W&L’s Nick St. Pierre ’21 Earns Prestigious SMART Scholarship The scholarship will cover his remaining undergraduate tuition, a stipend, summer internships and then a job upon graduation.

By Erica Turman
May 1, 2019

Nick St. Pierre ’21, a sophomore at Washington and Lee University, has won a SMART Scholarship (Science, Math & Research Transformation) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. St. Pierre is majoring in engineering and is a computer science minor.

The scholarship will cover his remaining undergraduate tuition, a stipend, summer internships and then a job upon graduation. St. Pierre’s will join the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center in Michigan will work on a topic involving computer science and computer engineering. He is also eligible to apply for an additional SMART scholarship if he chooses to earn a graduate degree.

“Since arriving at W&L about two years ago, I can confirm the academic rigor of the university, as it has allowed me to push myself academically, athletically and socially,” said St. Pierre. “The wonderful faculty in the physic and engineering department have enabled my curiosity, which I hope to capitalize on and grow through this opportunity. Washington and Lee has prepared me for this opportunity by surrounding me with students who share the same work ethic and drive for success.”

The SMART Scholarship appealed to St. Pierre because he has family ties to the armed forces. He also has friends and former classmates who are currently enrolled in active duty service.

“It truly means so much to have received this award,” St. Pierre said. “I hope this will provide a great basis for my career path in the defense industry.”