Investing in Tomorrow's Engineers: Two Students Receive Menard-DFI Scholarship

We are proud to announce the recipients of the Menard-DFI Educational Trust scholarship: Aurora Fuchs and Justin Peng, whose outstanding accomplishments underscore their commitment to their educational and career goals.

Aurora Fuchs, a sophomore from Pennsylvania, exhibits a keen interest in geotechnical and structural engineering. As she navigates her undergraduate coursework, Fuchs is considering pursuing a master's degree. Fuchs actively contributes to campus life, serving as a Resident Assistant and an EMERGE mentor. She is deeply engaged within her department, participating in organizations like ASCE and Chi Epsilon.

Expressing her gratitude, Fuchs remarks, “Receiving the Menard-DFI Educational Trust scholarship is a tremendous honor. It provides invaluable support during a challenging phase of my academic journey. This financial assistance enables me to embark on a summer internship and opens doors for a study abroad program, allowing me to delve into specialized structural and geotechnical coursework not available at CMU.”

Justin Peng, originating from Ohio, recently completed his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and is currently pursuing his master’s. His achievements include securing the very competitive 2023 ASCE Achievement Award from the ASCE Pittsburgh Section. Peng’s awards extend to earning a Commendation for Excellence at the Thrill Design Invitational in 2022 and his team winning the TechSpark Best Design award. Beyond academics, he actively participates in extracurricular activities such as the Kiltie Band, All University Orchestra, and Science Olympiad.

Peng's interests span across construction, structural, and geotechnical engineering, and he has already secured a promising post-graduation position with BASE Engineering.

The Menard-DFI Educational Trust Award supports outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Emphasizing academic excellence and a passion for deep-foundation industries, the Trust actively seeks to empower underrepresented voices in the field. Named partly in honor of The Menard Group, this initiative embodies a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, providing invaluable financial support to deserving students beyond conventional university aid.