Two undergraduate studying mechanical engineering were awarded with 2024 McAllister Leadership Scholarships.

Aidan Pierce is a senior in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a member of the Corps of Cadets, the Army ROTC, and the National Society for Leadership and Success. His love of automobile racing led him to his major, where he has pursued deeper knowledge in building machines. He intends to continue serving in the US Army and use the skills he has learned to help build the machines of tomorrow.

Also receiving a scholarship was Jackson Shumaker, a sophomore in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is a member of the Corps of Cadets. He chose his path of study because he finds technical systems fascinating. His ultimate goal is to become a submarine officer in the US Navy.

The William C. McAllister Leadership Scholarship benefits undergraduate engineering students at Virginia Tech with awards to support their education ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 per year. Scholarship preference is given, but not limited to, students in the Corp of Cadets and is awarded to students based on superior intellectual promise and academic performance, demonstrated leadership ability, and personal character. Recipients are required to exhibit a strong commitment to leadership.

All recipients were recognized in a ceremony with McAllister and other guests on Friday, October 18, 2024.