Exotic vectorl / Ink Drop / OSABEE /  Pixel-Shot /  Tetiana Shumbasova / Shutterstock.com

 

For most students, the rise of the pandemic cut short their spring semester and caused anxiety and uncertainty about what to expect in the fall. But for 160 students, it was indeed happy news to learn they had been selected as a recipient of a Promotional Products Education Foundation scholarship. 

This year, PPEF awarded a record-breaking $276,750 to support 127 new and 33 renewal scholarships for selected recipients. Among them are 10 four-year scholarships, two chairman’s scholarships and 114 one-year scholarships including 28 named scholarships.  

Each recipient was carefully chosen based on their academic achievement, extracurricular participation and community service, and received a scholarship worth between $1,000 and $9,000 to support their college educations. 

In the 31 years since PPEF was founded, it has awarded $2,448,000 million in financial assistance to 1,358 recipients. Being able to continue the scholarships during the pandemic was especially important to most recipients and to PPEF. This year, two-thirds of funding went to students who qualified for financial need.

PPEF Board Chair Dana Porter, MAS, says, “PPEF is able to provide more scholarships to industry college students and their children each year. I’m more than thrilled that PPEF awarded a record number of scholarships through this pandemic. The scholarships provide much-needed funds to cover the increasing costs of earning a college degree. This year more than ever, students and their families need additional support to attend college and thankfully, PPEF can be that outlet. Our industry is like a large family and being able to help the next generation go to college is an important part of what brings us together. I want to thank PPEF’s donors for providing their generous and inspirational support to the next generation.”

PPEF’s scholarship awards are determined through a competitive application process. Among the requirements are that applicants must be full-time promotional products industry employees or the dependent children of industry employees; must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must meet the deadline of March 15 at midnight PDT. Those being considered for need-based scholarships must also submit a copy of the Student Aid Report that a student receives after filing with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

The scholarship application deadline for the 2021-22 school year is March 15, 2021; the online application forms open in January 2021 at www.ppef.us/college-scholarships.

Ashley Drake
Huntington Beach, California
University of Colorado Boulder
Daughter of Julie Drake
Proforma Surf City Promos

Cole Orgill
Logan, Utah
Utah State University
Industry Employee
Denik

Jack and Marty Nadel Scholarship
Samantha Allman
Ottsville, Pennsylvania
Skidmore College
Daughter of Jeff Allman
Schwag, Inc.

Robert D. Davis Scholarship
Sara Blau
Brookville, New York
University of Maryland
Daughter of Julie Levi
Progressive Promotions

PPAS Scholarship
Blake Casner 
Dallas, Texas
Texas A&M University 
Son of Rick Casner 
Dynamic Branded Solutions

Fran Ford Scholarship 
Caitlin Casner 
Dallas, Texas
Texas Tech University 
Daughter of Rick Casner
Dynamic Branded Solutions 

Glen Holt Scholarship 
Vincent Chang 
San Gabriel, California
University of California, Davis 
Son of Josephine Chu
Innovation Line 

George C. Matteson, Jr. Scholarship
Rachel Chazan 
Anthem, Arizona
Northern Arizona University 
Daughter of Manny Chazan 
Work Hard Play Hard Marketing 

Helen & Al Mackler and Joseph Alexander Scholarship
Carson Coffman 
Coshocton, Ohio
Anderson University 
Son of Greg Coffman
Halo Branded Solutions/The Novelty Advertising Company

Vincent J. Arena Scholarship
Devin Diggs
Olathe, Kansas
University of Notre Dame 
Son of DeShaun Diggs
Gemline

William F. “Bill” Vernon Scholarship
Nathan Dodson
Overland Park, Kansas
University of Kansas
Son of Mike Keith
Making the Mark Inc.

Stanley L. Breckenridge Scholarship
Erika Enzbrenner
Erie, Pennsylvania
Kent State University
Daughter of Eric Enzbrenner
Custom Plastic Specialties

Sam Rosenblum Scholarship
Hannah Hall
Humble, Texas
University of North Texas
Daughter of Angela Hall
ASH Apparel 

David Lawrence Sharp Scholarship
Logan Hamik
Grand Island, Nebraska
Chadron State College
Daughter of Julie Hamik 
Flatwater Apparel

PMANC Campbell M. Brown Memorial Scholarship
Andrea Harding
Pleasanton, California
Boise State University
Daughter of Wayne Harding
Brandvia

Friends of PPMN Scholarship
Melissa Hobbs
Kellogg, Iowa
Des Moines Area Community College
Industry Employee
The Vernon Company

David Woods Scholarship
Sydney Hoffmann
Lido Beach, New York
University of Florida
Daughter of Philip Joseph Hoffmann
alphabroder

