Constructing success: Scholarship support empowers future engineers

Courtney Sakry

28 Oct 2025

alumni board members with students — CEE Alumni Board members with scholarship recipients (from left) Randy Boe, Leah Goulet, Francis Homer, and Garrett Beggs. Photo by Courtney Sakry for Virginia Tech.

Civil and environmental engineering (CEE) senior Garrett Beggs loves to see his work make a tangible difference in the world. When he arrived at Virginia Tech from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, he knew he wanted to study something hands-on that would allow him to see the results of his work come to life.

“I’ve always enjoyed seeing things physically built and understanding the impact those projects have on the people who use them,” Beggs said. “That interest really started when I was in Boy Scouts. Helping with Eagle projects and watching them make a difference in the community stuck with me.”

He’s not the only one motivated by making a difference. Anxious to help students, members of the CEE Alumni Board — a group of graduates who advise the department, support fundraising, and strengthen alumni engagement — came together to create a scholarship to support students like Beggs.

The Alumni Board Scholarship typically awards about three scholarships of $5,000 each. This year, alumni on the board and beyond contributed more than $100,000 to the fund, allowing the department to award 15 scholarships of $6,000 or more.

“I consider it an honor to give back to the university and department that gave so much to me,” said board member Francis Homer ’06. “Coming from a blue-collar background, I never imagined earning an advanced degree from a place like Virginia Tech. Thanks to mentors, staff, and donors, it became a reality, and it only makes sense to now support students and future leaders.”

Giving back, Hokie-style

For Beggs, receiving the CEE Alumni Board Scholarship relieved some financial pressure, allowing him to focus on his studies in construction management and structural engineering, his work as a member of the Associated Schools of Construction Heavy Civil Competition Team, and his service as a CEE ambassador and member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Members of the Heavy Civil Team (from left) Tyler Tierney, Garrett Beggs, Bridget Reap, and Mattie Cuomo. Photo courtesy of Garrett Beggs.

Perhaps even more than the financial support, Beggs has benefited from the mentorship and networking that have come along with the scholarship.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have received this scholarship,” he said. “The connections I’ve made have been one of the biggest impacts. They have helped me understand what it means to build a career that has a real impact — not just through the projects you work on, but through the people you meet along the way.”

At a recent alumni board luncheon, Beggs connected with Randy Boe ’84, chair of the CEE Alumni Board.

“When I was a CEE student, I had a scholarship, so I know how it feels to be grateful for that kind of support,” Boe said. “Because my Virginia Tech education has been the foundation for a successful career, the opportunity to pay it forward for other students by giving to the department through the Alumni Board Scholarship was an easy decision.”

Building community and confidence

For Leah Goulet, a senior from Leesburg, receiving the scholarship is about more than financial assistance. It is a symbol of encouragement and connection.

“This scholarship serves as a meaningful reminder that the hard work, dedication, and passion I’ve committed to my academic and extracurricular experiences are recognized by a network of accomplished alumni who once stood where I am now,” she said. “It reaffirms my commitment to the field and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.”

Majoring in civil and environmental engineering with a focus in transportation, Goulet found her passion through hands-on involvement, including four years on the Concrete Canoe Design Team, where she has applied classroom lessons to real-world engineering challenges and connected with professionals at national competitions. Goulet also pursued her creative side through the Theme Park Engineering and Design Club and, like Beggs, serves as a CEE ambassador.

students in concrete canoe — Michaela Foster (at left) and Leah Goulet were the concrete canoe team's paddlers and sustainability co-leads. Photo by Peter Means for Virginia Tech.

“Knowing that others believe in my potential motivates me to continue growing both academically and professionally,” she said. “It has connected me with other recipients and alumni whose advice has been incredibly inspiring. They’ve given me valuable insight into different career paths and shown me the lasting impact of staying involved in the Hokie community.”

Looking ahead

Both Goulet and Beggs have solid post-university plans in place: Goulet will graduate in spring 2026 and join Dewberry’s Raleigh, North Carolina, office as part of its roadway group, while Beggs, graduating this fall, plans to pursue his professional engineer license or become a certified construction manager and work on projects that transform the places where people live and work.

They’ll carry their inspiration from the generosity of the alumni community with them. Beggs plans to give back to the program by building not only stronger structures, but stronger communities. “I hope to get involved in community events wherever I end up,” he said. “Especially with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, where you can literally help build up the community around you.”

Goulet, meanwhile, sees herself mentoring younger Hokies and sharing professional experiences. “I hope to give back to the next generation of Hokies the same kind of support that has guided me,” Goulet said.