Veterans scholarship helps marine explore engineering passion

Read the full story by Syl Kacapyr in Around Cornell.

Katherine Ruelan ’27 is the first recipient of the Cornell Veterans Engineering Scholarship, which was established in 2023 by Gordie Vap ’96, M.Eng. ’97, and Tracy Vap ’96.

Ruelan is approaching her time at Cornell with the same determination that carried her through the Marine Corps. Thanks to the scholarship, she feels welcomed and encouraged.

“Oftentimes as a non-traditional student you can feel out of place, but the scholarship is a reminder that you do have a place here, and there are people that are rooting for you and willing to support you in that journey,” Ruelan said. “It's really validating.”