The award recognizes distinction in academics, honors, activities and aspirations.
The Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering at Texas Tech University has selected Dan Beeler as the recipient of the 2015 McAuley Distinguished Engineering Student Award.
The award, provided by members of the Whitacre College of Engineering Dean's Council, is named in memory of James A. McAuley, an active member of the Dean's Council and a Texas Tech Distinguished Engineer.
Beeler beat out several other seniors for this honor and was selected because of his outstanding academic achievements, honors, activities, interests and aspirations. He has a 3.8 GPA and will graduate this month Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He will begin working with Oxy in Houston as a drilling engineer after graduation.
Beeler took advantage of internship opportunities in the oil and gas industry, one with Baker Hughes Incorporated where he worked with the drill bit sales engineering team to provide engineering support in the summer of 2013.
His second internship came in the summer of 2014 with EOG Resources as a drilling engineer intern. He was able to gain real-world experience working alongside engineers in the field, analyzing financial and technical benefits of a new two-string casing design before eventually observing its implementation.
At Texas Tech, Beeler became involved in many student organizations including Pi Tau Sigma, the mechanical engineering honor society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also was heavily involved in recruitment of future engineering students as an Engineering Ambassador.
“Being an Engineering Ambassador has not only given me the opportunity to further my own career, but to help other engineering students as well as the community,” Beeler said.
Beeler remained connected to his hometown of Cooper, Texas, by serving on the Delta Country Club Board of Directors as the co-golf course director for two years.
He attributes his collegiate success to his own hard work and dedication and to the professors in the mechanical engineering department. Their effort in mentoring and educating all students was evident to Beeler and he feels their dedication to all students' success and learning is unparalleled.