Meet Fluid Power Scholarship Winners

Programs like the Fluid Power Scholarships are made possible in part by the generous support of industry volunteers as well as NFPA Education and Technology Foundation and Pascal Society donors. Support these efforts by making a donation.

The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded nineteen $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing fluid power technology fields of study.

Here’s one of the winners, Wyatt Morlan. Wyatt is attending Spokane Community College. We asked Wyatt about winning the scholarship…

What does winning a Fluid Power Scholarship mean to you?
Getting this Scholarship is an honor. I know other capable Fluid Power students probably applied for this scholarship, so the fact that I was chosen makes me even more grateful. Also, with this scholarship, I am able to move forward with buying the necessary tools that I need for my second year in the Fluid Power Program here at Spokane Community College (SCC).

Why did you choose to learn about fluid power?
To be honest, I was looking at many different trades that SCC offers, and I decided to take a couple of days to shadow the Fluid Power Program. During those two days of shadowing, I discovered that I was interested in almost every aspect of Fluid Power. There are so many different avenues that a person can take with respect to the careers within this industry. Fluid power is very diverse. While one person might choose to take the avenue of repairing hydraulic equipment, another might choose to sell the equipment themselves, and another could choose to design the equipment.

What are your career aspirations? What type of fluid power job do you hope to get after you graduate?
My career aspirations are to become a Regional Sales Manager for a Fluid Power Company. I know after I graduate though, I will be starting at an entry-level position and hope to work my way up in the company by showing them my hard work and dedication. I am currently working at Wagstaff as a Fluid Power Specialist Intern and am excited for the hands-on learning and experiences I will be gaining there.

Another scholarship winner is Paul Schlotman. Paul is attending South Dakota State University. We asked Paul about winning the scholarship…

What does winning a Fluid Power Scholarship mean to you?
Winning this scholarship is a blessing to me providing the funding I need to complete my college degree. I also consider this scholarship to be a great honor recognizing my educational pursuit of fluid power. This award will distinguish me as a prestigious engineer in the fluid power field for my future career to come.

Why did you choose to learn about fluid power?
I choose to learn about fluid power so I could understand the power system that operates the vast majority of the agricultural equipment I design. Upon taking a course in fluid power, I have not only learned the fundamentals but have gotten a grasp of the vast potential available with fluid power technology. I am thankful I have chosen to learn about fluid power because I have discovered a great interest in continuing to advance my skills in hydraulics and electro-hydraulic design.

What are your career aspirations? What type of fluid power job do you hope to get after you graduate?
My career passion revolves around helping farmers get more done with less. I believe electro-hydraulics in new ag technologies will be a major key in pursuing my passion. I plan to become an engineer for these hydraulic systems to maximize our capabilities. My long-term goals include becoming a manager of engineering at a company that embraces my core values. This is where I will use my skills of fluid power and technology to lead others in stewarding the future of agriculture.