Michael DiGiacomo ’21 COE

As one of the first in his family to attend college, Michael DiGiacomo ’21 COE knew that a Villanova education would help him turn his dreams into reality—and the Shirley and George G. Hoberg ’45 Endowed Electrical Engineering Scholarship made it possible.

“Being a first-generation college student has many challenges,” says Michael. “With support from the Hoberg scholarship, as well as the faculty and staff at Villanova, I have been able to benefit from the many resources and opportunities that the University offers. I am especially proud of my undergraduate capstone project.”

As part of the College of Engineering curriculum, Michael and his classmate, Christian Berger ’21 COE, conducted a senior design project focused on helping Villanovans with spastic cerebral palsy communicate more independently, including Frankie Kineavy ’14 CLAS, who inspired this project.

When the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges and unforeseen technology costs, Michael and Christian turned to the Villanova community for support. Villanovans responded and made it possible for the students to pursue their project and develop an improved system for Frankie and two current Villanova students with spastic cerebral palsy. Work on the project is also continuing in engineering classes for current undergraduate students.

“We have made strides that put this project in a strong position to grow and further benefit those with spastic cerebral palsy. I would not have been able to conduct this impactful and life-changing research at Villanova without the Hoberg Scholarship,” says Michael.