Alumnus Peter Cheris Shines Light on EOP Through New Scholarship

For over 55 years, NJIT’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) has been a beacon of hope for talented students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, opening doors to higher education and empowering them to achieve success in STEM fields and beyond.

Now, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Peter Cheris, that mission receives a boost with the establishment of the Peter Cheris ’96 Scholarship, a gift that will provide critical financial support to deserving undergraduate students, especially those participating in the EOP.

The scholarship will help cover tuition, required fees, and/or room and board for two full-time students who demonstrate significant financial need.

Cheris, a technology and risk management executive currently serving as senior vice president at Synchrony, a leading consumer financial services company, has a distinguished career spanning various industries. His experience includes leadership roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS), the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and TIAA-CREF. Cheris spends his philanthropic energies with organizations that provide opportunity and social capital to young adults through access to education, science and critical reasoning. His commitment to giving back to his alma mater reflects his belief in the power of education and his desire to support the next generation of NJIT graduates.

“I am extremely thankful for the opportunities this country has given to me,” said Cheris. “It is a privilege to inspire and empower the next generation by providing them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed.”

The Peter Cheris ’96 Scholarship prioritizes students with the greatest financial need. Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the EOP and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. A key criterion for the scholarship is demonstrated financial need, ensuring that the scholarship reaches those students who would benefit most significantly from the financial assistance.

“We are incredibly grateful to Peter Cheris for his generosity and vision in establishing this important scholarship,” said Beth Kornstein, interim vice president for development and alumni relations. “His commitment to supporting students with financial need will make a profound difference in the lives of our students and their families. This scholarship will not only provide financial relief but also empower these students to pursue their academic dreams and reach their full potential.”

The Peter Cheris ’96 Scholarship embodies the spirit of NJIT, fostering opportunity and empowering students to achieve success in STEM fields and beyond. Cheris's own career trajectory, from his mechanical engineering degree at NJIT to his current leadership role at Synchrony, serves as an inspiration to students who aspire to make a difference in the world. His generous gift will undoubtedly open doors for countless NJIT students for years to come.