As applications for the 2025/26 URMCA Scholarships started to come in, we caught up with a few of the winners from our first year in 2023.
In the summer of 2023, Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (URMCA), a trusted resource for concrete technology in all construction segments and applications and a chapter of the National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, announced the launch of an annual scholarship program for students in Utah studying in fields related to or involving the use of ready mixed concrete. Up to ten $2,500 scholarships would be awarded annually to applicants who were college Juniors, Seniors, or Graduate Students residing and studying in the State of Utah and pursuing careers in Concrete Production, Construction Management, Civil or Structural Engineering, or Architecture.
Here is the link to the current application</a>.
The participating schools are Utah State, Weber State, University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University, and Southern Utah University.
“The concrete industry is dynamic, innovative, and growing at a phenomenal rate,” said Brad Stevenson, Executive Director of the Utah Ready Mixed Concrete Association, at the time of the announcement. “Our board knows how important it is to support students who are training for gratifying careers in this industry. That is why we decided to award 10 $2500.00 scholarships every year to Utah college students studying to become the next generation of concrete production, management, construction, and design professionals.”
We knew this would prove to be a solid investment in the future of our concrete-centric industry here in Utah. As the following examples indicate, we were correct.
Marianne Nelson was one of the winners from year one of the URMCA Scholarship Program.
When Marianne Nelson won her scholarship, she had recently graduated from USU with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a consulting minor. She was pursuing a master’s degree in civil engineering and planned to graduate in May 2024. She was working as a professional engineering intern at ARW Engineers and “loving it.” She was looking forward to “making a difference in the world by helping design safe and sustainable structures.” She was “also hoping to have the opportunity to apply my education in other ways to help serve the community whether through an organization like Habitat for Humanity or something similar.” At the time she shared that in addition to engineering, she “loved spending time with my husband and family, running, playing the piano, and watching USU basketball games.”
We recently caught up with the very busy Ms. Nelson to see what she was up to. ““Since receiving the URMCA scholarship, I completed my education and earned a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Utah State University. I currently work at ARW Engineers as a Structural Designer, and I love it. I feel so fortunate to collaborate with an amazing team of engineers. I have worked on various projects, including educational, industrial, commercial, and religious buildings. Recently, I visited the site of a project I contributed to. To address the poor soil conditions on site, we designed a suspended concrete slab supported by drilled concrete piers. It was wonderful to see everyone’s hard work coming to fruition!”
Clearly, the URMCA Scholarship was a great investment!
Henry Barth was one of the winners from year one of the URMCA Scholarship Program.
When Henry Barth applied for the URMCA scholarship, he was a senior in the Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Utah State University. A full-time student, he also worked part-time as a structural engineering intern and was awarded a grant to conduct undergraduate research. This research focused on developing an effective concrete mix for use in new roadways containing wireless electric-vehicle charging technology.
After completing his studies, Henry planned to join the workforce in the structural engineering industry. His dream was to one day own his own engineering firm and “to help shape the future by designing strong, sustainable, and resilient concrete structures that will stand the test of time.”
A few weeks ago, Mr. Barth said, “I’m doing very well. Since receiving the scholarship, I have graduated and work full-time as a Project Structural Engineer at 𝗔𝗤𝗨𝗔 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 in Bountiful, Utah. I have been involved in designing and constructing several Water/Wastewater-related projects. One of my favorite projects was being part of the design and construction of a pump station at a ski resort that delivers 10,000 gallons of water per minute up the mountain to supply water to their snowmaking system. I was heavily involved in the structural design of the building, which was a cast-in-place concrete structure partially bunkered into the mountainside. Being involved in the design and observing construction efforts was extremely rewarding. I am also designing several cast-in-place concrete water tanks to provide water to various buildings and homes at the same ski resort.
“In my personal life, my wife and I welcomed our second child into our family and bought a cozy little home in the Salt Lake Valley.”
Congratulations Henry! We wish you all the best in your career and every happiness with your family.Kate Christiansen was one of the winners from year one of the URMCA Scholarship Program.
Kate Christiansen was a structural engineering master’s student at Utah State University when she won her URMCA Scholarship. She had already graduated with her bachelor’s in civil engineering as the 2023 College of Engineering valedictorian. Kate hd also finished her Music Studies minor.
In addition to her studies, Kate enjoyed being involved with the ASCE Concrete Canoe team, the ACI concrete bowling ball team, and the Engineering Ambassadors. Kate was one of 25 recipients for an Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) Grant for her research on pervious concrete, which served as a foundation for her master’s thesis.
Here is Ms. Christiansen’s update: “I graduated with my master’s degree in structural engineering from Utah State University in May 2024. Since then, I have traveled solo to Europe for a month (I loved seeing all the amazing bridges and architecture there) and have been working at Michael Baker International on the bridge team. I’ve had the opportunity to assist with bridge designs and visit several job sites for ongoing projects. I really enjoy working here and learning something new every day!”
Aaron Ellefson was one of the winners from year one of the URMCA Scholarship Program.
Aaron Ellefson was a Civil Engineering student at USU with a strong passion for math and physics, when he earned his URMCA Scholarship. His goal was to translate his passion into practical solutions. He was specializing in transportation and gaining hands-on experience through an internship with Utah LTAP. As he stated at the time, “I find satisfaction in material design and transportation planning, envisioning innovative roadways that adapt to the evolving automotive landscape. I’m driven by a hands-on approach and a commitment to creating impactful infrastructure.”Now, Mr. Ellefson told us, “I’m currently working at Civil Science as a project design engineer. I’m working on roadway design, preservation projects, and occasional utility design work. I’m learning new things every day and loving every minute of it. ”
The Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association is proud of the investment we made in these students and applaud the talent and expertise they are bringing to our industry.
Applications for the 2025/26 school year are now being accepted.The deadline for applying for a 2025/26 URMCA Scholarship is Friday, May 30, 2025. Up to 10 students pursuing degrees in Concrete or Construction Management, Structural or Civil Engineering, or Architecture will be awarded $2500 each. Applicants need to be juniors or seniors, or grad students in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
Here is the simple application.
Each year, the Utah Ready Mixed Concrete Association awards up to ten separate one-time scholarships to up to ten individuals, each in the amount of $2,500. The award will be based on the combination of scholastic achievement, financial need, and contributions to the fields of Concrete or Construction Management, Structural or Civil Engineering, or Architecture.
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.
