Five Stevens Students Awarded Scholarships from the American Council of Engineering Companies
Recipients say a Stevens education and participating in extracurricular activities helped set them apart
Every year, the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACECNJ), the leading advocate for New Jersey's consulting engineering profession, awards scholarships to engineering students attending an ABET-accredited engineering program in New Jersey. This year they honored seven students with awards, and Stevens Institute of Technology took the lead in representation – with a full five of these award recipients being Stevens students
Stevens students awarded scholarships this year ― Angelina Dresser ’23, Emily Lieby ’25, Victor Mavricos ’24, Anthony Mendo ’23, and Fernando Morales ’23 ― were recently recognized during ACECNJ's 51st Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet, which took place at the Forsgate Country Club in Monro Township, New Jersey. All students are civil engineering majors, except for Mendo, who is studying mechanical engineering.
ACECNJ awards scholarships ranging in value from $3,000 to $5,000 to help support engineering students entering their junior, senior, fifth, or master's degree year.
A Stevens education, a key distinction
Engineering students are granted the scholarship awards to recognize their outstanding achievements while attending college, both academically and in their extracurricular activities.
According to Mavricos, his academic experience at Stevens has been challenging, but it has also been rewarding and helped distinguish him for the award.
As part of his Stevens education, Mavricos participated in a co-op, where he gained hands-on education about construction management and regularly interacted with project managers and supervisors willing to explain the complexities of construction projects.
"Aside from the courses at Stevens, enrolling in the co-op program has enabled me to gain irreplaceable experience that will prove beneficial when I graduate," he said.
He believes his participation in student organizations at Stevens has helped to distinguish him for the scholarship as well.
"I have taken it upon myself to involve myself in leadership opportunities, as I served as a senator in the Student Government Association, treasurer for both Attila Entrepreneurs and Robotics Club, and secretary of SAVE — Sustainability, Activism, Volunteering, and Engineering, which I currently occupy," he said.
Similarly, Dresser, a civil engineering major who learned about this award through Stevens' Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering Department, recognizes the value of participating in extracurricular activities.
"My heavy involvement on campus and work experience helped set me apart for the award," said Dresser, who is the President of Stevens Panhellenic Council, a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, a primary mentor in two organizations, and a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Council.
Dresser added, "I have also had three previous internships, and I've secured an internship for the upcoming summer."
Opening doors to new career options
A Stevens education emphasizes critical thinking and multidisciplinary research to prepare students for various engineering careers.
Mavricos also highlights his participation in the Summer Research Institute (SRI), a maritime security-focused research program for Stevens students, where he and his teammates researched the plausibility of offshore windfarms posing a cybersecurity threat to the nation.
This experience aligns with what has been his primary focus during his time at Stevens: preparing for structural and transportation careers within civil engineering. However, after researching what consulting engineers do to solve complex societal issues, he has expanded his career options.
Consulting engineers work across various engineering disciplines, including civil, environmental, mechanical, and electrical. Responsibilities for consulting engineers include planning, designing, and modifying public and private infrastructure and advising private businesses, industries, and government agencies on addressing infrastructure challenges while advocating for communities impacted by large-scale engineering projects.
"Researching the field has enabled me to understand the importance of consulting engineers because of how they tackle society's complex issues," he said, emphasizing how solutions developed by consulting engineers can benefit society and the environment.
"For example, when constructing bridges, consulting engineers must assess the factors that will affect marine life, existing structures near the bridge site, and the general public," he said.
In addition to providing support to engineering students as they pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies, the scholarship award provides opportunities to connect with professionals in the field.
"This opportunity has already enabled me to network with professionals from various civil engineering firms and companies from New Jersey," Mavricos said.
Learn more about civil engineering at Stevens: