In recognition of Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Professor Emeritus Wally Peters’ contributions and commitment to students’ personal and professional growth, the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing has started the Dr. Wally Peters Scholarship Endowment Fund.
The scholarship, initiated by alumni Rounette Nader and Charles Siegling III, who both graduated in 1992 with bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering, has inspired a collaborative effort to fund the endowment. Former students, colleagues and faculty have joined forces, and Nader and Siegling are eager to see the growing support from fellow alumni to expand the endowment in the years ahead.
“We feel like Wally’s legacy should be celebrated at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing,” Nader says. “Wally leaves an impression on everyone he teaches. For those who won’t have the privilege of experiencing a Dr. Peters class, this endowment fund will provide the opportunity for those students to learn about what Wally meant to the college for so many years.”
The scholarship will be awarded to mechanical engineering students who will be known as “Wally’s Scholars.” Recipients will embody the same passion, curiosity and dedication that Peters instilled in all his students.
“Dr. Peters taught us we could have a professional relationship with a professor. He invited us to his home for the annual ‘WallyWorld’ pig roast where we interacted with other professors outside the classroom,” Nader says.
Aside from his teaching, Peters was known as a mentor, guide and encourager. He was the sponsor for the college’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and always provided opportunities outside the classroom.
“He took us to the ASME conference each year. This taught us how to conduct ourselves at a professional conference. He also gave us the opportunity to write a paper and make a presentation,” Nader says. “We attend many conferences in our professional career, but it all started with ASME conferences as 20-year-olds.”
Peters earned his Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from Virginia Tech before serving as a visiting professor for one year at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials in Germany. After returning to Virginia Tech as an assistant professor for two years, he began teaching at the University of South Carolina in 1980. During his time at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, he received the Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Award in 1997 and Amoco Teaching Award in 2002. His research interests include complex systems, sustainable design and industrial ecology.
“It is hard to put into words the influence Dr. Peters had on us as students and emerging professionals,” Nader says. “The college wasn’t only where we learned inside the classroom, it was also our social life. We studied and hung out with fellow engineering students. Wally fostered the closeness we had by providing opportunities for us to spend time together outside the classroom. And he let us know the college cared about us as people. That is the best lesson anyone can give.”
Donate to the Dr. Wally Peters Scholarship Endowment Fund.