Triple Success at MCC: Triplets Prepare for Big College Dream
By Emeri S. Drewry, April 23, 2025
For triplets Mason, Brady, and Grace Vanek, education has always been a shared journey. Growing up in the small town of Crawford, Texas, they supported each other through school and dreamed of attending the University of Texas (UT). With tuition and fees at UT out of reach, the Vanek’s chose 色播五月 (MCC) as their first step toward higher education. Drawn by its affordability, convenient location and strong programs in veterinary technology and engineering, the decision was also influenced by their parents—both MCC alumni. Grace is pursuing an associate degree in veterinary technology, while Mason and Brady are working toward associate degrees in mechanical engineering.
“Something unique about Grace is she likes animals more than anyone I know, so this program is perfect for her,” Brady said of his sister’s passion.
Mason and Brady credit shared influences and a love of science for their interest in engineering. Both are active members of NASA Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovative New Designs for Space, or NASA MINDS. The student organization provides hands-on learning, serving as a foundation for a STEM workforce through technological innovations at the college level.
Initially volunteering, the brothers now earn course credit for their work. As part of a project in the group, the team has built three prototypes focused on solar panel applications, using materials like transparent indium tin oxide and exploring 3D printing and metal deposition techniques.
“The skills you gain [in NASA MINDS] depend on your project and research, but we chose a project that required a large amount of fundamental and theoretical electrical knowledge,” Brady explained. Mason added, “It’s not a realistic option for me to go to a massive school and have a good shot at participating in research, it's something that would be a cool bonus, but here at MCC it’s a realistic option.”
In a standout performance, MCC students earned top honors in the NASA MINDS competition, becoming the only two-year college amongst the overall winners. MCC placed 1st in Research Poster, 2nd overall in Build, Design, and Demonstration, 3rd in technical paper and earned 2nd overall team.
The Vaneks describe MCC as a college with a personable campus culture, small class sizes and hands-on learning. They see the key strengths as having supportive professors, numerous opportunities to get involved in student organizations and access to academic development workshops.
“At a four-year university, you may feel like you’re just a number,” Grace said. She highlighted the close relationships students build with faculty. “Veterinary technology students get to know the professors on a personal level—unlike the typical student-professor dynamic,” she said. Mason echoed her sentiment, saying, his core class experiences have been complete with many passionate professors who teach wonderful classes.
The triplets are also part of the prestigious Presidential Scholars Program. This program covers tuition, fees, and books for four semesters and offers students the chance to connect with college and community leaders. Those selected volunteer monthly, take part in educational trips, and belong to a supportive group of like minded students. For Brady, this scholarship has been instrumental.
“The Presidential Scholarship enabled me to leave my job and focus on our NASA MINDS project,” he said.
“Here at MCC, you get out what you put in’, ‘if you would’ve told me a year ago that we’d be doing this [Presidential Scholars, and NASA MINDS], I would’ve thought you were joking,” Mason said.
The siblings say MCC has set them up for academic success. “At MCC, I’m given a chance to get my feet under me and learn the ropes of college instead of having to figure out a four-year institution immediately after high school,” Grace said.
“I advised the triplets to ensure that the choices they make will position them best to be admitted into their desired programs at UT and to research the scholarships available,” MCC President Dr. Johnette McKown said.
As for attending UT in the future, Mason and Brady said, “We love Texas, it represents a lot to be prepared through our time at MCC to transfer to UT, the flagship school of Texas.”
Determined to make their dreams a reality, the Vaneks are making the most of their time at MCC and remain focused on their academic goals. Mason has applied to UT’s aerospace engineering program and Brady has applied to the mechanical engineering programs at UT, Texas Tech, and Baylor University. Grace plans to transfer to either Tarleton State University-Stephenville or UT next fall.