Academics

Bechtold named American Society of Civil Engineers scholarship recipient

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Drew Bechtold, a senior in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Penn State, was recently named an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) scholarship recipient.

The central Pennsylvania chapter of ASCE awards four scholarships per year. Recipients for the merit-based scholarship are chosen from five schools in the central Pennsylvania region. This is the 25th year that these awards have been presented, recognizing outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements.

The scholarship includes a monetary award of $2,000, as well as an invitation to monthly ASCE networking dinners. The student awards are funded by the Geo-Institute with additional proceeds from the Central Pennsylvania Geotechnical Conference.

Bechtold was the only Penn State civil engineering student to be named a recipient. His focus within civil engineering is on geotechnical and materials engineering. Additionally, Bechtold is a Schreyer’s Honors College Scholar, as well as the vice president of the Penn State student chapter of ASCE.

Bechtold’s decision to pursue civil engineering came from his desire to be on the job site, while working in an engineering role.

“I always liked doing very hands on things, and I liked being outside. With civil engineering, you can get yourself to a position or company that allows you to do that,” said Bechtold.

Bechtold’s zeal in applying for the scholarship was sparked by Penn State’s previous success. Last year, Penn State students swept all four of the scholarship positions. This year, three Penn State students were awarded scholarships, including two architectural engineering students.

“It means a lot to me to win this award,” said Bechtold. “One of the reasons I took a position as an ASCE officer at Penn State was to make the program better and more renowned. I think winning this award is a little way that I can do that.”

Last Updated January 30, 2017

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