Today's Dreamers, Tomorrow's Leaders: CEAT's 2025 W.W. Allen Scholars

Today's Dreamers, Tomorrow's Leaders: CEAT's 2025 W.W. Allen Scholars

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT Marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | [email protected]

Camden McDonald, Piper Swain and Austin Wallick received the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology's top two prestigious scholarships.

McDonald is the 2025 W.W. Allen Boys and Girls Scholarship award recipient.

This scholarship program was designed to benefit someone who was an active member of a Boys & Girls Club while in high school and who wishes to pursue educational goals in engineering.

The recipient is awarded $15,000 annually for up to four years of study toward a degree in engineering, enrichment activities, and domestic and international travel.

Swain and Wallick are the 2025 W.W. Allen Scholarship award recipients.

The W.W. Allen Scholarship includes a cash scholarship of $10,000 annually, access to industry networking, mentorship, international travel, plus full tuition and housing to pursue a master's degree at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Camden McDonald Bartlesville, Oklahoma Aerospace Engineering 2025 W.W. Allen Boys and Girls Scholarship Award recipient

CAMDEN MCDONALD

The Boys & Girls Club has shown me that true success isn't just about personal achievements - it's about lifting others up to create a brighter future for everyone.

Volunteering in the STEM Lab at the Boys & Girls Club in Bartlesville has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I have spent countless hours striving to make a difference by tutoring and instilling confidence in the students, but I didn't anticipate how much this experience would impact me in return. Through tutoring, mentoring and building relationships at the Boys & Girls Club, I have developed a deeper commitment to continue mentoring and serving others. I will forever be grateful for these experiences and will carry the lessons learned with me throughout the rest of my life.

My goals go beyond just having a successful career - they're about giving back and making a real difference in the world. I want to use my engineering skills to inspire curiosity and help others grow, whether that's by designing cutting-edge systems at Lockheed Martin or building a community tutoring program where people can find the support and resources they need. By combining my passion for innovation with my desire to help others, I hope to leave a positive mark on my field and in the lives of the people around me.

Piper Swain Tulsa, Oklahoma Electrical Engineering 2025 w.w. Allen Scholarship Award recipient

PIPER SWAIN

As someone entering the engineering field, it is important to remember that engineering isn't only made up of degree requirements. It is about helping others, utilizing technical skills to advance society, being knowledgeable of others, being empathetic to their issues and being conscientious of your impact on the world. Engineers are entrusted with life-saving projects and are given incredible amounts of responsibility.

After gaining a foundation in the early years of my career, my goal is to implement my knowledge and experience to problem solve, becoming a practical engineer. I aim to spend the next decade or so using all that I will learn to make advancements in the industry effectively. In this way, I will make competent use of the knowledge gained by that time. I want to transition into a leadership role towards the end of those 25 years following graduation. A leadership position will allow me to use my experience to enact more considerable changes and use my expertise most beneficially. Furthermore, once I become experienced in my profession, I want to assist younger engineers as they enter the field.

As a young engineer myself, I know how encouraging and helpful it is to have professionals to speak to and take advice from. I want to become an engineer who encourages more people to enter the field, especially women like me.

Austin Wallick Burleson, Texas Aerospace Engineering 2025 W.W. Allen Scholarship Award recipient

AUSTIN WALLICK

For my entire life, I have wanted to reduce humanity's impact on the environment by minimizing the carbon footprint of the average person.

I believe that everyone has a civic duty to enact positive change, whether that be by improving another person's day through customer service or through revolutionizing the technology used on a day-to-day basis. Because the issue of global warming is urgent, I intend to advance my studies beyond obtaining a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering to ensure my readiness and credibility in the field.

Imagine a world with net-zero pollution from aircraft. The air would be cleaner, the summers and winters milder in temperature, and the gravest issue that we face today would be solved. This idealized future is where I want myself and the world to be in 25 years. I want to work as the head of aircraft design at an environmentally conscious company and to publish world-changing research.

Photos by: Kristi Wheeler

Story by: Kristi Wheeler | IMPACT Magazine