Valero’s lasting partnership fuels success for engineering students

In 2009, Valero pledged $1 million to endow the Valero Scholarship in Engineering at Lamar University. Since its creation, 153 students have received the award, with $641,135 distributed to engineering students to date.

Valero's commitment to supporting future engineers continues to make an impact-both financially and through mentorship opportunities that connect students with industry professionals.

"The Valero Scholarship has made a huge difference for me as a mechanical engineering major," Felipe Garza, a senior at Lamar University said. "It helped take some of the financial pressure off, which meant I didn't have to worry as much about working extra hours to cover expenses. That gave me more time to focus on my classes, labs, senior design, and getting involved on campus."

Garza said the scholarship also allowed him to take on leadership roles and more demanding coursework.

"It has given me the breathing room to take on more challenging courses and explore opportunities outside the classroom, which has helped me grow both academically and personally," he said.

Valero's generosity extends beyond scholarships. Through events such as the annual Valero Scholarship Luncheon, students meet Valero employees and Lamar alumni now working in the energy industry.

"Companies like Valero are truly making a lasting impact on the lives of our students-past, present, and future," Haylee Burke, director of industrial partnerships and cooperative education for Lamar's College of Engineering said. "At the recent Valero Scholarship Luncheon, it was inspiring to see alumni-now thriving in their careers at Valero-come back to engage with our current students. It was a powerful full-circle moment that underscored the real-world impact of their support."

Valero also provides internship and co-op positions for students pursuing real-world experience. These roles allow engineering majors to gain hands-on training, mentorship and professional development.

"I've had the opportunity to intern and co-op part-time with Valero at their Port Arthur refinery," Trey Tolar, a senior electrical engineering student and Valero scholar said. "I'm currently in my fifth term with Valero, and each rotation has given me the chance to gain hands-on experience with different technologies and a great mentorship program that's helped me grow professionally."

Many of these students connect with Valero through the university's Engineering Career Fair, where company representatives, often LU alumni, interview the next generation of engineers.

"The career fair ultimately connected me to Valero, where I started as an intern and then transitioned into full-time work," Joshua Theriac, LU alumnus and associate mechanical engineer at Valero's Port Arthur refinery said.

Valero employs numerous Lamar graduates at its 15 petroleum refineries, 12 ethanol plants and two low-carbon fuel plants.

"I started my first internship at Valero in 2022, and I've been working there ever since," Ngoc Phan, LU alumnus and associate process engineer at Valero's Port Arthur refinery said. "I never felt the need to explore other companies because I felt challenged, supported and valued from my very first day."

For many Lamar graduates, Valero's company culture is a major reason to stay.

"Valero's commitment to excellence, culture of teamwork and dedication to the community align with my own values," Theriac said. "It felt like the right fit from the start."

Valero's guiding principles-safety, environment and community-continue to drive its partnership with Lamar University.

"Valero is committed to doing the right thing, whether that's supporting communities, protecting the environment, or providing energy people rely on," Theriac said. "We strive to deliver our best every day, and that sense of responsibility makes me proud to wear the Valero name."

"I am proud to work at Valero because the company really emphasizes a 'care culture,'" Phan added. "This attitude is reflected in our collaboration, the support we receive during challenging times and our commitment to giving back to the community."

Lamar University's College of Engineering values its long-standing partnership with Valero, which provides scholarships, career opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences for students.

"Every day brings a new challenge, and I get to work alongside some of the best people in the industry," Theriac said.

To learn more about Valero, visit valero.com.

To learn more about engineering at Lamar University, visit lamar.edu/engineering