Master Builders of Iowa

The MBI Educational Trust Fund was established for the purpose of assisting the academic scholarship needs of students seeking construction careers at the college level. Scholarships are administered by the Associations Scholarship and Academic Committee and financial oversight is the responsibility of the MBI Board of Directors. Scholarships from the fund are granted each year to deserving students in the Construction Engineering program at Iowa State University and students in the Construction Management program at the University of Northern Iowa. The Scholarship and Academic Committee conducts interviews at both institutions and selects students based upon needs, merit, achievement and reference information. Since the inception of the Trust, over 200 college students have received scholarships totaling over $350,000.

In addition to the generous support that members have shown in the form of donations to the MBI Educational Trust Fund, the following companies and foundations also provide scholarships in partnership with the Master Builders of Iowa: The Ken Lewis Foundation, Whitfield and Eddy, Peters Construction, Henkel Construction, The Harold Messingham Foundation and the Robert Lindgren Foundation.

Both ISU and UNI have very strong student chapters and participate in many activities throughout the school year benefiting our communities and industry as a whole. Master Builders of Iowa is proud to be able to offer financial assistance in the form of annual scholarships as well as member lead financial support through out the year. Each year the committee is increasingly impressed with the applicants and their drive to become integral members of the construction industry. These students have demonstrated an exemplary record and a passion for the future of the industry.  We are all looking forward to watching them on their paths to success.

The following eleven students were awarded scholarships for the 2010/2011 academic year. The committee was especially impressed with the knowledge and dedication these young students possessed.  All of them showed the committee their sincere commitment to being the best of the best. The construction industry in Iowa is fortunate to have so many talented individuals joining the workforce in years to come.

ISU Scholarships
Kathryn Kern - Master Builders of Iowa and Whitfield & Eddy Scholarships
Thomas Gorman - Master Builders of Iowa Scholarship
Rachel Rottinghaus - Master Builders of Iowa and Henkel Construction Scholarships
Logan Brinkman - Ken Lewis Scholarship (one year tuition)
Mathew Hoch - Master Builders of Iowa Scholarship

UNI Scholarship Awards
Gavin Wicks - Peters Construction
Todd Pudenz - Harold Messingham Memorial Scholarship
Cory Dungey - Robert Lindgren Memorial Scholarship
Ryan Koopman - Master Builders of Iowa Scholarship
Taylor Bombei  - Master Builders of Iowa Scholarship
Mathew Burch - Master Builders of Iowa Scholarship

Scholarship and Academic Advisory Committee
Tony Hovenga, Katelman Steel Fabrication, Chair
Sherm Welker, Welker Construction Co., Inc, Past Chair
Dan Baxter, The Weitz Company
Josh Braby, Neumann Brothers Inc.
Kevin Clemens, Neumann Brothers, Inc.
Tug DenOtter, Allied Construction Services
Lindsay Ellingson, United Brick & Tile
Darrin Gillett, Cardinal Construction Inc.
Steve Hauschilt, Graham Construction Co.
Chad Layland, Baker Electric Inc.
Russ Lewton, The Weitz Company
Bryan Myers, The Weitz Company
James Nelson, Nelson Engineering Construction Inc.
Shaun O’Tool, Northwest Steel Erection Co., Inc.
David Peters, Peters Construction Corp.
Dave Peterson, Ball Construction Services
Brian Pittman, Koester Construction., Inc.
Dan Pittman, W.A. Klinger, L.L.C.
Casey Port, Hubbell Construction Services
Tom Schlotfeldt, Architectural Wall Systems Co.
Gary Schmit, Henkel Construction Co.
Travis Schwartz, Larson Construction Co., Inc.,
Bob Sodders, Ball Construction Services