Over the past several years, the Builders Exchange Foundation has enjoyed a groundswell of support, coming from members looking to honor individuals who have been instrumental in shaping our industry. Each year, a reception honoring the scholarship recipients draws some very special industry icons to the BX to share in the celebration.
To find out how you can establish a named scholarship, contact Mary Tebeau at the BX, 614.486.9521 x234.
This scholarship will be awarded for the first time in 2024.
Anderson Concrete Corporation established the Ralph "Andy" W. Anderson scholarship in 2023 to honor his memory of more than 50 years of service to the family businesses.
With Cathy (right) is the 2023 winner of the Cathy Blackford Scholarship, Ernest Smoot, a construction systems management major at The Ohio State University.
In 2015, long-time Builders Exchange Executive Director, Cathy Blackford was honored when past and current board and staff members created a perpetual scholarship in her name through the BX Foundation. Cathy was instrumental in helping to create the Builders Exchange Foundation, which continues to support expanded efforts in construction workforce development.
In 2023 winner of the cHc Manufacturing Scholarship, Jonathan Lossing (center), a mechanical engineering major at Ohio Northern University is with Greg Sparks (left) and Chuck Montgomery (cHc Manufacturing, Inc.).
President of cHc Manufacturing, Pat McLaughlin, is a member of the Builders Exchange Foundation board of directors, and is also a past president of the board of Allied Construction Industries and the Spirit of Construction Foundation in Cincinnati. Pat has long supported the mission of workforce development in Ohio, and his firm is demonstrating that belief through this scholarship.
The 2023 winner of the Roger Allen Carper, Sr. Scholarship Caiden Castle (left), a civil engineering major at Columbus State Community College is with Natalie Carper (Boss Excavating & Grading, Inc.).
The Roger Allen Carper, Sr. Scholarship was created in 2015 to honor his memory. Roger Sr. spent his career in construction – starting as a laborer, and working his way up to head estimator and eventually owner of his own excavating and grading company. Today, the company, Boss Excavating & Grading, Inc. has 25 employees, including Carper’s children – who want to pass on their father’s legacy through this scholarship.
With Kathy Gatterdam (ReadingRock + CCL) (left) is the 2023 winner of the Columbus Coal & Lime Scholarship, Frances Bonte, a materials science & engineering major at Case Western Reserve University.
In 2015, co-owner Katherine Gatterdam created the Columbus Coal & Lime Scholarship. The Columbus Coal & Lime Co., founded in 1888, has been a long-time BX member. Now under the leadership of a fifth generation, Kathy - and the company - have long supported the mission of workforce development in Ohio and is continuing to demonstrate that belief through the creation of this scholarship.
The 2022 winner of the Construction Leadership Circle Scholarship Nicholas Garcia (left), an engineering major at the University of Cincinnati, is pictured with Mary Tebeau, BX Executive Director.
In 2012, a number of BX members who have served on the Exchange board of directors endowed a new, named fund scholarship to the Builders Exchange Foundation. For these past leaders of the industry, the Construction Leadership Circle Scholarship is ongoing evidence of their continued belief in the future of central Ohio construction.
With BX Executive Director Mary Tebeau (right) is the 2023 winner of the Gerald L. Daily Scholarship, Mathew Wheeler, a civil engineering major at The Ohio State University.
In 2011, Gerald Daily, who received a BX Scholarship when he was a civil engineering student at The Ohio State University more than 50 years ago, contacted the Builders Exchange to inquire about "returning the favor." The result is a perpetual scholarship fund that will return the favor many times over. A retired civil engineer, Daily and his wife Janet live in Washington state, but still have ties to the central Ohio community.
The 2022 winner of the James F. Dew Scholarship, Evelyn Marx (right), an electrical engineering/physics major at Vanderbilt University, is with Brian Dew (Mid-City Electric / Technologies).
James “Jim” Dew founded Mid-City Electric in 1960 with his colleague and close friend, Jack Kempton. Through the company, they created a better future not only for their families, but also for countless other families throughout central Ohio. Although Jim passed away in December 2021 at the age of 89, his spirit of generosity and passion for the construction industry live on through this scholarship, which will have a positive impact on many central Ohio students.
Winner of the 2023 Thomas C. Fitzpatrick Award for Community Service and Leadership, Music Thornton (center), a civil engineering major at The Ohio State University is pictured with (from left) TJ Fitzpatrick and Eric Bull (Elford, Inc.).
This scholarship was created in 2006 by Elford, Inc. to honor its retired chairman Thomas C. Fitzpatrick (1921-2014) for his commitment to community service.
Thomas was active in the Builders Exchange for decades, serving as president in 1961. But long after his leadership roles concluded, he continued to volunteer at the BX as an instructor for industry education programs, a membership recruiter and foundation fundraiser. He was equally active in civic activities, demonstrating loyalty and longevity in his community service.
