Congratulations Joseph Castallucia: 2019-20 Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Winner

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Joseph is excited to use his business background to do something meaningful for his community and society in the future.

Joseph Castallucia, son of Joseph Castallucia, the Vice President for Chris Andersen Roofing Co., was one of five new Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Recipients for 2019-2020.  Joseph received the Dan Cohen Scholarship, which is awarded through the Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program.

Joseph is attending the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville.  He expresses his gratitude for being a scholarship recipient, “I cannot thank you enough for your consideration of my application.  I really appreciate the efforts of all involved who make these awards possible, as it will provide much needed assistance for my last year at UVA, and is something I will always gratefully remember.”

As a high achiever, Joseph sets academic goals for himself.  In high school his goal was to graduate as valedictorian of his class.  He then set his sights on gaining acceptance to the University of Virginia, more specifically the McIntire School of Commerce, as well as maintaining a 4.0 GPA while at UVA.  He gained admission to the McIntire School, which is one of the top undergraduate business schools in the United States, according to Joseph. He was also chosen to study for a semester abroad at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands.  

Joseph had a challenging transition from high school into college.  He faced the normal adjustments that other students experience, but he also became sick with a severe case of mononucleosis only two weeks after starting his first semester at UVA.  This required him to return home for three weeks to recover. The assignments, tests, and lectures didn’t stop while Joseph was at home though. He spent hours studying and learning the information he missed in class, even pulling an “all-nighter” to ensure his success upon returning to UVA.  His hard work and dedication paid off when he earned 100% on his first test back, and strong A’s on two other exams.  

Although he faced extenuating circumstances, Joseph was able to rise to the occasion and meet the goals he set for himself.  With a strong business background, Joseph is eager to do something meaningful for his community and society. “Whether it be encouraging environmentally safe practices of a large corporation, starting a new business with a vision in mind to improve something, taking a legal route and pursuing environmental law, or even tackling smaller initiatives such as promoting the use of green construction, such as green roofs, an undergraduate business platform opens so many doors to a variety of future options,” Joseph explains.

Each year a maximum of 11 students are awarded up to $5,000 each for the Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program.  Presented by the Roofing Alliance, this merit-based scholarship is awarded to employees and their families who intend to continue their education in college or a vocational program to pursue a career in the roofing or building construction industries.  Employees of NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) contractor and supplier members are eligible to apply.  

Possible majors for scholarship recipients include: architecture, business management, civil, mechanical or structural engineering, and construction management.  Applicants must write a personal statement explaining their educational career goals and objectives, what they expect to be doing in 10 years, and how they will contribute to the roofing or construction industries.  Recipients are chosen based on their academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work and volunteer experience, career goals and aspirations, in addition to their essay and outside references.

To learn more about the Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program or download the application, please visit www.roofingalliance.net or contact Bennett Judson, the Roofing Alliance’s executive director, at bjudson@roofingalliance.net.