Voelker named CEAT 2024 Outstanding Senior

Friday, March 1, 2024

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu

Carson Voelker has been named the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology’s 2024 Outstanding Senior. Voelker, an architecture major, is one of 21 students named by the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association.  

The award celebrates seniors who have demonstrated exceptionalism across several different skill sets showcasing their talent and work ethic.  

Starting with a love for building Lego towers and blanket forts to a strong interest in math and science during his high school years, Voelker knew he wanted to be an architect. 

He has received many awards and acknowledgements during his CEAT career, including first place for overall integrative design, third place for lighting design and an honorable mention for planning efficiency. They were all achievements Voelker obtained within the Senior Integrative Design Studio. In the WW Steel Design Competition, he won third place. He was also named a School of Architecture Book Award Winner while being a member of the Tau Sigma Delta architecture honor society, a member of the President’s Honor Roll and a CEAT Scholar.  

Voelker has been largely involved on campus in several different capacities.  

He served as the president, vice-president, special events coordinator, and member of Architecture Students Teaching Elementary Kids organization. He has been the secretary and member of the Tau Sigma Delta architecture honor society, a head Homecoming design director, assistant Homecoming director and member of Beta Theta Pi, a CEAT Student Council Representative and First Year Class Representative for the American Institute of Architecture Students. He was a CEAT Scholar Peer Mentor, a small group leader for the Yada ministry and a small group leader for the Rooted Conference. 

Voelker’s reach has not just been at OSU. He has also been involved in the community, especially with being a member of the Architecture Students Teaching Elementary Kids organization. 

“I was able to plug into local Stillwater classrooms, teaching students about the role of architects and the value of architecture in Oklahoma,” Voelker said. “Within this program, we were able to develop virtual classes for teachers and educational pamphlets for the Stillwater Public Library during the pandemic. Alongside this, I served as a volunteer for Into the Streets and for an Architecture Career Fair.”   

Voelker gave credit to his professors in the School of Architecture.

“If it were not for the excellent faculty members ... I would not have found success at Oklahoma State. Each professor individually mentored me, pushed me further, and was a friend when needed," he said.

John Phillips, professor and interim head of OSU School of Architecture, said Voelker was a leader in his program. 

"He was always willing and eager to participate in class, discussion and volunteer situations," Phillips said.

When asked about the future, Voelker said he hopes to one day run an architecture firm that specializes in the adaptive reuse of aging and historic structures.

"Through the reuse of existing buildings, we can combat ecological and economic forces while maintaining the vibrant culture of Oklahoma’s existing communities," he said.

Voelker and the other Outstanding Seniors will be honored with a private reception on April 15, 2024, at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.