Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (URMCA) is now accepting applications for its 2025/26 Scholarship Program, so we thought it was high time to once again honor the dedicated students selected for 2024/25. All are hardworking and committed, and they will bring innovation and vision to the concrete industry.

The Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association awards ten $2,500 scholarships each year, though this past year was an exception. Due to the outstanding pool of candidates, a tie resulted in the awarding of 12 scholarships. To apply, students must be college juniors, seniors, or graduate students residing and studying in Utah while pursuing careers in concrete production, construction management, civil or structural engineering, or architecture.

Students who meet this criteria can apply for a 2025/26 scholarship here.

L) Adam Naser grew up in Cache Valley, Utah, where he enjoyed playing sports, especially tennis and pickleball, and boating with his family. He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from USU and is now pursuing a master’s in structural engineering at the same institution. “I am excited to continue my academic studies to better prepare for the many challenges I will face as a structural engineer.”

R) Amy Mueller is studying Architectural Design at Weber State University. She enjoys both technical and creative interests. She has over 15 years of musical experience as a skilled organist, a background in interior design, and 6 years of experience as a Machine Operator and Technician in the construction industry. She hopes to make an impact in the realm of sustainable and inclusive design by designing new structures and technologies that contribute positively to society and the planet.

L) Andres Ostler shares his story: “When I started college at UVU, I thought I wanted to become a physical therapist. I have torn my ACL three times, so I’ve had plenty of experience with physical therapists and appreciate the important work they do. After taking a few classes, I realized that what I enjoyed most about physical therapy was the ability to build strong relationships with people and witness their development. Soon after one of my surgeries, I began working at a civil construction company. Once I started with this company, I fell in love with the construction business. In construction, I get to collaborate with many people from diverse backgrounds. I can foster camaraderie and see the progress that my team and I make while working together toward a common goal. There’s no greater feeling than completing a project to which I’ve devoted countless hours of effort. My aspiration is to start my own construction company.”

R) Carson Skidmore attends Weber State University, where he studies construction management. He enjoys boating, water skiing, wake surfing, and any outdoor activity. He has been studying at Weber State for the past two years and has appreciated his time there. “I am super grateful for the opportunity to attend school and pursue construction management. I am incredibly thankful to receive this scholarship and for the generous support from the Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association.”

L) Devin Thurgood is a student at Weber State University in Davis County, Utah, studying construction management. Outside of his academic pursuits, he has a strong passion for the outdoors and spends time in the mountains with friends and family. He is looking forward to the future and plans to work in the construction industry, where he hopes to make a meaningful impact on the world.

R) Emma Rohrer-Fitzhugh is a senior at the University of Utah. She grew up in Helena, Montana, and moved to Salt Lake City a few years ago to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Over the past couple of years, she has interned with construction companies, where she gained an interest in the construction management process. “I loved seeing this process up close and understanding how I can use my engineering degree to assist in this field. Pursuing civil engineering has provided me with endless opportunities for my future, and I look forward to seeing what comes with the support of the Utah Ready Mix Concrete Association!”

L) Ivy Stout is a recent graduate of the Civil Engineering program at Brigham Young University. Her interest in civil engineering can be traced back to her being a curious child who enjoyed hands-on learning about how things are built. She had numerous opportunities at BYU to apply her knowledge through research, laboratory work, and collaborations with peers and professors. Ivy is working on a master’s degree focusing on materials and pavement design.

R) Kayla Ann will graduate from Southern Utah University in Spring 2025 with a double major in Construction Management and CAD Architectural/Civil Design. “Growing up in Utah, alongside my three older brothers, I spent much of my life dancing, a passion that taught me discipline and creativity. Over time, I developed an appreciation for the construction industry and decided to pursue an education there. I am grateful for my professors at SUU, who have given me invaluable knowledge and skills.
“Upon graduation, I aspire to build a career in the construction industry, ultimately aiming to become a Project Manager. I am immensely thankful for the URMCA Scholarship and their generous contribution to my education, bringing me closer to achieving my professional goals.”

L) Originally from southern California, Lorenzo Eusebi Diehr had many opportunities to observe and work with family and friends who were in engineering. This inspired him to study engineering at BYU. He began with a geotechnical emphasis but then learned more about the science behind engineering materials, mainly concrete. With the desire to learn more, he is now researching lightweight concrete bridge decks in Utah for his thesis and “couldn’t be more excited about the work.” He is on track to becoming an officer in the US Army and plans to work alongside the engineers at USACE.

R) Matthew Harris was born and raised in Vernal, Utah. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in May 2022 and looks forward to pursuing a master’s degree in structural engineering beginning in Fall 2024 at USU. He is excited about the challenge of earning a master’s degree while deepening his expertise in his chosen field. Matthew stated that he “does not have the words to express how incredibly grateful he is to be the recipient of the URMCA 2024/25 scholarship.”

L) Presli Shaughnessy found a passion for the built environment early on, deciding to study Construction Management when it was time for college at UVU. “I have fallen more in love with the industry every day.” Through her studies, she learned what working in the industry will look like in the real world through hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and networking. “I couldn’t be more grateful to attend a school that connects me with industry professionals and organizations like URMCA that help me further my education and career!”

R) Rebecca Rassmussen grew up in beautiful Provo Canyon, UT, and enjoys spending time outside skiing, biking, and hiking with friends and family. She and her husband both graduated from BYU in the spring of 2023 and, a few months later, welcomed identical twin girls into their family. Rebecca then started a structural engineering master’s program, again at BYU, and is currently working on finishing her research and thesis. She looks forward to using her engineering education and experience to work in the engineering industry and potentially research.

Are you a Utah college student – or do you know one who is studying in a construction related field?
Take this opportunity to apply for a scholarship.

About the Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association
The Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (URMCA) is a nonprofit organization established by ready mixed concrete and cement producers participating in the Utah market. The Association is dedicated to product promotion, industry advocacy, education, and providing opportunities for producer and associate members to interact. It is a chapter of the National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, founded in 1930. For more information, visit urmca.org.