Awarded $7,500
Vancouver, WA
Piledriver Apprentice at Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute

Lauren Ayers of Vancouver, Washington is an 8th term Piledriver Apprentice working towards Journeyman in the Local 196 Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute. She is in her final year and will graduate out of the apprentice program within a year. She currently works at Advanced American and part time welding instructor for the PNCI. Lauren has worked on many key projects and recently a bridge change out at Kettle Falls. On receiving the scholarship Lauren says, “I could try to put into words of what it would mean to me if I were to become a recipient of the Schweiger Scholarship, but I believe sometimes emotions are so big you can only feel them.”

Awarded $5,000
East Wenatchee, WA
Civil Engineering at Washington State University

Cesar Bedolla-Hurtado of Wenatchee, Washington is a junior at Washington State University as well as a 3rd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. He is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, with a minor in Mathematics. He is the President for the Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists in addition to Vice-President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. His inspiration to pursue civil engineering happened on a field trip to the local dam while attending elementary school. Since then, he has wanted to be at the forefront of innovating design and construction of massive structures essential for society. On what the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship means to him, "This scholarship award will only propel me further towards my civil engineering degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career." For extracurricular activities, Cesar enjoys cooking, baking, participating in intramural sports, hiking, running, and welding. Cesar looks forward to a future where he can use his creative and critical thinking skills to help growing cities expand and improve their infrastructure.

Awarded $5,000
Kelso, OR
Mechanical Engineering at Arizona State University

Kelso Cosgrove of Kelso, Washington will enter Arizona State University as a freshman pursuing a degree in mechanical Engineering. Kelso was recently awarded the prestigious 161 United States Presidential Scholars. He hopes to use his education in an engineering related field by helping to design products that can better the environment using new technology. Kelso’s passion is the automobile industry, he enjoys building cars and learning the details of mechanical work. He also enjoys skateboarding, skiing, hiking, riding dirt bikes, photography, and the use of 3D printing, plasma cutting, and welding. He said, “The sense of community that this scholarship brings is extremely crucial to me because I know that having the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Fund behind you means that you are genuinely supported by countless individuals and organizations that want to see you succeed.”

Awarded $5,000
Newberg, OR
Operator Apprentice at International Union of Operating Engineers

Ethan Crowley of Newberg, Oregon is an Operator Engineer Apprentice working towards acceptance in the Local 701 International Union of Operating Engineers and a 3rd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. Ethan has spent the past two years interning at NessCampbell Crane learning many aspects of construction operations. Ethan has continued to work hard obtaining certifications, including his CDL. One of Ethan’s goals is to become a leader and role model that people look up to. Ethan expressed his appreciation for the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship, “I would like to extend my gratitude for this program and the people involved. After being chosen two years in a row, this scholarship has brought me job experience, training, and personal accomplishments.”


Sponsored by: NessCampbell Crane + Rigging

Awarded $5,000
Quito, Ecuador
Civil Engineering at Washington State University

Domenica Gachet of Quito, Ecuador is entering her senior year at Washington State University pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. She plans on continuing her education toward a doctorate in Structural Engineering at The University of California, Berkeley. As a civil engineer, Domenica hopes to provide a better quality of life to communities by giving them access to health, education, housing, and safe roads. Domenica volunteers with the Society of Women Engineers in events that inspire kids to pursue a STEM degree. On receiving the scholarship Domenica says, “A Schweiger Memorial Scholarship will make me feel supported and will mean that there are people that believe in my dreams and my capabilities.”

Awarded $5,000
Puyallup, WA
Construction Engineering at Montana State University

Gage Gessner of Puyallup, Washington is entering his senior year at Montana State University pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Technology. Gage is a 2nd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship and is enrolled in honors and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Gage plans on continuing his education in explosive’s engineering with the focus on demolition and the hope to own his own company someday. His interests outside of construction are hunting, fishing, restoring classic cars, and was a national finalist on the MSU hockey team. On receiving the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Gage says, “Scholarships like this one give me the chance to give back to people who have already given me so much.”

Awarded $5,000
Eugene, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State University

Ashlyn Heusch of Eugene, Oregon is entering her sophomore year at Oregon State University pursuing a career in Construction Engineering Management. Her degree was inspired by her natural love for buildings problem solving, teamwork, leadership, fieldwork, and combining engineering with organizational business aspects. Her passion is leading and helping others. Ashlyn holds officer positions in The Associated General Contractors of America and the Design Build Institute of America. For recreation, Ashlyn enjoys baking, walking her dog, and spending time with friends. Ashlyn expressed this scholarship ensures her ability to continue an education towards a bachelors degree and have the chance to pursue a dream career.

