This scholarship honors Peter Casey Gillcrist, a 1985 graduate of the School of Engineering and Applied Science who passed away on October 21, 2017 living life at full throttle in the cockpit of a high performance Extra 330 sport aerobatic aircraft.
The Peter Casey Gillcrist Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a rising fourth-year student in the School of Engineering and Applied Science who best exemplifies the qualities that helped Peter leave an indelible mark on those around him: servant leadership, good character, integrity, community service and a fierce loyalty to friends.
About the Scholarship
A scholarship has been established to honor Peter Casey Gillcrist, a 1985 graduate of the School of Engineering and Applied Science who passed away on October 21, 2017 living life at full throttle in the cockpit of a high performance Extra 330 sport aerobatic aircraft.
In response to his passing, those who knew and loved Peter established the Peter Casey Gillcrist Memorial Scholarship to celebrate his zest for life, honor his memory, and commemorate his love of community and the University of Virginia.
The scholarship will be awarded to a rising fourth-year Engineering student whose character, integrity, leadership and involvement in University life most resemble Peter’s.
Peter Casey Gillcrist
Peter was the youngest of four Gillcrist siblings who graduated from the University of Virginia. He attended the University from 1981-1985 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Peter was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and served as Pledge Chair his third year. Peter was known for always helping friends in need and was typically the life of the party when participating in social events on or near Rugby Road.
After graduation, he moved to California to work for Lockheed Corporation’s famed Skunk Works operation in Burbank where he worked on the F-117 and F-22 Tactical Aircraft Programs. While at Lockheed Peter developed a lifelong passion for aviation and flying, and met and married the love of his life Amie Jo Freeman.
Pete valued integrity and treated others with dignity and kindness above all else, and made these the yardsticks by which he conducted himself. He lived his live to the fullest every day and instilled those same wonderful qualities in their four children: Matthew, Molly, Tommy and Maggie.
Peter worked hard, played hard and loved hard. His characteristic trademarks included: an enduring faith in God, an adventurous spirit, an uncanny ability to fix anything, and a fierce loyalty to family, friends, and community. Lastly, there was no challenge too tough to tackle as long as he was wearing his trademark Tevas.
The Scholarship
The Peter Casey Gillcrist Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a rising fourth-year Engineering student who exemplifies the qualities that helped Peter leave an indelible mark on those around him: Servant Leadership, Character, Integrity, Community Service and Fierce Loyalty to Friends.
On the last weekend in February each year, the Peter Casey Gillcrist Scholarship Award Selection Committee convenes at the University to interview the finalists and select a winner.