The 2023 winners of the Igel Anniversary Scholarship, Helena Ronnebaum (left), a civil engineering major at The Ohio State University and Megan Massmann (right), a civil engineering major at the University of Toledo are with (from left) Joe and John Igel (George J. Igel & Co., Inc.).
In 2011, to commemorate its 100th year in business, George J. Igel & Co., Inc. created the Igel Anniversary Scholarship. Since the company joined the Builders Exchange in 1933, many of its employees have been active in the association. John Igel, president, is a former BX board member.
The 2023 winner of the Peter E. Korda Scholarship, (left) Lindsey James, an architecture major at The Ohio State University, is with Ed Keener (Korda/Nemeth Engineering).
The partners at Korda/Nemeth Engineering established the Peter E. Korda Scholarship in 2020 to honor Peter Korda, who founded the firm in 1964.
The 2023 winner of the Ben W. Kramer Scholarship, Trent Ruffing (left), a construction systems management major at The Ohio State University is with Doug and Connie Cramer.
This scholarship was created by Ben M. Kramer (1932-2017) in honor of his father Ben W. Kramer who founded Kramer Paints in Columbus in 1948. Kramer Paints provided for three generations of the Kramer family over the next half century. In 2006, Ben M. and his wife Ruth retired, closing Kramer Paints. When the next generation of Kramer’s pursued careers outside of the family operation, it was with the full blessing of their parents. Ben W. Kramer built a business to provide for the family and it had done just that. Ben's grandson, Aaron, is a past BX Scholarship recipient.
With BX Executive Director Mary Tebeau (left) is the 2019 winner of the Liberty Scholarship, John Longstreth, a construction management major at Columbus State Community College.
This scholarship was created in 2009 by Doug and Janice Cooper of Liberty Construction Services, Inc. to mark the fifth anniversary of the founding of their firm. The Cooper’s gift was designed to send a message that they believe in the industry and the people they work with. It’s a small way for them to continue the tradition of generosity that they have benefited from in their lives.
The 2023 winner of the Lincoln Construction Scholarship, Aaron Williams, a construction management major at Columbus State Community College, is with Greg Schmitt (right) (Lincoln Construction, Inc.).
Lincoln Construction, Inc. is a classic example of what hard work, a committed team and strong ethics can do. The company started in 1971, doing residential and small commercial jobs.
In 2003, company owners Kurt Schmitt and Bruce Dew, created a scholarship especially for students in two-year, construction management programs. Their goal is to reward outstanding future construction managers, who will positively impact the Central Ohio industry.
The 2023 winner of the Richard T. Lombardi Award, Cameron Kittle (right) a construction systems management major at The Ohio State University is with Rick Lombardi.
This scholarship was created in 2011 by Turner Construction Co. in honor of retired vice president and Ohio operations manager, Rick Lombardi, to express sincere gratitude and to celebrate his commitment to leadership. During his 40 years with Turner, Rick served on the Builders Exchange board of directors (2003-2010); and was on the board of the Associated General Contractors of Central Ohio, serving as president in 1992. Outside the industry, Rick has been active in a variety of community organizations and served two terms as chairman of the Community Foundation of Delaware County.
Mark Ludwig (left) and Josh Corna (Continental Building Co.) (right) are with the 2023 winners of the Tyler Ludwig Leadership Award, Domenic Melaragno, a mechanical engineering major at The Ohio State University and Megan McKinney, an architecture major at Mississippi State University.
The Tyler Ludwig Leadership Award was created in 2001 to single out an individual, majoring in a construction-related field, for that person’s leadership qualities. It was created in memory of Tyler Ludwig (1988-2001), the late son of an active volunteer leader at the Exchange. Support for the Tyler Ludwig Leadership Award comes from friends of Tyler and his family, and from Continental Building Co.
Samone Melson, former vice president of construction operations at Marker, Inc.
Created in 2021 in Samone Melson's memory, the scholarship will carry on his enthusiasm and spirit for generations. Samone was passionate about coaching and supporting the younger generation in the industry.
Brian Dew (Mid-City Electric/Technologies) is with the 2022 winner of the Mid-City Electric / Technologies Scholarship, Caroline Sedor (left), an accounting major at Wittenberg University.
The family owners of Mid-City Electric / Technologies created this scholarship in 2006 to recognize and support students who exhibit a strong commitment to a career in construction. The Dew family has always placed ethics and quality craftsmanship as the company’s central values. Since the Columbus-based electrical contracting business was founded in 1960, the Dews have generously supported numerous industry and community causes. Applicants for the Mid-City Electric / Technologies Scholarship will be evaluated on their demonstrated character and high ethical standards.
The 2022 winner of the Miller Family Scholarship, Nick Bartholomew (right), a civil engineering major at the University of Cincinnati is with Pete Miller.