Awarded $5,000
Sherwood, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State University

Zachary Jenkins of Sherwood, Oregon is entering his senior year at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Management and a 2nd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. Zachary is a resident volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Corvallis Fire Department and lives full time at the station. He has been a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, the OSU Honor Roll and was an Oregon Scholar Athlete Finalist in 2018. His interests include fly fishing and football. On the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship he says, “I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has taken any role in this scholarship fund, and I’m very excited about the opportunity this scholarship presents.”

Awarded $7,500
Oregon City, OR
Operator Apprentice at International Union of Operating Engineers

Austin Johnson of Oregon City, Oregon is a 1st term Operator Apprentice working towards Journeyman in the Local 701 International Union of Operating Engineers. He anticipates graduating in July 2025 and currently works for Advanced American Construction. Austin’s goals of becoming a Journeyman crane operator include the opportunity for growth, continued learning, and eventually teaching and mentoring apprentices. Austin enjoys spending time with his family, professional sports, and automobiles. On the receiving the scholarship Austin says, “Applying and becoming a recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship would really be a dream come true.

Awarded $5,000
Corvallis, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State University

Elsa Moreno-Rangel of Corvallis, Oregon is entering her senior year at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Management and a 3rd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. For the past two years, Elsa served as a teaching assistant for the Virtual Design and Construction class and as Peer Mentor to 1st and 2nd year students. During this time, she developed a passion for helping others and plans on pursuing a career as a professor for Oregon State University. On receiving the scholarship, Elsa said, “Being a recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship for the first time during the COVID pandemic provided me with so much hope and inspiration, and it is thanks to the kindness and generosity from this life changing opportunity that I have been inspired to help others.

Awarded $5,000
Springfield, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State University

Aren Mowreader of Springfield, Oregon is currently a senior at Northwest College of Construction and concurrently enrolled at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Management. Aren is in his third year of a carpentry apprenticeship with Hamilton Construction. In 2009, Aren achieved his Eagle Scout for the Boy Scouts of America. His goal is to be part of a team of highly skilled individuals and maximize the value he adds to an organization. In his spare time, Aren enjoys hiking, skateboarding, and weightlifting among many other extracurricular activities.

Awarded $5,000
Sweet Home, OR
Piledriver Apprentice at Pacific Northwest Carptenters Institute

Amanda Nixon of Sweet Home, Oregon is currently 5th term Pile Driver Apprentice working towards Journeyman in the Local 196 Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute. Amanda’s goal is to pursue a career teaching future generation of tradespeople to continue their education, to further positive job site culture, and to practice workplace safety. She is involved in the carpenter’s union where she holds a seat on the steering committee as well as a co-chair for annual softball games. When Amanda is not at work, she enjoys being outdoors with her kids fishing, relaxing by the water, or riding dirt bikes and four wheelers.

Awarded $5,000
Corvallis, OR
Construction Management at Washington State University

Shaakirun Shaik of Corvallis, Oregon is entering her junior year at Washington State University pursuing a degree in Construction Management. Shaakirun has many accolades including first place winners for the Associated Students in Construction competition, AGC scholarship recipient, and the Construction Management Outstanding Sophomore award. She is also a member of the Associated Students of Construction Management club and is the president of the Women in Construction, Engineering and Design Club. Shaakirun’s hobbies include hiking, reading, cooking, and photography.

Awarded $5,000
Gridley, CA
Construction Management at California State University - Chico

Justin Straede of Gridley, California is entering his senior year at California State University, Chico pursuing a career in Construction Management. He is a founding member of the Chico State Student Chapter and current president. Justin hopes to use his knowledge to help underprivileged students gain construction experience and skills that will help them better their lives. Justin hopes one day to build the next great project, to be a part of history, and contribute to a project that would benefit society while leaving a legacy for his future family. When not in school Justin’s hobbies include science, history, nature, astronomy, fishing, mountain biking, sports, and giving back by helping kids from low-income families.

Awarded $7,500
Loveland, CO
Civil Engineering at Montana State University

Stormy Waggoner of Loveland, Colorado, is entering her junior year at Montana State University pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Hispanic Studies and is a 2nd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. She currently has plans to join Women in Engineering and Engineers Without Borders. Outside of work and school Stormy enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, making connections with new people, and traveling. On receiving the scholarship Stormy says, “I have such a great appreciation for the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Fund. As a previous recipient of this award, I was able to see the wide impact it has not only on myself and the other recipients, but also the community around it including construction and engineering companies, families, friends and more.”