Three Valparaiso University students, Kaylee Roberts ’27, Sophie Schoch ’27, and Kathryn Tracy ’27, have been awarded the national Tau Beta Pi Scholarship. This highly competitive scholarship is granted to approximately 250 senior engineering students each year across the country. Roberts and Schoch are mechanical engineering majors, while Tracy is a biomechanical engineering major. All three were selected to represent Valparaiso University among a national pool of engineering talent.
Tau Beta Pi is an engineering honors society that recognizes top-performing students who have demonstrated exemplary character. To be eligible for this scholarship, seniors must rank in the top fifth of their class and must be members of the Tau Beta Pi society. The selection of these students highlights the university’s dedication to supporting technical excellence alongside a variety of student interests, fostering future experts and leaders.
Roberts stated that she applied for the scholarship to gain “financial support in my last year of college” and for the honor of representing Valpo. She noted that reviewing the accomplishments of previous winners emphasized her inclusion in a distinguished group.
Valparaiso University’s approach encourages students to develop holistically, extending beyond their specific major. This philosophy has been integral to the college experience of these scholarship recipients. Their diverse interests are seen not as distractions, but as elements that enhance their capabilities as future professionals.
For instance, Tracy is actively involved in fraternity and sorority life as a member of Gamma Phi Beta. She has also participated in Valpo’s GoBabyGo program, which focuses on designing and building custom vehicles for children facing mobility challenges. Roberts is deeply engaged in the performing arts, participating in multiple dance groups and the “Hooked on Tonics” acapella group. Schoch serves as a division-one athlete, captaining the Valpo swim team. Schoch noted the positive impact of her athletic involvement, stating, “Being an athlete has helped me be a better engineer.” She added that she would not be the person she is without her team.
Looking ahead to their careers after graduation, Roberts plans to enter an early career rotation program to explore various roles within an organization and determine the best fit for her skills. Tracy, inspired by her work with the GoBabyGo program, is considering a career path in assistive technology. Schoch, while still evaluating specific opportunities for her mechanical engineering expertise, gained confidence from a successful internship with medical device manufacturer Medtronic, affirming her goal to find a position where she can make a meaningful difference.
