University of Dayton chemical engineering student Lizzie Schloss was recently awarded a scholarship from Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, for her high scholarship, campus leadership, service and promise of future contributions to the engineering profession.
Tau Beta Pi is the world’s largest engineering society. Membership represents the highest honor to be obtained by an engineering student and is awarded on the basis of high scholarship and exemplary character. The scholarship is given to senior Tau Beta Pi members to support their senior year of college.
Schloss was first invited to join Tau Beta Pi as a second-year student, an opportunity only possible due to her elevated academic status as a junior at that time. Now, as the vice president of the University of Dayton Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, Schloss is grateful for the opportunities Tau Beta Pi has given her. She says she has loved her time in Tau Beta Pi.
“It's really made me more confident in myself, and has also prepared me a lot for entering the workforce and for securing a job offer,” Schloss said.
Schloss says she is very proud of being a member of the executive team, but is especially proud of her contribution to the organization’s Instagram page and how she has boosted awareness of Dayton’s chapter, with her accomplishment being recognized at a recent national conference hosted by Tau Beta Pi.
Outside of Tau Beta Pi, Schloss is also a member of Omega Chi Epsilon, the national honor society for chemical engineering students and the Society of Women Engineers. Additionally, Schloss uses her skills as an engineer to help other students as a teaching assistant for Calculus I and as a Math Help Center tutor.
Schloss cites University of Dayton School of Engineering faculty and professors as having the biggest impact on her as a student and as an engineer.
“The faculty is always very open to helping, and they really get to know each of the students.”
She talked of one professor, Dr. Tony Saliba, who wrote her letter of recommendation to Tau Beta Pi.
“He has always been willing to talk with me about my career goals, and his encouragement and support have helped give me the confidence to pursue my goals and ultimately secure my full-time offer in Fabric and Home Care Research & Development at P&G," Schloss said. “Faculty really want you to put your best foot forward after college.”
Through Tau Beta Pi and her experiences at Dayton, Schloss has found confidence, community and the skills to prepare her to successfully move into the professional sphere after graduation.