Congratulations Matthew Killgore: 2019-20 Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Winner

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Matthew learned the value of family, education, and hard work, even after faced with a devastating loss.

Matthew Killgore, son of Charles Killgore, Vice President of Delta Roofing and Sheet Metal in Arkansas, was one of five new Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Recipients for 2019-2020.  Matthew received an OMG Scholarship, which is awarded through the Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program.

An Eagle Scout and car aficionado who graduated high school with honors, Matthew expressed his gratitude for receiving the scholarship award, writing, “Thank you for awarding me your prestigious scholarship!  This scholarship helped me pay for my first year of college IN FULL! My family has pushed me to do great things with my life and I hope that I carry that motion through college.”  

Attending Arkansas State University, Matthew intends to, “...continue the legacy of my father and provide service to my community by offering the best roofs possible.”  Since he could walk, Matthew would go to work with his father after school and during the summer. According to Charles’ brother Edgar L. Killgore, Jr., the President of Delta Roofing and Sheet Metal Corporation, “Charles had an extensive knowledge of computers and IT, he imparted his knowledge to his son for many years...Alex [as we call him] learned from his father how business, construction, roofing as well as other trades could be integrated through computers and the internet.”

Unfortunately, Matthew’s father passed away unexpectedly in 2014 while on a Boy Scout camping trip with Matthew and his troop.  “I was only 13 at the time and was quite devastated. It has taken a long time for me to be able to talk about it, though I still do not understand why he had to leave us so soon, I have faith that he is still watching over us,” Matthew explains.  After Charles passed, Matthew’s mother fell into a deep depression, could no longer work, was in and out of the hospital, and ultimately could not care for Matthew anymore, which is when he went to live with his aunt and uncle, Edgar. Matthew shares, “My aunt and uncle have taught me the value of family, education, and hard work.  My mom still lives with my grandparents, it is my hope that one day I will be able to care for her and provide for her needs.”

Having grown up exposed to the business of his uncle and late father, Matthew has learned the problems and successes that come with the business.  He states, “I have learned that there is a need for professionals with an engineering background to improve building construction, and in particular, roofing systems.  I am particularly interested in energy efficient building construction and solar energy systems. I plan to pursue the next generation of Solar Energy/Photovoltaic Systems and use of exposed roofs for that purpose.”

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.