Super Scholar Weekend – Changes Lives

The Paper Science & Engineering (PSE) at NC State prides itself on making an impact both on the pulp and paper industry and in the lives of young engineering students. One of the ways it accomplishes both of these goals is by offering scholarships to prospective engineering students, enabling them to pursue a degree in PSE and make their mark on the industry. The program has over 135 endowed scholarships from faculty, alumni, and industry supporters.

Each year, the program aims to recruit top-tier, out-of-state high school students to join our sought after program. One of the main ways to do this is through the Paper Super Scholars program which offers several scholarships specifically for out-of-state students. One of the hallmarks of the Super Scholars program is one full-ride scholarship for a student throughout their four years at NC State. They receive this scholarship based on academic merit, dedication to service and leadership, and fit within the industry. Applicants must apply online, before being invited for Super Scholars Weekend on campus at NC State.

Eight States and 16 Amazing Students

This year, the scholarship committee expanded the invite from twelve prospective candidates to sixteen incredible candidates and their families.  The guests came from FL, GA, IL, KY, VA, SC, NJ and NY to be a part of Super Scholars weekend. From the second they stepped onto campus, Friday morning, until they left mid-day on Saturday, Jennifer Piercy had a full schedule prepared for them. Throughout Friday, everyone was able to see, first hand, what the PSE program has to offer as they were given tours, had Q&A with student panels from currently enrolled students, handsheet making, faculty panels, and the students even got to sit in on Dr. Byrd’s PSE 201 class. The night capped off for the students with spray-painting the Free Expression Tunnel before enjoying Howling Cow ice cream.

After resting Friday night, the candidates returned to campus on Saturday to be interviewed by a faculty/alumni panel and a student panel. Each of the candidates thoroughly impressed the interviewers, presenting them with a difficult decisions. The scholarship committee now must choose between the sixteen highly qualified applicants to determine who they think is best suited to be successful in our program, and to be a future leader in our industry. Regardless of the decisions made, all of us here at NC State hope to see these applicants join our program’s family this Fall 2020.

Passion & People make Events Successful

The Super Scholars program would not be possible without the generous support and engagement from our community. In particular, we would like to thank all of our scholarship donors for supporting these scholarship opportunities. We would also like to thank all of our faculty and alumni who are a part of the scholarship selection committee for their selfless involvement in this process. Thank you to all of our currently enrolled students who gave up portions of their Friday and/or Saturday to volunteer with the event. And finally, this weekend would not have been possible without the tireless work and passionate service of both Paula Harrod and Jennifer Piercy. This year was an overwhelming success and we can’t wait to see what the future will bring.

By guest blogger Matthew Klassa