Foundation Announces 2021–2022 Scholarship Winners

The RCI-IIBEC Foundation is excited to announce the 2021–2022 recipients of the Robert W. Lyons and RCI Lewis W. Newlan scholarships. These scholarships for students aiming for a career in the construction or building enclosure industries are a key way that the Foundation fulfills its mission to support research, education, and the dissemination of information for issues important to the building enclosure industry.

The $5000 Lyons scholarship helps undergraduate students studying construction sciences, architecture, or engineering cover their education expenses. The $2500 RCI Newlan scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in construction sciences, architecture, or engineering. Scholarship winners are selected based on financial need, letters of recommendation, and the student’s request for consideration.

Robert W. Lyons Scholarship Recipients:

Cesar Bedolla-Hurtado of East Wenatchee, Washington, is an undergraduate in civil engineering at Washington State University (WSU). He is currently the president of the WSU American Society of Civil Engineers, active with WSU Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists, and a WSU AISC Steel Bridge Team member. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, baking, and volunteering locally.

Charly Gutierrez Jimenez of Waldo, Florida, is an undergraduate studying civil engineering at Florida International University. Previously, he was a Santa Fe College Senator of the Year, Student Ambassador of the Year, and Honors Program graduate.

Brendan Somers of Nutley, New Jersey, is an undergraduate studying engineering at Michigan State University. He is currently interning at the Michigan State University Power and Water Plant in the Environmental Health and Safety division.

Michael Wentworth of Daphne, Alabama, is an undergraduate studying building science at Auburn University. He has interned with the general contractors Brasfield & Gorrie, and been active with Auburn’s Association of General Contractors student chapter, Students for Life, and the College Republicans. In his free time, he enjoys going to church, spending time outdoors, reading, and running.

RCI Lewis W. Newlan Scholarship Recipients:

Tyler Kleinsasser of Huron, South Dakota, is a graduate student at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology studying construction, engineering, and management. Kleinsasser is a student member of IIBEC and attended the 2019 IIBEC Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors, exercising, solving Rubik’s Cubes, and playing the piano.

Will Koopman of McLean, Virginia, is a graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis in construction management and engineering (specifically fluid dynamics). He likes to spend his free time cooking, baking, playing golf with his roommates, mountain biking, and snow skiing.

Grant Moxley of Salt Lake City, Utah, is an undergraduate studying construction management at Brigham Young University. He is active in the Construction Management Student Association, Construction Management Honor Society, Concrete Canoe Club, Steel Bridge Competition team, and the Accounting Society.

Hannah Washburn of Redlands, California, is an undergraduate at California Baptist College in Riverside, studying civil engineering. For fun, she enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee, acrylic painting, and gaming.

Thanks to all the Foundation donors who made these scholarships possible. Donations to both scholarship funds are being accepted. For more information, contact Foundations Development Officer Rick Gardner at rgardner@iibec.org or 919-859-0742.