Meet the CCEE recipients of the 2025 College of Engineering Outstanding Senior Awards

Each year, the College of Engineering at NC State celebrates the remarkable achievements of its graduating seniors through the Outstanding Senior Awards—an annual tradition that highlights students who exemplify the highest ideals of the engineering profession both in and beyond the classroom. These prestigious awards recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond in four key areas: Citizenship and Service, Humanities, Leadership, and Scholarly Achievement. Selected from across the College’s departments, this year’s CCEE recipients reflect the talent, dedication, and breadth of impact that define NC State Engineers.

From championing humanitarian initiatives and advocating for their peers, to excelling in rigorous academics and engaging deeply with the arts and humanities, the students recognized this year embody what it means to be a well-rounded engineer. We are proud to introduce the 2025 Outstanding Senior Award recipients from the CCEE department—an exceptional group of individuals whose contributions will leave a lasting impression on the Wolfpack community and will undoubtedly continue to shape the world around them.

Cole Flowers – Leadership

Cole Flowers, a senior in Construction Engineering at NC State University, is an inspiring nominee for the College of Engineering’s Senior Award for Leadership. A first-generation college student and Pack Promise Scholar, Cole has channeled his personal drive and gratitude into an unwavering commitment to lead and uplift others—across student organizations, department initiatives, and industry connections.

Cole has served as president of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Student Chapter for two years, where he has guided peers in applying classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Under his leadership, the chapter thrived—expanding professional development opportunities, building industry relationships, and representing NC State at national conferences. He also played a key role in mentoring students and strengthening the department’s presence at American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) competitions, ensuring teams were equipped and encouraged to perform at their best.

Beyond technical clubs, Cole embodies leadership in community-building and departmental engagement. He has served as a CCEE Ambassador, represented the department in university-wide fundraising through Shack-a-thon, and organized the annual CCEE Golf Tournament. In every role, Cole focuses on fostering inclusivity, morale, and opportunity—qualities he believes are foundational to meaningful leadership.

Cole’s leadership style reflects humility, perseverance, and a genuine desire to empower those around him. He credits his peers, professors, and mentors for shaping his journey and remains committed to leading by example—through listening, lifting others up, and always stepping forward when it matters most. His far-reaching impact and continued advocacy for fellow students make him an exceptional candidate for this distinguished award.

Ellen Benitez – Citizenship and Service

Ellen Benitez, a standout senior in NC State’s Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, exemplifies the spirit of service, advocacy, and leadership recognized by the College of Engineering’s Senior Award for Citizenship and Service. A first-generation college student and recipient of the prestigious Goodnight Scholarship, Ellen’s commitment to community impact is woven throughout her academic and professional journey.

As a STEM Coach through the Goodnight Scholars Program, Ellen brings science to life for local elementary and middle school students, sparking curiosity and encouraging pathways to higher education—particularly among underrepresented youth. Her work with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers as Corporate Sponsorship Chair furthers this mission, organizing career fairs and school visits that promote college access for Hispanic students and build inclusive engineering communities on campus.

Ellen’s service extends beyond North Carolina. She participated in an environmental conservation trip to Puerto Rico in 2023, then returned the following year as a trip leader. There, she helped with hurricane relief, national park restoration, and senior food services—all while learning and honoring Puerto Rican culture. These experiences expanded her understanding of how infrastructure impacts equity and access, inspiring her long-term vision to create a nonprofit organization that addresses poor infrastructure in underserved communities.

Whether designing stormwater systems during her internship or mentoring future engineers, Ellen is using her education to uplift others. Her exceptional service record, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity make her an outstanding nominee for this award.

Madeline Nusbaum – Humanities

Madeline Nusbaum, a senior earning dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Philosophy from NC State University, is a model nominee for the Engineering Senior Award for the Humanities. Her academic journey is a testament to intellectual breadth, interdisciplinary curiosity, and a deeply human-centered approach to engineering.

Madeline has pursued a liberal education not as a complement, but as an essential counterpart to her technical studies. As a Benjamin Franklin Scholar and active member of the University Honors and Scholars Program, she has immersed herself in coursework and experiences that bridge engineering with the social sciences, arts, and ethics. She even chose to study art, history, and Italian culture in Florence during a summer abroad—courses that were not required for her degrees, but fueled her personal growth and global perspective.

Her commitment to integrating technical expertise with social impact is further demonstrated through her leadership role in Engineers Without Borders. As a sub-team leader, she helps develop sustainable, community-driven infrastructure solutions—embodying both the practical rigor of engineering and the empathetic vision of the humanities.

Madeline also brings this holistic mindset into her everyday life: tutoring students, working in hospitality, and building strong peer communities through Chi Omega and the NC State Sailing Team. In every setting, she seeks to grow as a well-rounded thinker and citizen, someone who can design not only for systems, but for people.

With her dual pursuit of engineering excellence and humanistic inquiry, Madeline represents the very spirit of this award—proving that technical innovation is most powerful when guided by a broad, ethical, and culturally aware perspective.

Dawson Payne – Scholarly Achievement

Dawson Payne, a senior in Construction Engineering at NC State University, is an exemplary nominee for the College of Engineering’s Senior Award for Scholarly Achievement. With a perfect 4.0 GPA and a reputation for hard work and humility, Dawson’s approach to service is grounded in collaboration, leadership, and a deep sense of gratitude.

Throughout his time at NC State, Dawson has shown a consistent commitment to giving back and fostering community, both on and off campus. He has been an active member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Student Chapter and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), where he not only built strong peer relationships but also applied his academic knowledge to solve real-world challenges through teamwork and innovation. These experiences, he notes, allowed him to engage with professionals across the globe, expanding his perspective and deepening his sense of civic responsibility.

Dawson’s internships with Glenco Construction and Lithko Contracting further illustrate his dedication to using engineering to serve others. From quality control on residential builds to ensuring safety on large-scale warehouse projects, he consistently demonstrates a passion for infrastructure that serves communities effectively and responsibly.

He attributes much of his growth to the guidance of mentors, professors, and peers—a community he now works to uplift in return. Dawson exemplifies servant leadership: humble, hardworking, and always ready to support others in their success. His service mindset and technical excellence make him a powerful representative of the values honored by this award.