Paul E. Smith Scholarship
Natalie Jara
Linden, New Jersey
Northeastern University
Daughter of Lisbeth Jara
Vantage Apparel

Almand “Bo” Carroll Leadership Award
Ailie Johnson
McMinnville, Oregon
Harvard University
Daughter of Stacey Johnson
Marketproz

Reciprocity Road Roadie Scholarship
Nicholas Kempf
Appleton, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Son of Ryan Kempf
Galaxy Paper Products

Maureen & Thomas Dugan Scholarship
Nuala Kennedy
Dearborn, Michigan
University of Michigan
Daughter of Kathy Kennedy
Pica Marketing Group

H. Ted Olson Scholarship
Lindsey Lau
Mission Viejo, California
California Polytechnic State University
Daughter of Jeffrey Lau
Creations By Design

Janelle Nevins Scholarship 
Marin Londe
Sandy Springs, Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Daughter of Michael Londe
Londe Promotions

Almand “Bo” Carroll Leadership Award
Rebecca Lydon
Goodlettsville, Tennessee
South College
Daughter of Michelle Lydon
Francis Communications

Jayne Emoff Miller Scholarship
Olivia Mubarek
Sandy Hook, Connecticut
Elon University
Daughter of Kerri Mubarek
adm Group

Lorraine Hempen Scholarship
Lauren Polusky
Dove Canyon, California
Loyola University Chicago
Daughter of Peter Polusky
Pacific West Printing & Promotions

The UMAPP Collegiate Scholarship
Jake Pundsack
Melrose, Minnesota
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Son of Lisa Pundsack
Kelly Promotions LLC

Bill Schmidt, Sr. Scholarship
Ethan Reifer
Ijamsville, Maryland
Carnegie Mellon University
Son of Michele Reifer
Kojak Graphic Communications Inc.

Castelli North America Scholarship
Matthew Ritterbusch
Palatine, Illinois
University of Notre Dame
Son of CJ Ritterbusch
Concord Marketing Solutions

PPAChicago Scholarship
Kylee Siers
Elgin, Illinois
Grace College
Daughter of David Siers
Proforma Lakewood

Almand “Bo” Carroll Leadership Award
Amanda Tristani
Boqueron, Puerto Rico
University of Sagrado Corazon
Daughter of Victor Tristani
Promociones Antillanas

David Woods Family Scholarship
Isabella Valdez
Centennial, Colorado
University of Wyoming
Daughter of Matthew Valdez
The Right Swag 

Ted E. Dennison, MAS Scholarship
Hannah Vossler
Jersey Village, Texas
Tulane University
Daughter of Margot Vossler
Carrington Visual Communications

NWPMA Success Scholarship
Sadie Wolf
Eugene, Oregon
Colorado State University
Daughter of Sandra Wolf
GIDI Promotions

Almand “Bo” Carroll Leadership Award
Theresa Wood
Auburn, California
Benedictine College
Daughter of Dean Wood 
Advantage Marketing and Print

Bryce Bixon 
Bridgewater, New Jersey
Emory University
Son of Robert Bixon
The Business Gift Company

Richard Chang
San Gabriel, California
Harvey Mudd College
Son of Josephine Chu
Innovation Line

Katelyn Drake
Huntington Beach, California
University of Wisconsin-Madison 
Daughter of Julie Drake
Proforma Surf City Promos

Christopher Fuentes
Antioch, California
University of California, Davis
Son of Susan Miranda Fuentes
Parle Enterprises

Jordyn Goldring
Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania
University of Georgia
Daughter of Jonathan Goldring
Visual Resources

Mason Hershey
Summerfield, North Carolina
Clemson University
Son of Mike Hershey
The Hershey Group

Casey Lee
San Gabriel, California
University of California, Los Angeles
Daughter of Raymond Lee
Promote

Foster Lyman
Palm City, Florida
University of Richmond
Son of Lisa Lyman
Foster Rae Sales & Marketing

Ty Murray
Lenexa, Kansas
Vassar College
Son of Victoria Murray
Elite Impressions

Skylar Wright
Glenville, New York
Quinnipiac University
Daughter of Bernadette Wright
Velocity

James Adamic
Huntsburg, Ohio
Lakeland Community College
Son of Teresa Adamic
Ten 10 Design

Eric Ahern
Corte Madera, California
University of California, Berkeley
Son of Daniel Ahern
Proforma Albrecht

Thomas Allen
Woodbury, Minnesota
Saint John’s University
Son of Greg Allen
2020 Brand Solutions

Jordan Arenzon
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Daughter of Steven Arenzon
Wisconsin Knitwear

Rachel Arneson
Canyon Country, CA
The Master’s University
Daughter of Brett Arneson
Dolphin Promos

