The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded 20 $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing fluid power related fields of study.
A minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, 500-word essay, and letter of recommendation were required from each applicant. The NFPA Foundation’s goal is to help graduating high school students, and individuals enrolled in community colleges, technical schools and universities pursue their academic interests in fluid power.
The following students were awarded a $2,000 Fluid Power Scholarship:
- Adam Kaszok, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Ailey Smith, University of Florida
- Anna Aler, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Athena Shier, University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Austin Hinkley, University of Michigan
- Bryson Love, South Dakota State University
- Christian Fain, Auburn University
- Colin Willits, University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Ethan Wang, Colorado University-Boulder
- Evan Garner, Ohio State University
- James Meggitt, Iowa State University
- Kaden Semlow, Cedarville University
- Kaedyn Peterson-Rucker, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Robert Mackey Memorial Award)
- Kayden Brant, Brigham Young University (Raymond F. Hanley Memorial Award)
- Michael Castiglia, University of Central Florida
- Nicole Wu, Ohlone College
- Sarah Witte, University of Arizona
Thomas Wanke was a monumental figure in fluid power, active for more than 50 years and influencing generations of fluid power engineers through his work at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, its Fluid Power Institute, and with the National Fluid Power Association. To ensure that his positive impact on fluid power education continues to be felt, the NFPA Education and Technology Foundation administers the Tom Wanke Legacy Fund.
To honor his memory, the following students were selected to receive a $2,000 Tom Wanke Legacy Fund Award:
- Emily Bolin, Grace College
- Evan Fender, Wright State University
- Riley Mack, Garden City Community College
We want to thank the NFPA Scholarship Review Committee: Bill Haley of FORCE America, BJ Wagner of the International Fluid Power Society, Bob Hammond of Deltrol Fluid Products, Brittany Kulka of Husco, Bradlee Dittmer of IMI Norgren, Caleb Vickers of Power Systems, Inc. of Florida, Charles Werdehoff of IMI Norgren, Charles DiVincenzo of Bucher Hydraulics, Daniel Hurst of SKF USA, Edgar Torres of Bucher Hydraulics, Frank Langro of Festo, Gabriel Schatko of Exotic Automation & Supply, Greg Johnson of Hydra-Power Systems, Holden Galvan of Permco, John Falcon of ROSS Controls, Jonathan Steigerwald of Gates, Jose Solorio Cervantes of Parker Hannifin, Josh Scarbrough of IFP Motion Solutions Inc., Jyotsna Phadke of Vestas, Karen Carroll of ROSS Controls, Michael Cook of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Mike Betz of Danfoss, Neil Ferguson of SPX FLOW, Robby Haun of Festo, Rowan Leehue of McElroy Manufacturing, Spencer Tiegs of Milwaukee Tool, Steve Downey of Hydraulex, Thomas Blansett of the International Fluid Power Society, and Tom Peterson of Husco.
Many of these students will be seeking internships or full-time jobs in the future, so please keep them in mind for your hiring needs. Watch for future NFPA News articles, where we will highlight the accomplishments of each applicant.
If you would like to be a judge for next year’s NFPA scholarship programs, please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com.
Like this post? Share it!
Recent Posts
AI and Fluid Power Manufacturing Applications + Mini Survey #3
NFPA members will get the opportunity to learn about AI from Mike Marks of Indian River Consulting Group, who will be leading an interactive workshop titled Application of AI Technologies to Industrial Companies at the NFPA 2024 Industry & Economic Outlook Conference – Register Now! By Mike MarksIndian River Consulting Group Manufacturers and distributors have…
NAM Regulatory Update: Manufacturers Launch “Manufacturing Wins” Campaign to Prevent Devastating Tax Increases in 2025
As part of an effort to bring more information about the regulatory and legal environment facing American manufacturers, NFPA is monitoring the newsfeed of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and will be bringing important updates like this to the attention of NFPA members. The National Association of Manufacturers has launched an industry-wide effort to…
2024 NFPA Robotics Challenge Scholarship Winner Announced
Evan Tan of Conway, AR is the winner of the 2024 NFPA Robotics Challenge Scholarship. The scholarship program received strong applications from students across the country who used pneumatics in high school robotics competitions. This scholarship program helps build awareness of fluid power benefits and careers among high school students. The scholarship awards $30,000 ($7,500…