Foundation Scholarship Winners Announced
Thanks to Builders Association members and the Builders Foundation, three more students interested in construction have less financial strain when it comes to their college careers.
Erik Johnson, Kyle Johnson and Dana Wessman have been selected as the winners of 2008 Builders Foundation Scholarships. The awards are $3,000, renewable scholarships for students pursuing careers in construction. Since the Foundation was formed in 2003, eighteen students have won scholarships.
Erik Johnson is a student at the University of Illinois and is majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He graduated from East Leyden High School in 2006 and plans to graduate from U of I in 2010.
"All through my life I have been involved with and loved construction," Erik said. "From building decks and additions in the backyard to watching skyscrapers go up, I was always excited to watch or be involved.
"I want to be out in the field, directly involved with projects and in a leadership position."
Erik was a research engineer assistant for the Advanced Transportation Research and Engineering Laboratory (ATREL) in the summer of 2007. At the ATREL, Erik worked with U of I research engineer James Meister.
"Erik is an excellent worker exhibiting common sense and a drive to accomplish all tasks," Meister said. "He will make an excellent engineer."
Kyle Johnson plans to graduate from Bradley University in May of 2009. Kyle is double majoring in Construction and Civil Engineering. He graduated from Antioch Community High School in 2004.
"I would like to work for well rounded company that will allow me to both design and manage projects," Kyle said. "I would like to work in all aspects of the construction industry and work my way up in a company."
Krishnanand Y. Maillacheruvu, associate professor at Bradley, had Kyle as a student in two 300-level mechanics and engineering classes. Maillacheruvu praised Kyles ability to listen to other people’s viewpoints and use their perspective to better understand a situation.
"I expect Kyle Johnson will be very successful in his career in civil engineering and construction," Maillacheruvu said. "I also believe that he will be very successful as a leader in the community as he grows into this role in the future."
Dana Wessman is the first student from Ball State University to win the scholarship. She plans to graduate in May of 2009 with a degree in Construction Management. Dana’s enthusiasm centers on environmentalism in the construction industry. "I want to have the opportunity to learn as much as I can and make a positive impact in the construction industry," she said. "I would love to help the company that I work for attain more LEED certifications for their projects and help make their construction methods more environmentally friendly and sustainable, both areas which I feel very strongly about."
John Warner, an assistant professor at Ball State University, praised Dana for her accomplishments.
"Her individual and team efforts are excellent," Warner commented. "She is the president of the Ball State Construction Management Student Organization: no small task."
In addition to various donations from members, the Builders Foundation Annual Golf Outing is designed to generate the revenue that funds the scholarship. Participate in the 2008 Golf Outing at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington by signing up a foursome or sponsoring the event.