The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering enjoyed its first-ever scholarship recognition reception in the Compton Union Building on the WSU campus earlier this year.

Thanks to generous gifts from more than 30 alumni, legacy, and industry donors, the school this year awarded over $170,000 in scholarships to more than 100 undergraduate students.

Eight students holding certificates.
Nicholas Wang, Ryan Fish, Caden Stockwell, Scott Schmitz, Lauren Summers, Russell Moser, Ashley Vu and Alexander Mattson have been awarded the Mechanical & Materials Engineering Scholarship.

“I am so pleased that through our many benefactors and friends, the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is able to award these scholarships to many of our most deserving students,” said Michael Kessler, school director. “These gifts have a tremendous impact, allowing recipients the opportunity to pursue their dreams of earning a degree in mechanical engineering or in materials science and engineering from WSU.”

This year’s scholarship recipients are interested in a variety of careers, including in green car design, aerospace materials and design, defense industry research, and energy production.

At the event, Candis Claiborn, dean of the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, reflected on WSU’s land-grant heritage and its ongoing leadership in the Pacific Northwest for engineering graduates and encouraged students to continue their important work.

“It’s such a relief to receive a scholarship, and it’s easy to forget why it was granted,” said Natalie Flipper, a scholarship recipient interested in sustainable farming systems. “The event was a great start to a tradition of recognizing the benefactors and their journey, and how it directly impacts the student’s journey. It was also a celebration of our hard work that has allowed us this opportunity to succeed.”

If you want to make a difference in a student’s life, contact Devon Anderson, Senior Director of Development, at danders@wsu.edu or 509-335-2197.