Valpo is proud to announce that Matthew Yee ’24 has been recognized as a 2024 Tau Beta Pi Laureate, a prestigious honor that highlights his exceptional accomplishments in engineering and beyond. For Matthew, the Tau Beta Pi Laureate designation is not just a recognition of his engineering achievements but a celebration of the comprehensive education he received at Valparaiso University.
As a civil engineering and music double-major, Matthew engaged deeply in both his technical studies and his lifelong passion for music, influenced by his parents, who were music educators. As he explains, “Valpo allowed me to pursue my passions for both civil engineering and music at a very high level. Although it may sound odd, I know I am a better musician for studying engineering and a better engineer for studying music.”
This philosophy aligns with Tau Beta Pi’s mission, which values not just technical prowess but also leadership, communication skills, and a broad understanding of the world.
During his time at Valpo, Matthew’s engineering education was rigorous and immersive. His senior design project, which involved redeveloping a site in Valparaiso, provided real-world experience in water resources engineering. He and his team engaged in extensive research, site visits, and collaborative planning, culminating in a comprehensive project that offered invaluable lessons in project management, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Beyond academics, Matthew’s involvement in various campus activities, including music ensembles and leadership roles in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, enriched his college experience. These extracurriculars allowed him to apply the collaborative skills he honed in engineering to different contexts, reinforcing the idea that engineers must be adaptable, creative, and well-rounded.
As Matthew reflects on his time at Valpo, he expresses deep gratitude to the faculty who supported his dual passions. “I would like to thank Dean Doug Tougaw [Ph.D., P.E., ’05 MBA], Stacy Maugans [D.M.], Jeffrey Doebler [’87, Ph.D.], and all the professors and staff of the engineering and music departments for their undeniable dedication to students. Although I may be working as a professional musician, I will undoubtedly find an outlet to be an engineer in the future. I am incredibly proud and honored to represent the Valparaiso University College of Engineering and the Indiana Delta Chapter as a 2024 Tau Beta Pi Laureate,” Matthew exclaims.
We are incredibly proud of you, Matthew! Keep shining bright in every direction.
