Deserving Student Awarded $5,000 Scholarship

By Lauren White, HJE Consulting.

Jacob James is the newest 2020-21 Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship recipient. 

Jacob James has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program for the 2020-21 school year.  James is the stepson of Raymond Orman, the quality assurance and field trainer at Schwickerts Tecta America in Mankato, Minnesota.

Living in Peterson, Minnesota, Jacob graduated from Rushford-Peterson High School in May of 2020.  He is enrolled full-time at Dakota County Technical College, which is a vocational-technical school in Rosemount, Minnesota.  While there, Jacob intends to major in civil engineering technology.

A dedicated individual, Jacob consistently worked throughout high school.  For over three years he has worked at Burdey’s Cafe, an old-fashioned cafe in “small town U.S.A.”  In 2019 he also started working at Pam’s Corner Convenience, where he is currently employed.  

Jenny Helgemoe, Jacob’s high school counselor, agreed that he is committed to both his school and his community.  She also wrote in her recommendation that, “He is curious and takes initiative,” and commented that, “His choice of postsecondary education program is extremely appropriate for his skill set, problem-solving skills and ability to complete tasks.”

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

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on their academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, work and volunteer experience, career goals and aspirations, in addition to their essay and outside references.  Possible majors for scholarship recipients include: architecture, civil, mechanical or structural engineering, construction management, or occupational health and safety.

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.  Details for the 2021-22 program will be available late August/early September.

Learn more about the Roofing Alliance in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory.

About the Roofing Alliance

The Roofing Alliance is committed to shaping the industry’s future by funding education, research, scholarships and philanthropic initiatives, all for the purpose of securing the industry’s future excellence.  Composed of 173 members representing extraordinary leaders from the contracting, manufacturing, distribution and service provider communities, the Roofing Alliance has committed $13 million to enhance the performance and long-term viability of the industry and allocated more than $5.9 million to fund 51 research, education, technical and philanthropic programs and projects.  Serving as the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Roofing Alliance members are focused on giving back and supporting high-quality educational programs and ensuring timely and forward-thinking industry responses to major economic and technological issues. For more information about Roofing Alliance initiatives, visit www.roofingalliance.net.