Alexandra Balfour
St Paul, Minnesota
University of Saint Thomas
Daughter of Vilia Bloom
Bloom Enterprises

Olivia Beach
Webster, New York
University of Alabama
Daughter of Keith Beach
Emerald Print

Elsa Bruellman
Waconia, Minnesota
University of California, Los Angeles
Daughter of John Bruellman
Sign-Zone LLC/Showdown Displays

Haley Bryner
Normalville, Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Daughter of Paul Bryner
Polyconcept North America

Emily Carson
Lancaster, Ohio
Cedarville University
Daughter of Brenda Carson
Big Ideas Branding & Apparel

Truman Cartner
Pleasant Hill, Missouri
University of Missouri
Son of Tria Cartner
Perfect Promotions

Mattison Cheek
Greensboro, North Carolina
Wake Forest University
Daughter of Chad Cheek
Sunset Creations

Susheel Cheeti
Issaquah, Washington
New York University
Son of Sravani Cheeti
SanMar

Riley Cooper
Waterford Township, Michigan
Boise State University
Daughter of Jennifer Lindsey Cooper
Geiger

Mikayla Cousineau
Woodbury, Minnesota
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Daughter of Joe Cousineau
Promotional Designs, Inc.

Courtney Diggs
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Howard University
Daughter of Reginald Diggs
City Wide Promotions, Inc.

Zoe Doorenspleet
Toronto, Ontario
University of British Columbia
Daughter of Lisa Doorenspleet
Boss Promotions

Kylie Dumas
Moorhead, Minnesota
University of Arizona
Daughter of Andrew Dumas
Range Printing

Spenser Duval
Roanoke, Virginia
University of Virginia
Daughter of Michael Duval
BMI Tools Inc.

Hannah Eriksen
Crestwood, Kentucky
Murray State University
Daughter of Debbie Podlogar
Buzzworthy Promotions

Monica Fortin
Miramar, Florida
University of Florida
Daughter of Kiki Fortin
Monalisa HN, LLC

Hadassah Gabay
Spring Valley, New York
Lander College for Women
Daughter of Lior Gabay
Glam Media Marketing Ltd

Reese Golisek-Wisser
Paw Paw, Michigan
Michigan State University
Son of Sharyl Golisek
Edwards Garment Company

Zoe Gruszczynski
Portland, Oregon
University of Oregon
Daughter of Greg Gruszczynski
Bardy Trophy Company

Peyton Hendrickson
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Alabama
Son of Scott Hendrickson
Quality First Branding Agency

Carolan Hoffman
Sigourney, Iowa
Iowa State University
Daughter of Clinton Hoffman
Design House Plus

May Huang
Quincy, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Daughter of Jiezhen Lin
Hub Pen Company

Michael Hulke
Argyle, Texas
University of Arkansas
Son of Laura Hulke
Potenza Promotions, LLC

Isabella Huner
Thompsons Station, Tennessee
Liberty University
Daughter of Alisha Huner
FunKey Designs

Monica Hunt
Granger, Indiana
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Daughter of Maria Hunt
Dec-O-Art

Jacob Kaller
Phoenix, Arizona
University of Arizona
Son of Jason N. Kaller
Greenway Print Solutions

Andrew Kauffman
Columbus, Ohio
Tulane University
Son of Catherine Kauffman
Stolz Mead Global

William Keller
Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Lancaster Bible College
Son of Bill Keller
LMK Industries LLC

Molly Kennedy
Orange Beach, Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Daughter of Cindy Kennedy
A Special Occasion

Benjamin Kersh
North Hollywood, California
University of California, Santa Barbara
Son of Paul Kersh
ALight Promos

Jack Kessinger
Carlinville, Illinois
University of Missouri
Son of Jason Kessinger
The Cubby Hole

Chloé Krueger
Shawano, Wisconsin
Marquette University
Daughter of Jay Krueger
Proforma Simply Stated

Jacob Levey
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Son of Brian Levey
Preferred Marketing Solutions

Jordan Levey
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Son of Brian Levey
Preferred Marketing Solutions

Qian Wen Li
Quincy, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Daughter of Xiao Na Liu
Hub Pen Company

London Lombana
Newark, California
San Francisco State University
Son of Roberto Lombana
RedIceLogo

Madison Luna
Romeoville, Illinois
Drake University
Daughter of Rafael Espinosa
Orbus

Guozhen Luo
Saugus, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Son of Lihua Chen
Hub Pen Company

Zachary Marmet
Minnetonka, Minnesota
University of Michigan
Son of Marnie Marmet
Chillybean Promotions

Meredith Maynard
Wake Village, Texas
Mississippi State University
Daughter of Keith and Sharon Maynard
Fastsigns Texarkana

