The two-year, $20,000 fellowships were established recently using funds made possible by the William R. T. Oakes Professorhip which Yang holds. As recipients, Hodges and Prasad will each receive $10,000 per year for a maximum of a two- year period. These funds may be used for faculty travel, summer support,graduate student support, and materials and supplies. The funds may also be used for teaching time buy-out.

Neither of the longtime faculty had any idea that the Chair was considering them for the fellowships.

"I’m truly grateful for this honor," said Hodges. "How wonderful to find out about receiving such an award upon return from travel."

In making the announcement, Yang was quick to point out that the awards are a small token of appreciation for Hodges, Prasad, and many other senior faculty in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.

"I am most proud of our AE School, and especially, of our very gifted hardworking senior faculty.  Our senior

faculty have distinguished themselves with decades of scholarship,  research, outstanding teaching and mentoring, and national leadership. Our School owes its current prominence to the leadership of these great individuals," he said.

In future years, our hope is to continue to recognize other senior faculty in our School."