When Ryan Castagna began weighing his college options, two priorities guided his decision: minimizing costs and avoiding placing a financial burden on his parents, who, he said, “have always worked hard to support me.”

Those priorities appeared to put North Carolina State University beyond his reach. But shortly before the acceptance deadline, Castagna learned about the Kent Hudson Scholarship, established by College of Natural Resources alumnus Kent Hudson.

Hudson, who graduated with dual degrees in pulp and paper science technology and chemical engineering in 1975, established the scholarship to support rural North Carolina students interested in paper science and engineering. 

A native of Gibsonville, a town of about 10,000 residents, Castagna fit the profile. He was also high-achieving, graduating as valedictorian from East Guilford High School while balancing a college preparatory program, community volunteer work and a job at a local grocery store.

Castagna’s resume ultimately earned him the scholarship, which he called “life-changing.” With the financial barrier removed, he was able to enroll at NC State and pursue a degree in paper science and engineering.

“Knowing that I was selected because my background and work ethic reflected the values of Kent Hudson made the scholarship especially meaningful to me,” Castagna said. 

As he prepares to begin his second year at NC State, Castagna described his experience so far as “exciting, rewarding and memorable,” citing the opportunity to meet new people, explore campus and immerse himself in the paper science and engineering program.

The most rewarding part of the experience, Castagna said, has been realizing that he is “truly in the right place.” Through the paper science and engineering program, he has gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities available in the industry — from internships to careers.

He has especially enjoyed program events, mill visits and opportunities to connect with industry professionals, experiences that have given him a firsthand look at an industry that continues to evolve and the growing demand for graduates prepared to work with emerging technologies.

“My experiences in paper science and engineering have confirmed that I am in the right field, and they have motivated me to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful impact while continuing to learn and grow,” Castagna said. 

Castagna added that support from the program, particularly from professors such as Med Byrd and Charles Fleming, has made the experience even more rewarding. “Both professors have inspired me in different ways and have helped shape my first-year experience at NC State.” 

Byrd, who is an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials and the undergraduate coordinator for the paper science and engineering program, has a “passion for the industry that has made me even more excited about my future,” Castagna said. 

Hudson, too, has played an important role in Castagna’s journey beyond the scholarship itself, offering guidance and encouragement throughout his first year. One piece of advice, in particular, has continued to inspire Castagna: “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.”

“That mindset has encouraged me to take chances, pursue opportunities and push myself beyond my comfort zone,” Castagna said. “Knowing that someone believed in my potential enough to invest in my future has motivated me to work hard and make the most of every opportunity at NC State.” 

Looking ahead, Castagna said he is most excited about gaining real-world experience through internships and co-ops, becoming more involved in clubs and campus organizations and continuing to grow within the paper science and engineering program. 

He added that while his journey has just begun, he hopes to someday be able “to give back to future students in the same way that Kent Hudson has given back to me.” 

“The support, guidance and opportunities I have received through the Kent Hudson Scholarship have had a lasting impact on my life. I hope that one day I will be in a position to help a paper science and engineering student pursue their goals and make their college journey a little easier, just as Kent helped make mine possible,” Castagna said.