Vincenzo Mina, a civil engineering senior in Marian University’s E.S. Witchger School of Engineering and a member of the Class of 2026, has made program history by becoming the first civil engineering student at Witchger to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
The FE exam is widely recognized as the first critical step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and is designed for students nearing completion of an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program.
“Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first and critical step to becoming a licensed professional engineer,” said Daba Gedafa, Ph.D., dean of the E.S. Witchger School of Engineering. “Professional licensure offers many opportunities, including a competitive advantage in the job market, the ability to start your own company, and the ability to make a difference by signing and sealing design documents.”
Raised on the south side of Indianapolis, Mina is a Roncalli High School graduate who chose civil engineering because of its tangible impact on communities.
“I love seeing construction projects move from design to reality and knowing they positively affect the places where people live, work, and enjoy life.”
Mina credits the E.S. Witchger School of Engineering with shaping him into the engineer he is today, citing close relationships with faculty, a collaborative learning environment, and strong connections to local engineering firms that provided meaningful hands-on experience before graduation.
Following graduation in May, Mina will relocate to Charleston, South Carolina, where he will begin his career as a Land Development Engineer, designing projects across the city and surrounding communities.
Reflecting on his Marian experience, Mina says his education prepared him not only for professional success but also for personal growth.
“My education at Marian has helped me become a well-rounded young professional ready to enter the workforce with confidence,” he said. “Most importantly, my time at Marian helped me grow deeper in my faith and strengthen my relationship with God.”
Vincenzo Mina’s achievement underscores Marian University’s commitment to preparing engineering graduates for professional licensure, leadership, and service, thereby advancing both the university's mission and the future of the engineering profession.