Academics and Interests Build Scholarship Students

 

Senior civil engineering major Blane Cowley has a focused approach to his studies but still enjoys a well-rounded life. That’s why he was glad to pursue his degree at the University of Wyoming, to attend the school where his parents studied, and to enjoy four seasons of outdoor recreation.

Receiving a UWAA Junior-Senior scholarship allows Cowley to dedicate his school year exclusively to his studies and to work in the summers to save up money for the year.

“This financial aid will support me by helping me pay for tuition, other fees, and books, all while remaining dedicated to my studies,” Cowley says.

Cowley had a head start on his degree program when he entered UW with 20 credit hours of basic courses. Upper division courses started getting difficult. “They were more specialized and interesting, with challenging homework projects.”

Cowley says civil engineering was a natural choice because that’s his father’s occupation. Scott Cowley is part owner of the consulting engineering firm AVI. “I was never pressured about engineering or felt I had to do it, but I’m good with math and always liked what he did, so I pursued it,” Cowley says.

Cowley spent part of his summer in an internship with AVI, working on a surveying crew and getting experience using the software and learning how proposals are prepared. Completing a few academic requirements earned him elective course credit for the internship.

Cowley says that after graduation he would like to find a job for a private consulting firm in Wyoming or a neighboring state. “Eventually after working under a licensed engineer, I would like to take the P.E. exam to get my professional license. I am so grateful for the experiences and education that I have received thus far from the university,” Cowley says.

Cowley enjoys recreational sports as a break from his studies. He also likes getting outdoors, in all seasons. “I like hunting in fall, skiing in winter. Then spring is for fishing, summer is for boating. I wouldn’t say I’m great at anything but I’m good at a lot of things. That’s what makes me unique,” Cowley says.

For 2018-19, the UWAA has awarded scholarships valued at approximately $217,000. See uwyo.edu/alumni/scholarships for the full list of 2018-19 UWAA scholarship recipients.