Recent Grad Gives Back

NC State’s Paper Science and Engineering (PSE) program is well known for training stellar scientists and engineers in the field of paper science, and equally valued by students for its small size, approach to training and personal attention. The PSE program carries much clout — and promise — in the industry with a nearly 100 percent placement rate for PSE graduates. In fact, 80 to 100 percent of graduates find themselves in the enviable position of entertaining one or more high-paying job offers while still in school.

Opportunities like these and her respect for the education she received from the College of Natural Resources inspired graduate Mary Ellen May Johnson (’06) to pledge $15,000 to the PSE program — before she graduated.

Johnson made the pledge while still a student, later obtaining a match by her employer, Sonoco Products Company, establishing the Mary Ellen May Johnson Endowed Scholarship in Paper Science and Engineering. The scholarship benefits out-of-state, incoming freshman enrolled in Paper Science and Engineering. “I enrolled in the program on a merit scholarship from the Pulp and Paper Foundation. This is my way of giving back to the university that helped set me on my current career path,” says Johnson.