NEWS

Civil engineering student awarded scholarship for academics, leadership

Oct 10, 2014 | Engineering and Science

An outstanding grade point average and leadership in engineering outside the classroom has earned Patrick Michael Reilly, a senior civil engineering student at Louisiana Tech University, a scholarship award for the 2014-2015 school year from the Scottish Rite Foundation.
Dr. Jenna Carpenter (left) presents Patrick Michael Reilly with a scholarship award from the Scottish Rite Foundation.

Dr. Jenna Carpenter (left) presents Patrick Michael Reilly with a scholarship award from the Scottish Rite Foundation.

Reilly received the D. Walter Jessen Civil Engineering Scholarship which is awarded annually to rising junior and senior students who are enrolled in accredited Civil Engineering curricula at Louisiana universities. Awardees must be in the top 50 percent of their class, have demonstrated leadership skills and activities, and show potential to become innovative, well-rounded and successful professional engineers. “This scholarship will relieve much of the financial stress during my senior year as I continue my hard work and focus in the classroom,” said Reilly. “I cannot thank the Scottish Rite Foundation enough for allowing me to represent them during my senior year.” In addition to his 3.72 grade point average, Reilly has proven himself to be a leader on Louisiana Tech’s American Society of Civil Engineers Steel Bridge team, having served as team captain during his junior year and serving as a bridge design team leader this year. “We are so pleased that Patrick has received this scholarship in recognition of his excellence, both in and out of the classroom,” Dr. Jenna Carpenter, associate dean of undergraduate studies for the College of Engineering and Science. “We also appreciate the Shreveport Scottish Rite and the Jessen Scholarship program for supporting our engineering students.” Carpenter says that scholarships such as this one make it possible for Louisiana Tech students to focus on their classes and key professional development activities such as the ASCE Steel Bridge Competition, which provide great opportunities to develop real-world, hands-on skills and leadership experiences.