Dustin Arvola

Dustin Arvola, Trine sophomore mechanical engineering

Dustin Arvola, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Churubusco, is proud of Trine′s reputation for developing strong engineers and he′s intent on doing what he can to up the ante.

"It motivates me to be the best student and citizen that I can be to prove that Trine engineers are the most desirable asset any company can invest in," he said.

The engineering department′s closeness and professionalism, teamed with the fact that classes are "preparing you for life," are the characteristics that Arvola appreciates at Trine.

He said he was influenced by a professor in calculus who stressed a couple weeks before finals that all the hard work students put into college will pay off. He encouraged students to not give up because they had already come so far, Arvola recalled.

While Arvola takes his studies seriously – he′s been on the President′s List for fall 2011 and spring 2012 and participated in a wind turbine project – he also makes time to get involved on campus. He participates in intramural flag football, Christian Campus House, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Delta Chi and Math Club. And, he appreciates that the size of Trine′s campus allows for a close–knit community between faculty and students.

"Here, students can put forth their best effort and be recognized for their hard work," he said. "Campus life is what college is all about. It forms you into someone you never thought you could be and challenges you to do things that you once believed to be impossible."