My civil engineering undergraduate degree from Texas A&M set me on the path to achieve those goals. I am grateful to those who funded the scholarships that enabled me to earn my initial degree.
Wanting to transport students to academic success, Dr. Kay Fitzpatrick ’83 established the Kay Fitzpatrick ’83 Endowed Scholarship to help undergraduates in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering who face financial burdens on their journey to graduation.
While looking at universities to further her education, Fitzpatrick knew that Texas A&M would provide her with the flexibility to explore different academic routes and career options.
Despite her love for math, Fitzpatrick began her Aggie journey as a forestry major. Fitzpatrick was later convinced that she could be successful in studying engineering when her advisor recommended enrolling in engineering math, ultimately changing her career trajectory.
“His faith in my academic abilities, along with many other influential professors during my time at Texas A&M, gave me the confidence to switch to civil engineering,” said Fitzpatrick.
As anticipated, Fitzpatrick knew she had found a home in the College of Engineering after changing her major to civil engineering. As her love and knowledge of engineering quickly grew, so did her interest in transportation.
“Once in civil engineering, I realized that transportation pulled together many components of high interest to me, such as the ability to improve conditions for humans by designing and operating a safe system for moving people and goods,” said Fitzpatrick.
After graduating with her bachelor’s and master’s from Texas A&M and then her doctorate at Penn State, Fitzpatrick built a career of advancing transportation standards, practices and conditions with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.
“I sought a career where I could positively influence how we interact with our surroundings,” said Fitzpatrick.
Her hard work and diligence culminate in her accolades and projects supporting societal fundamentals – roadway and pedestrian transportation.
Now a senior research engineer and research fellow at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Fitzpatrick has overseen transformations in several national guidelines that have allowed a better society for travelers, both on and off foot.
“My civil engineering undergraduate degree from Texas A&M set me on the path to achieve those goals,” said Fitzpatrick. “I am grateful to those who funded the scholarships that enabled me to earn my initial degree.”
Endowments supporting students in the college have an immeasurable impact on their education. If you are interested in supporting the College of Engineering and its departments or would like more information on how you can give, please contact one of our development officers.