The pursuit of an engineering education is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Financial constraints should never be a barrier to a student's potential. Thanks to the steadfast support of alumni and supporters, the College of Engineering is breaking down those barriers, expanding access to life-changing scholarships, and fueling the dreams of tomorrow's engineering innovators.
More than just dollars: Catalysts for success
The commitment to student success is exemplified by initiatives like the Catalyst Scholars Program, launched in 2020. This initiative provides comprehensive support to high-achieving, first-generation, and/or high-need Oregon residents, many of whom are from groups underrepresented in engineering. Catalyst Scholars receive $10,000 annually for up to five years, along with coordinated academic and social support designed to help them excel.
Brittany Altamirano, director of student success and scholarships for the College of Engineering, said, “I believe the Catalyst Scholars Program is everything a student success program should be: transformative, supportive, and life-changing.”
The program's success is evident in its outcomes. While nationally, only 19% of first-generation college students earn their bachelor's degrees, Catalyst Scholars at Oregon State are defying the odds, with an 84% retention rate and 100% post-graduation employment.
These scholarships provide more than just financial support. Catalyst Scholar Crixtian Valdez, an industrial engineering major, explained, “This scholarship provides a lot of financial support. I have a single mom, so it's hard for her to help me financially, but through Catalyst, she hasn't had to worry much. I would probably be working a second job if I didn't have this scholarship. It would be really tough because I see how difficult it is for other students who do that. Someday, I'd like to give back to Catalyst as a donor — that'd be pretty cool.”
The Catalyst Scholars Program is designed to create an environment where students from all backgrounds are empowered to succeed. The program also fosters a sense of community and provides access to support services to help students thrive. This holistic approach ensures that Catalyst Scholars not only have the financial means to attend college but also the resources and support system necessary to excel.
The ripple effect of giving
The impact of scholarships extends far beyond individual recipients. It generates a ripple effect, strengthening our communities, driving innovation, and shaping a better world.
Donors like Laurie and Mark Shuholm, B.S. agricultural sciences ’84, understand the transformative power of investing in students. As early supporters of the Catalyst Scholars Program, they have witnessed firsthand how their generosity changes lives.
“Sometimes we’ve been asked to make contributions to help students, but often we don’t find out what impact we’re having,” Mark Shuholm said. “It’s different with Catalyst Scholars, because we learn about how the scholarship changes the trajectory of a particular student’s path, and that means a lot to us.”
Their connection to Scott Ashford, dean of the College of Engineering, combined with a compelling vision for the scholarship, inspired the couple to, at first, fund one student, and then add another each year since. The Shuholms currently support three Catalyst Scholars and plan to continue expanding their support through 2027. “Other people helped us along the way through college, so doing the same for other students resonated with us,” Mark Shuholm said.
Alumni like Duane Kenagy, B.S. civil engineering ’79, and his wife, Susan, are also committed to paying it forward. They have committed to contributing to the OSU-Cascades Persistence Scholarship for at least five years, helping students complete their first undergraduate degree.
“I received a scholarship in my senior year at Oregon State. It opened a lot of doors that led to a wonderful career working on enormous engineering projects all over the world,” Kenagy said. “Now we want to help other students and create opportunities that might otherwise not be available to them.”
Meeting students where they are: Providing a lifeline in times of need
In addition to comprehensive scholarships, the College of Engineering recognizes the importance of addressing students' immediate and urgent needs. The College of Engineering Emergency Fund, established in 2020, provides critical support to students facing unexpected financial setbacks. Awards ranging from $50 to more than $3,000 help students overcome challenges such as textbook costs, car repairs, and medical expenses.
“[The funds] are often a lifeline for students,” Altamirano said. “While the awards may be smaller than our traditional scholarships, we recognize that student needs are vast and often go unmet. Sometimes, the smallest gift, like $50 in emergency aid, can make a huge difference in helping students overcome financial hardships. Support from our alumni and friends plays a crucial role in helping students through their toughest moments and keeps them moving forward toward graduation.”
As one recipient shared, “It means that I do not have to worry as much about how I will put food on the table and pay rent while I further my education. As a result, I can concentrate more on my learning and maintaining my GPA.”
Finish in Four: A bold vision
The commitment to student success extends beyond the College of Engineering. As part of Oregon State’s strategic plan, the university is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to earn a degree. A key component of this commitment is the Finish in Four program. This university-wide initiative aims to empower more Oregon resident students to graduate in four years with minimal debt.
Renewable, four-year scholarships are a high priority for student success funding. The Oregon State University Foundation and Alumni Association have reported that students with high financial need and those from underrepresented student populations typically graduate at rates 10% lower than their peers. Finish in Four is designed to address these disparities and enable more students to graduate with less debt. This ambitious effort is unprecedented at OSU and relies on the engagement and generosity of the entire Oregon State community.
To support students on their path to graduation, the university launched the Finish in Four scholarship. This initiative provides recipients with $4,000 annually for four years. Combined with other aid, this scholarship can be transformative for students with the greatest financial need, while also assisting the university in meeting its goal of ensuring that every student graduates.
“As we work toward our goal of helping more students earn their degrees, scholarships like Finish in Four can make a huge difference,” Altamirano said. “For many students, this support wouldn’t merely be helpful; it would be transformative. That final gap in funding can be the difference between staying on track to graduate or putting their education on hold, sometimes indefinitely.”
Invest in the Future
Scholarships at the College of Engineering are more than just financial assistance—they are a powerful catalyst for change. By investing in our students, donors are fueling a brighter future. Their generosity cultivates the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers who will shape communities and tackle the world's most pressing challenges.
We invite you to partner with us in this vital mission. Your support, at any level, can make a significant difference. Together, we can empower students to achieve their dreams and build a better tomorrow.
To learn more about supporting College of Engineering students, contact Aimee Jirak, Senior Director of Development II, 515-450–1326, Aimee.Jirak@osufoundation.org
