with the 50th reunion of the Class of 1975. The event will bring together students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners to recognize a donation that will generate lasting impact.

Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, a faculty member, or an alumnus, the Schumann gift invites you to engage with Wentworth as it redefines the scope of engineering education in Boston.

Action: Share Your Thoughts in the Comments Below

We invite you to discuss how this donation could influence your academic or professional journey. Your comments may inspire others to pursue similar contributions or to become involved in the Schumann legacy.