A Family Legacy in Engineering Continues at NC State

March 24, 2026 Niki Jennings 3-min. read

adult college alumni men in suits pose with college wolf mascots

When Scott Walston (MSE B.S. ‘86) first toured NC State as a high school senior, he was no stranger to the field of Materials Science and Engineering. “I liked to think about what things were made of and the microscopic details of materials,” he said. He had grown up around engineering thanks to his father, a professor of mechanical engineering, and he wasn’t entirely sure where his career path would lead. But after visiting several universities along the East Coast, it was NC State’s welcoming feel — and a roommate connection — that sealed his decision. “NC State felt right from the beginning.”

His interest in understanding matter from the ground up led him to study Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), a field that develops materials that power everything from jet engines to biomedical devices. A conversation with Professor Rick Porter during his undergraduate years shaped his decision to pursue a Ph.D. and a lifelong career in the field. “He guided me through choices and possibilities. Those talks were pivotal,” Scott said.

That foundation led Scott through a successful career working in industrial research and university collaborations. He credits NC State’s practical, problem-solving approach to engineering for preparing him to take on real-world challenges. “I’ve worked with many universities on research and recruiting, and NC State prepares its students as well as any I’ve seen,” he said.

Today, the Walston family’s connection to campus extends to a new generation. Their daughter, now a freshman studying biological sciences, has helped the family stay close to Raleigh — and to the Wolfpack. Scott still remembers the excitement of watching NC State basketball win the NCAA championship during his freshman year. “Those experiences build lasting ties,” he recalled with a smile. He even had the fortune of meeting legendary men’s basketball coach Jim Valvano and helping rally student support to keep the tradition of camping out on Miller Field for front-row tickets.

That sense of community and shared purpose inspired Scott and his wife Christine, who also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in materials science and engineering, to create the Walston Family MSE Scholarship Endowment. “We met while working in the field and both love the technology,” he said. “Supporting a scholarship in MSE was the natural choice.”

adult college alumni men in suits holding awards pose with college wolf mascots — From left, Professor Collazo, Scott Walston and Professor Zhang join MSE Department Head Donald Brenner and Mr. and Mrs. Wuf at the 2024 MSE Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Photo by Charlie Dickens.

The endowment combines a permanent fund with a current-use gift, allowing immediate impact for students while ensuring long-term support. “I like that it helps students right away and will continue to do so for years to come,” he said.

For Scott, giving back is about sustaining a department that shaped his life and career while helping attract new students to a smaller but vital engineering field. “Once students learn about materials, they tend to stay in the field,” he said. “Hopefully this scholarship helps them focus on their studies and opportunities rather than financial concerns.”

To fellow alumni considering a Day of Giving contribution, Scott keeps his advice simple: “Any amount can make a difference. I started with small annual gifts before being able to fund a scholarship. NC State makes it easy and meaningful to give back.

NC State Day of Giving takes place Wednesday, March 25, 2026, as a 24-hour event themed “Make Your Mark.” It unites alumni, students, faculty and friends to fund scholarships, programs and research through online gifts, donor challenges and department competitions. The Walston family gift reflects that call to action.

This post was originally published in Department of Materials Science and Engineering.