For the Miller family, commercial construction provides more than just a way to make a living – it provides a way of family life. Pete Miller established the Miller Family Scholarship to recognize the four generations (and counting) of Millers who have found a home in the industry. The first Miller family business was started in the 1920s by family patriarch, Frank Miller. Later, Miller’s son, Frank, Jr., and his wife, Ruth, became active in the industry. Their son, Pete and his wife, Judy followed suit. Pete’s brother – another Frank – also worked with Pete for 30 years
The 2023 winner of the Lincoln Construction Scholarship, Rachel Thompson (left), a civil engineering major at the University of Cincinnati, is with Doug Mock (Mock Woodworking Co.)
Mock Woodworking Co. was founded in 1954 by Wilbur Mock as a cabinet shop in Zanesville, Ohio and generations of the Mock Family have continued the legacy. Doug Mock helped launch the BX Foundation through support of the Founders Circle and by serving on the BXF Board of Directors. The company’s commercial architectural woodwork has been the recipient of numerous honors and craftsmanship awards. The Mock Family places a high value on education, and continues to support the advancement of the industry throughout central Ohio. Special consideration will be given to students attending Ohio Northern University, where Doug Mock is an alumnus.
With BX Executive Director Mary Tebeau (right) is the 2022 winner of the O’Shaughnessy Women in Construction Scholarship, Mercedes Shultz, a mechanical engineering major at The Ohio State University.
The O’Shaughnessy Women in Construction Award was created in 1994 to annually single out a woman student for her team-building and leadership qualities.
It was created in memory of Terry O’Shaughnessy (1946-1994), the late executive director of the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio. Support for the O’Shaughnessy Women in Construction Scholarship comes from Terry’s friends and family, and from BX members.
Quentin and Andrea Pruneau
In 2021, the Pruneau Family decided it was time to share some of the many blessings that they have received from the construction industry. While the construction culture has become more inclusive over the years, the Pruneau Family Scholarship is intended to assist and attract a more diverse population, who would serve to advance the industry. Priority consideration is given to applicants who are graduating seniors or a graduate of the Metro Early College High School in Columbus, Ohio, are African American and/or female.
Mike Killilea (The Righter Co., Inc.) is with the 2023 winner of the Donald W. and David M. Righter Scholarship, Kevin LaGrange (left), a civil engineering major at the University of Cincinnati.
In 2011, The Righter Co., Inc.’s company president Brad Nadolson established this award to honor the father and son team who founded the general contracting firm in 1976.
Don Righter retired as president in 1984, and his son David ran the business until 2002. David Righter died in 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer. Don continued to offer his expertise to the company on a variety of projects well into his 90’s. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 96.
Mark Setterlin (left) is with the 2023 winner of the Setterlin Building Company Scholarship, Afor Fombank, an architecture major at the University of Cincinnati.
President Mark and CEO Steve Setterlin of Setterlin Building Company created this scholarship in 2020 to provide opportunities for underrepresented populations who are pursuing a career in the construction industry.
The 2023 winner of the Samuel A. Shuman Scholarship, Devon Sever (left), a mechanical engineering major at The Ohio State University, is with John Harper (Speer Mechanical).
Speer Mechanical executives created this scholarship in 2007 to mark the 50th anniversary of Chair Sam Shuman’s career with their firm.
Since having been recruited in 1957 by Julian Speer to head up his mechanical contracting company, Sam Shuman (1927-2016) forged an indelible imprint on our industry. Over the next two decades, Sam served as president of both the BX board of directors and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Central Ohio. In 1978 he won the Builders Exchange Cornerstone Award.
The 2019 winner of the SME - William L. Muter Scholarship, Francis "Scooter" Nadolny (center), a civil or electrical engineer major at Ohio Northern University is with Bill Muter (left) and Mark Muter (Settle-Muter Electric, Ltd.).
This scholarship was created by Settle-Muter Electric in honor of William Muter to express sincere gratitude and to celebrate his many achievements. Throughout the years, Bill helped guide and develop young people and extend his business knowledge and guidance to the electrical industry through serving on the Board of Independent Electrical Contractors. In addition, he has served as Director of Education and Apprenticeship Training to Settle-Muter Electric employees for more than 15 years
With BX Executive Director Mary Tebeau (right) is with the 2023 winner of the Tarullo Family Scholarship, Nicholas Garcia, a chemical engineering major at the University of Cincinnati.
In 2013, this scholarship was created by long-time BX member Mike Tarullo and his family to show their support for the future of the construction industry. Mike served on the Builders Exchange board of directors (1997-2008), serving as president in 2007.
With BX Executive Director Mary Tebeau (right) is with the 2023 winner of the Richard Wanner Scholarship, Jacob Westover, a civil engineering major at Cedarville University.
Dick Wanner was engaged in the central Ohio steel industry for more than 60 years. He was a partner at Vampco Metal Products in Columbus. When Dick got out of the Navy after World War II, he started a college degree but never finished it. Even without college, his knowledge of the trade far surpassed many he worked with in the industry.
He was insistent, however, that his children finish college. Because of this belief, his sons, Rick and Craig, owners of Wanner Metal Worx, decided to honor his memory through this scholarship. Dick’s legacy continues to have a positive impact on the lives and future careers of students through educational financial assistance.
