Schuylkill Haven graduate receives the Wylonis Scholarship

John Austin Bayliff, a 2013 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, is the first recipient of the Wylonis Scholarship at Penn State Schuylkill. Bayliff had the opportunity to personally thank the founder of the award, Dr. Thomas Wylonis, when Wylonis visited the campus.

Wylonis grew up in a low-income family in Schuylkill County and was a first-generation college student. He began his Penn State education at Penn State Schuylkill en route to earning a degree in electrical engineering from the University. After graduation, Wylonis launched five successful, international careers in technology, research and development, top-management consulting, executive education, and angel investing (entrepreneurship).

The Wylonis Scholarship provides recognition and financial assistance to incoming freshman undergraduate students at Penn State Schuylkill who are planning to major in a STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) degree, and who have demonstrated financial need. This scholarship award is equivalent to approximately one-half of the cost of in-state tuition, and is awarded for one academic year and can be renewed for subsequent years, up to four academic years, provided the recipient continues to meet the conditions of eligibility. In addition, the award covers one-half of housing expenses when the student transfers to University Park to complete his or her degree.