As the hot air balloon pilots, or aeronauts, prepare for the 2025 Great Reno Balloon Race in September, University of Nevada, Reno students are preparing for the start of the fall semester. This year, five students will be lifted up by the iconic race and the work of the University Balloon Race Scholarship Committee.  

The University Balloon Race Scholarship Committee was formed in 1986 and has been awarding scholarship funds since the early 1990s. The University Balloon Race Scholarships have been distributed yearly since 1999. Funds are raised through an annual raffle and by selling the custom committee pin. 

The 2025 University of Nevada, Reno Balloon Race Scholarship Committee pin thoughtfully weaves together symbols that celebrate Reno’s rich history and vibrant culture. Featuring the retro 1963–1987 Reno Arch, Mt. Rose and Slide Mountain, Morrill Hall, and colorful hot air balloons, the design reflects both the city’s iconic skyline and the annual Great Reno Balloon Race. Each element connects to a different chapter of Reno’s story—from neon-lit nights and outdoor adventure to academic excellence and cherished community traditions. 

Most years the committee awards two scholarships. This year the committee raised enough funds to award a record five students with scholarships; three undergraduate students and two graduate students. 

Alexander Saporito   

Alexander Saporito is an upcoming sophomore pursuing a bachelor's degree in Political Science, with minors in Criminal Justice and Philosophy. As an Honors student within the University, Saporito is incredibly passionate about engaging with peers, faculty, and aspiring leaders within the Reno community. Outside of school, Saporito loves performing guitar at local venues and volunteering at Three Square in Southern Nevada. Looking ahead, he plans to attend law school, with the goal of serving his community and helping alleviate the concerns of those in need. 

“Receiving this scholarship has significantly alleviated financial stress and has given me the ability to continue pursuing my academic goals and passions at the University," Saporito said. "Your support empowers students like me to remain dedicated to our education and continue striving for excellence." 

Daniel Ruebusch  

Daniel Ruebusch is an incoming senior pursuing a degree in music education. Ruebusch works as a clarinet and piano teacher through local music studios, he has also volunteered with programs that provide free private lessons to students from Title I schools. To continue his work with students Ruebusch is establishing a program that connects students looking for lessons with local teachers from a collegiate level. In addition to teaching, he has performed with the Reno Philharmonic, The Reno Chamber Orchestra and The Tahoe Symphony.  

“Each of these activities takes a significant amount of time, which becomes increasingly difficult to balance," he said. "The Balloon Race Scholarship plays an essential role in my education. Thanks to your support, I will have the availability to devote more time to learning and becoming a better teacher.” 

Riley Gillis  

Riley Gillis is an infectious disease researcher at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine investigating high risk infectious agents for humanitarian and counter-bioterrorism initiatives. He is the first undergraduate at The University to achieve biosafety level 3. Gillis’ work involves deadly pathogens with research including immunology, animal research, microbiology and molecular biology. Gillis hopes to continue his research career in graduate or medical school upon graduation in 2026. 

“This scholarship will help me to continue going to school and working on my degrees in Microbiology & Immunology and Public Health,” he said.  

Sahara Harrington 

Sahara Harrington is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in cell and molecular biology. Harrington  studies the genetics behind early heart development in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Harrington’s research aims to uncover how congenital heart defects and valve malformations arise in humans. She mentors students through the Nevada Promise Scholarship at TMCC and serves on several Graduate Student Association committees.  

“I am incredibly honored to be a beneficiary of this scholarship and want to sincerely thank the University Balloon Race Scholarship Committee for supporting students like me," Harrington said. "Your generosity allows me to 'rise' to my fullest potential. Go Pack!” 

Taissa Lytchenko

Taissa Lytchenko is a Ph.D. candidate in special education and disability study in the College of Education & Human Development. Lytchenko is passionate about understanding how the brain works and applying that knowledge to real-world education. Lytchenko’s work bridges neuroscience with classroom practice by teaching students at a local juvenile justice center. As a former foster youth, Lytchenko empathizes with their experience. Lytchenko focuses on neuroscience education and health literacy for youth in the system, through interactive lessons on substance use, mental health disorders, and brain injury, helping juveniles understand how their brain functions, and encouraging them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.  

 “I am truly grateful to receive this scholarship from the University Balloon Race Scholarship Committee, thank you for recognizing my work! You inspire me to keep advancing my passion for equity in access to quality education, and I am deeply grateful to have the unwavering support and encouragement of this incredible community behind me,” she said.