Key Takeaways
- Victor Rattner earned a BS in computer science from Augusta College, overcame a diving‑induced quadriplegia, and later completed an MBA in 1994.
- After a distinguished IT career, he and his mother Lillian created a $2.4 million scholarship endowment for the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences (SCCS).
- The Lillian P. & Victor Rattner Scholarship supports full‑time SCCS students based on merit and/or financial need, with preference for applicants who have a physical disability; it covers tuition, course materials, and room and board.
- The 2024 ceremony awarded the scholarship to 18 students at the Georgia Cyber Center, highlighting the program’s impact and Rattner’s legacy of resilience.
- Recipients represent a range of majors—including cybersecurity, data science, computer science, and cyber operations—demonstrating the endowment’s broad reach within SCCS.
Early Life and Education of Victor Rattner
Victor Rattner began his academic journey at Augusta College, the predecessor institution of today’s Augusta University, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in computer science. His time at the college laid a solid technical foundation and sparked a lifelong passion for technology and problem‑solving. Rattner’s commitment to learning was evident early on, as he excelled in coursework that demanded both analytical rigor and creative thinking. The knowledge and skills he acquired during these formative years would later prove instrumental in both his professional achievements and his philanthropic endeavors.
Overcoming Adversity and Academic Achievements
While completing his undergraduate studies, Rattner suffered a diving accident that left him quadriplegic. Rather than allowing this life‑altering injury to define him, he adopted a resilient mindset, maintaining a positive attitude and refusing to let his disability hinder his ambitions. Despite the physical challenges, he continued to excel academically, graduating with distinction in computer science. His perseverance paid off when he went on to earn a Master of Business Administration degree in 1994, blending technical expertise with managerial acumen.
Career in Information Technology and Retirement
Armed with both a BS in computer science and an MBA, Rattner embarked on a successful career in the information technology sector. He held various roles that leveraged his dual background—designing systems, managing projects, and guiding strategic initiatives for organizations navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape. His work was marked by a commitment to innovation, reliability, and user‑centered design. After years of impactful contributions, Rattner retired, leaving behind a reputation for excellence and a desire to give back to the educational community that had shaped his early years.
Establishment of the Lillian P. & Victor Rattner Scholarship Endowment
In gratitude for the opportunities he received and to ensure that future students could overcome similar obstacles, Rattner and his mother Lillian established the Lillian P. & Victor Rattner Scholarship endowment. The generous gift totals $2.4 million, a substantial fund designed to provide lasting support for students in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University. By creating this endowment, the Rattners aimed to perpetuate Victor’s legacy of resilience, hard work, and belief in the transformative power of education.
Scholarship Criteria and Benefits
The scholarship is awarded to full‑time SCCS students who demonstrate either academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Importantly, the endowment gives preference to applicants who have a physical disability, reflecting Rattner’s personal experience and his commitment to accessibility. Recipients receive comprehensive financial assistance that covers tuition, required course materials, and room and board, allowing them to concentrate fully on their studies without the burden of economic stress. This holistic support underscores the endowment’s goal of enabling academic success and personal growth.
Overview of the 2024 Scholarship Ceremony
On April 14, the Lillian P. & Victor Rattner Scholarship ceremony took place at the Georgia Cyber Center on Augusta University’s Riverfront Campus. The event celebrated the achievements of 18 deserving students who had been selected for the scholarship that year. Families, faculty, and university leaders gathered to honor the recipients, who each received a certificate recognizing their hard work and potential. The ceremony not only highlighted the financial support provided by the endowment but also served as a inspirational reminder of what perseverance and community backing can accomplish.
Remarks from Dean Alexander Schwarzmann
During the ceremony, Alexander Schwarzmann, PhD, dean of the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, addressed the scholars with pride and encouragement. He emphasized that the scholarships are awarded to hard‑working students who are committed to advancing their knowledge in rigorous programs. Schwarzmann noted the strength of the school’s faculty—who are highly ranked in their fields—and stressed that the true value of these programs lies in the success of students like those being honored. His words reinforced the partnership between generous donors, dedicated educators, and motivated learners.
Inclusivity and Legacy of the Scholarship
While the scholarship prioritizes students with physical disabilities, it remains open to all SCCS applicants who meet the merit‑or‑need criteria, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. This inclusive approach carries forward Victor Rattner’s belief that opportunity should be accessible to anyone willing to work hard and persevere. By supporting a diverse cohort of future technologists, the endowment helps to broaden participation in computing and cybersecurity fields, thereby enriching the profession with varied perspectives and talents.
Spotlight on Yaroslav Kutyna and Jarius Dobey
Among the honorees, Yaroslav Kutyna, a third‑year cybersecurity engineering student, was photographed standing proudly with his parents as he received his certificate. Likewise, Jarius Dobey, a third‑year cybersecurity student, was celebrated alongside his family for his achievement. Their images captured the personal joy and familial support that often accompany academic milestones, illustrating how the scholarship not only aids students financially but also reinforces the encouragement they receive from loved ones.
Complete List of 2026 Lillian P. & Victor Rattner Scholarship Recipients
The 2026 cohort of scholarship recipients includes the following students, each pursuing a degree within the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences:
- Josh Alley – Cybersecurity
- Bryson Cronan – Cybersecurity
- Jarius Dobey – Cybersecurity
- Caron Eberhart – Data Science
- Kaleb Gibson – Cybersecurity
- Jocelyn Hernandez – Cyber Operations
- Yaroslav Kutyna – Cybersecurity Engineering
- Diana Majors – Cybersecurity
- Morgan Martin – Cybersecurity
- Utsah Mondal – Computer Science
- Ryan Ngo – Cybersecurity
- Hector Ovalle – Computer Science
- Ethan Petgrave – Cybersecurity Engineering
- Amanda Ruiz – Cybersecurity
- Ahmad Sanadiki – Computer Science
- Jackson Wieschorster – Computer Science
- Colby Woods – Cybersecurity
- Dawit Yemane – Computer Science
These eighteen scholars represent a blend of traditional computer science tracks and specialized cyber‑focused disciplines, reflecting the evolving demands of the tech industry and the endowment’s commitment to fostering expertise across the spectrum.
How to Learn More and Contribute
Individuals interested in learning more about the Lillian P. & Victor Rattner Scholarship endowment—or in supporting other scholarship opportunities for Augusta University students—are encouraged to visit the AU Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement website. The platform provides detailed information on giving options, impact reports, and ways to honor loved ones through charitable contributions. By engaging with these resources, alumni, friends, and community members can help sustain the Rattners’ vision of empowering the next generation of computer and cyber science leaders.
Conclusion
Victor Rattner’s journey—from a determined undergraduate at Augusta College, through a life‑changing accident, to a accomplished IT professional and philanthropist—exemplifies the power of perseverance and generosity. The Lillian P. & Victor Rattner Scholarship endowment stands as a lasting tribute to his legacy, providing vital financial support, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring students to pursue excellence in computer and cyber sciences. As each new cohort of recipients steps onto the Riverfront Campus, they carry forward Rattner’s belief that challenges can be overcome and that education remains a powerful catalyst for personal and societal advancement.