NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman — founder of Pennsylvania-based global payments company Shift4 and mission commander of the Polaris Dawn — is helping ensure that Lehigh engineers have the tools and support they need to succeed in the aerospace industry. His recent gift will support aerospace-focused student scholarships and organizations, including LU Aero, Lehigh University Rocketry Association (LURA), and Lehigh University Space Initiative (LUSI).
The inspiration behind his gift began with a conversation.
Keegan Gagnon ’26, president of LURA, connected with Isaacman during a Q&A session prior to his visit to Lehigh for the first Future Makers Speaker Series event in October 2025. Alongside fellow club members, Gagnon shared how Isaacman's work had influenced their own aspirations as engineers and how leaders like him continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
They also asked if he would consider supporting their organization. He said yes.
“It's an honor to receive recognition from someone who is not only an integral part of the aerospace industry, but also the administrator of NASA,” says Gagnon. “Support like this motivates the next generation of engineers in ways we couldn’t have imagined when we first started the club. Jared’s support will help us compete at the highest level of collegiate rocketry.”
While the full impact of Isaacman's gift will unfold over time, faculty say its potential is already clear, especially when it comes to expanding learning opportunities for students.
“Clubs like LUSI, LURA, and LU Aero help turn students into practicing engineers,” says Hannah Dailey, associate professor of mechanical engineering. “These experiences provide a fun and competitive environment where students solve complex design challenges collaboratively. Students who take up leadership roles gain project management and people management experience. All of these skills — working as a team, meeting deadlines, dealing with multiple design constraints — are how engineers practice in the real world. We’re incredibly excited that this gift will enrich the learning opportunities for students passionate about all things aerospace.”
For Terry Hart ’68 H’88, a former NASA astronaut and advisor to LURA, the connection is personal.
“Our students bring the passion, our faculty provides the mentoring, and gifts like Jared's allow these students to realize their ambitions in the success of their amazing projects,” says Hart. “Experiences like these are often where future careers begin.”
As new opportunities begin to take shape, students are already preparing to put their skills into practice. This June, LURA will compete in the International Rocket Engineering Competition in Midland, Texas. The experience reflects the kind of hands-on learning Isaacman's support is designed to expand.
