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.

The Cathy Blackford Scholarship

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.

The cHc Manufacturing Scholarship

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 Construction Leadership Circle Scholarship

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.

The Gerald L. Daily Scholarship for Civil Engineering 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 Igel Anniversary Scholarship

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 Tyler Ludwig Leadership Award

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.

2021 Mid-City Scholarship recipient

The Mid-City Electric/Technologies Scholarship

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 – Founder and Mid-City Chairman Jim Dew, and his children in the business: Brian, Dennis, Steve and Mary – have always placed ethics and quality craftsmanship as the company’s central core values. Since the Columbus-based electrical contracting business was founded in 1960, the Dews have generously supported a number of industry and community causes.

The O’Shaughnessy Women in Construction Scholarship

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.