2020 - 2021 Schweiger Recipients
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Cesar Bedolla-Hurtado
Awarded $4,000
Wenatchee, WA
Civil Engineering at Washington State UniversityCesar Bedolla-Hurtado of Wenatchee, Washington, is a sophomore at Washington State University pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. He is Vice President for the Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists in addition to Secretary of the American Society of Civil Engineers. His inspiration to pursue civil engineering happened on a field trip to the local dam while attending elementary school. Since then he has wanted to be at the forefront of innovating design and construction of massive structures essential for society. On what the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship means to him, "This scholarship award will only propel me further towards my civil engineering degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career." For extracurricular activities, Cesar enjoys cooking, baking, participating in intramural sports, hiking, running, and welding. Cesar looks forward to a future where he can use his creative and critical thinking skills to help growing cities expand and improve their infrastructure.
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Ian Birrell
Awarded $6,000
Beaverton, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State UniversityIan Birrell of Beaverton, Oregon, is a junior at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Management and a 2nd-time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. He is involved in the Phi Kappa Psi doing service for the local Boys and Girls Club and the Grace Center Adult Day Services in addition to the Special Operations Survivors group. On what the scholarship means to Ian, “I am honored to have been a previous recipient and to have had the opportunity to work at Advanced American Construction last summer.” In his spare time, Ian enjoys playing football, lacrosse, intramural sports, in addition to camping, hiking, and swimming. Ian’s goal is to continue his pursuit of construction management in the heavy civil field.
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Franklyn Correa
Awarded $4,000
Ketchikan, AK
Engineering at PrincetonFranklyn Correa of Ketchikan, Alaska is a Sophomore at Princeton University pursuing a Civil Engineering degree and a 2nd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. His undergraduate research has taken him to Italy to study climate, geography, and land use. He is currently a member of Engineers Without Borders Peru, Habitat for Humanity Princeton, Rotary Interact, and Secretary of the National Honor Society. On what the scholarship means to Franklyn, “I can become a Civil Engineer who helps improve the quality of life for people who cannot afford basic life necessities due to economic struggles and barriers.” Franklyn’s hobbies include volunteering, woodworking, building computers, and playing the piano.
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Ethan Crowley
Awarded $4,000
Newberg, OR
Heavy Equipment Operator At International Union of Operating EngineersEthan Crowley of Newberg, Oregon is an Operator Apprentice working towards acceptance in the Local 701 International Union of Operating Engineers. He is currently spending the summer doing an internship for Ness Campbell Crane. In high school, Ethan was a part of Tiger Manufacturing, a student-run for profit machine shop. His teacher commented that Ethan is his go-to student when the job needs to be done right. Ethan expressed his appreciation for the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship, “The scholarship would allow me to kick start my future career goal. I want to leave a positive mark on the construction industry.”
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Jacob DeBord
Awarded $4,000
Burbank, WA
Geological Engineering at the University of IdahoJacob Debord of Burbank, Washington is a freshman at University of Idaho pursing a degree in Geological Engineering. He is an honor roll student with academic excellence in social studies and geometry. Jacob plans on working in the northwest and says, “A Geological Engineering degree provides an excellent opportunity to be a part of preserving and being a great steward of these great lands where we live." He excelled in varsity football and basketball and enjoys the outdoors.
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Makel Faith
Awarded $4,000
Coquille, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State UniversityMakel Faith of Coquille, Oregon is a senior at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Management with a minor in Mathematics and Business Management. Growing up with a family that owned a small excavation company, Makel is excited to move forward to know he will be able to lend a helping hand to the communities he works in and help build safe highways, railways, and bridges. On receiving the scholarship, Makel says, “I would be honored to be a recipient of this scholarship as it will help take the stress of working part time and schooling off my shoulders, provide an amazing opportunity to partner with an industry leader, and most importantly honor the legacy of the Schweiger’s.”
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Kristian Hellberg
Awarded $6,000
Camas, WA
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State UniversityKristian Hellberg of Camas, Washington is a junior at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering and a 2nd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. He is a member of the Associated General Contractors of American Student Chapter and the OSU PHI Kappa Psi fraternity. Hellberg was inspired by his grandfather’s construction company when he would visit job sites as a young boy, falling in love with the industry’s sights and sounds. He is also reminded of his father’s career in maritime service and says, “In my mind, the Schweiger Scholarship serves not only as a reminder of Konrad and Forrest Schweiger, but also as a reminder of all those who have gone before us in their careers and who have inspired others to achieve great things.”
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Christian Horton
Awarded $4,000
Corvallis, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State UniversityChristian Horton of Corvallis, Oregon is a senior at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Management. He previously had a potential career within the oilfield industry, Horton, however, decided that his skills and interests matched more with a role in marine-based construction. He believes that his non-traditional path of industry experience first will offer a more in depth understanding of the knowledge that he and his fellow students will obtain at university. With regards to the scholarship, Horton says, “With that excitement, I hope I am able to direct it toward what really matters at this point. My education.”
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Aaron Lewetzon
Awarded $4,000
San Carlos, CA
Civil Engineering at Oregon State UniversityAaron Lewetzon of San Carlos, California, is a junior at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. He has made the Dean’s List every quarter since his freshman year. He had been selected to represent OSU at the ASC Reno competition in Reno, NV. Lewetzon’s team competed against 16 other universities to review, bid, and plan the construction of a pedestrian walkway on the Las Vegas strip. He says about the competition, “To be given an opportunity to compete against other universities was very valuable.” Receiving the scholarship would allow him to continue learning and working with great educators and future colleagues. Aaron’s long term goals are to be able to have an impact on the community that he calls home to help develop and grow the structures of the silicon valley.
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Elsa Moreno-Rangel
Awarded $4,000
Corvallis, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State UniversityElsa Moreno-Rangel of Corvallis, Oregon is a freshman at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Management. She has a passion for the development and wellbeing of low income and rural communities, with emphasis on accessibility and sustainability. Moreno-Rangel wants to inspire other women and youth-at-risk to consider pursuing a career in construction. She has a long list of hobbies and additional interests including OSU Design-Build Team, OSU Women’s Choir, and being a counselor for youth development. On receiving the scholarship she says, “I can also give back and make a change in my community by motivating and supporting students to continue with their higher education in the same way in which Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Fund is motivating students to attain their goals.”
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Rope Reese
Awarded $4,000
Warm Springs, OR
Diving & Pile Driving at Pacific Northwest Carpenters InstituteRope Reese of Warm Springs, Oregon is a student of Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute (PNCI), pursuing his Diving and Pile Driving career. He is currently involved with Advanced American Construction as a pile driving apprentice. Rope has already obtained an underwater welding certification and is looking to expand into the world of underwater construction through further education and training. Reese says, “By taking my dream and education to the next level I can progress as an individual, provide superior services for my employer, and help the industry grow in safety and technique.” His hobbies include fishing, fabrication, welding, swimming, and rodeos.
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Travis Waggener
Awarded $6,000
Harrisburg, OR
Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State UniversityTravis Waggener of Harrisburg, Oregon, is a junior at Oregon State University, and a 2nd time recipient of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship. He is a member of the Associated General Contractors Student Chapter, the OSU Design Build Reno team, and volunteer pole vault coach for the Harrisburg High School track and field team. He is currently interning with Advanced American Construction and spent the previous summer internship with Hamilton and Greenberry Industrial. Waggener says, “I want to contribute to the betterment of our world and to help others, to learn, and to be proud of the work I have accomplished.” Travis enjoys fishing, kayaking, snowboarding, hunting, and raising livestock.