By Rick Gardner
Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2024, and the foundations, RCI-IIBEC Foundation (US) and RCI Foundation Canada, invite you to join us in making a significant impact on the future of our industry and lives of our student scholarship and sponsorship recipients. This year, our goal is to raise $200,000 to support important programs such as the Joe Hale Student Sponsorship and the Bob Lyons and Lew Newlan scholarship funds.
Every contribution made between now and December 3 will help us reach this goal, creating opportunities for future IIBEC members and fostering growth in the building enclosure industry. Donations will go toward eight scholarships and sending students to the IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, as well as to the Building Enclosure Symposium (BES) next fall.
“Attending this year’s IIBEC convention reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in building enclosures—a path defined by problem-solving and innovation. I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and determination,” said Guadalupe Mendez, a graduate student in architecture at the University of Houston.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the individuals who made my student sponsorship possible and incredibly enriching. Your contributions to the student sponsorship program have made a significant impact and are deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for your generosity and support.”
“It’s all about investing in our future,” said Ralph Paroli, chair of RCI Foundation Canada. “Last year we raised over $154,000 and were able to use these funds to send 32 students to the Phoenix convention and 39 students to the IIBEC/OBEC BES in Toronto this fall.
“This academic year we awarded $30,000 in academic scholarships, bringing us to $197,500 invested directly in the lives of 57 students studying engineering, architecture, and building and construction sciences since these scholarships were established in 2018.”
The Joe Hale Student Sponsorship Fund (formerly named the student convention fund) has helped sponsor 391 students to attend the IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show and BES by covering registration, hotel, meals, and up to $750 in travel expenses.
These students also receive a one-year student membership in IIBEC. Many of these students now have careers in the building enclosure industry.
Some average costs for these programs are:
Gifts to the foundations’ general fund over the last year helped complete research grants on unit price procurement, and they funded the 5th edition of Wind Uplift Pressures on Low Slope Roofs as well as research on spandrel glazing in collaboration with the Charles Pankow Foundation.
Here’s how you can help:
Between now and midnight of December 3, individuals, families, and industry can make gifts online at:
(US) RCI-IIBEC Foundation
(Canada) RCI Foundation Canada
Additionally, if you or your company would like to donate stock, property, or vehicles or make a pledge, please contact me at rgardner@iibec.org.
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