Alexandra Melerski
Park Ridgeil, Illinois
Illinois State University
Daughter of Christina Melerski
Neil Enterprises/Illini Line

Claire Metcalf
Ozark, Missouri
University of Arkansas
Daughter of Leslie Metcalf
Pickle Promotions

Marissa Montandon
St. Louis, Missouri
Union University
Daughter of Jennifer Montandon
RBO PrintLogistix

Mollie Nellist
Levittown, Pennsylvania
West Chester University
Daughter of Kathleen Nellist
ASI

Mary Nelson
Haltom City, Texas
University of Texas at Arlington
Daughter of Mikhail Nelson
AWARDS BY WILSON

Kaelie Paugh
Westfield, Indiana
Texas Christian University
Daughter of Christine and Robert Paugh
Imagery, LLC

Shelby Persechino
Tampa, Florida
University of South Florida
Daughter of Candy Persechino
Eye Candy Prints

Elizabeth Pickford
Gilroy, California
Virginia Military Institute
Daughter of Delores Pickford
Make it Mine

Katherine Pollack
Decatur, Georgia
University of Georgia
Daughter of Michael Pollack
Sweet Innovations/Maggie Lyon Chocolatiers

Melanie Reinhart 
Zionsville, Indiana
Indiana University
Daughter of Tim Reinhart
Artistic Awards

Marla Ricart
West Miami, Florida
Davidson College
Daughter of Magaly Ricart
Perpetual Artist, Co.

Elisabella Ricca
Kinnelon, New Jersey
Rutgers University
Daughter of Ernest Ricca
Adventures in Advertising

William Rudisill
Hickory, North Carolina
Lenoir Rhyne University
Son of Natalie Lathan
Appalachian Imprints

Grace Sewell
Auburn, Maine
Boston University
Daughter of Jennifer Sewell
Geiger

Breanna Shaffer
Kennewick, Washington
Eastern Oregon University
Daughter of Trudi Adams
Adams Place Country Gourmet, Inc.

Natalie Sharpe 
Plymouth, Michigan
University of Toledo
Daughter of Paul Sharpe
Sharpe Impressions

Dawson Shorman
The Colony, Texas
Dallas Baptist University
Son of Mark Shorman
Results Online Inc.

Elizabeth Shultz
Leawood, Kansas
University of Arkansas
Daughter of David Shultz
commonsku

Hannah Silver
Chicago, Illinois
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Daughter of Mitch Silver
Printable Promotions

Mary Katherine Sizemore
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
North Greenville University
Daughter of James Gillespie
GTS Promo

Cameron Smith
Greer, South Carolina
University of South Carolina
Daughter of Susan Smith
Embroidme

Hallie Smith
Shelbyville, Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Daughter of Lori Smith
Preferred Marketing Solutions

Katherine Spetseris
Atlanta, Georgia
University of South Carolina
Daughter of Angelo Spetseris
alphabroder PrimeLine

Jack Suher
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Middlebury College
Son of Frank Suher
E-S Sports Corp.

Reese Sundgren
Cumming, Georgia
Auburn University
Daughter of Kelly Sundgren
Corporate Imaging Concepts

Amelia Tanberg
Tigard, Oregon
University of Oregon
Daughter of Shellia Orman
Inspired Results

Brette Thornton
Rockwall, Texas
Trinity University
Daughter of Kyle Thornton
Ash Allmond

Claudia Tristani
Boqueron, Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico
Daughter of Victor Tristani
Promociones Antillanas II

Abby Vandiver
Hoover, Alabama
University of Mississippi
Daughter of Kelly Vandiver
Junior Davis and Associates, Inc.

Cameron Vidlund
Forest Lake, Minnesota
University of St. Thomas
Son of Bonnie Vidlund
Logo Your Promo

Cole Weinman
Richardson, Texas
University of Texas at Austin
Son of Monica Scott
Logotology

Halle Welch
Carmel, Indiana
Indiana University
Daughter of Trudie Welch
Keltner Group LLC

Azelie Wood
Auburn, California
Benedictine College
Daughter of Dean Wood
Advantage Marketing and Print

Emma Wynn
North Manchester, Indiana
Ball State University
Daughter of Brett Wynn
OriginalPromotions.com - Powered by HALO Branded Solutions

Nathan York
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Texas Christian University
Son of Dean York
AIA/PMG Plus

Kenny Zhou
Quincy, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Son of LiPing Zhu
Hub Pen Company

Nicholas Zhuiko
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Temple University
Son of Natalya Zhuiko
ASI  

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“Thank you so much for awarding me a scholarship. This means a lot to my family and helps reduce the price of my college tremendously. My father has been blessed to work in this industry for 20 years now and this scholarship is a reflection of the fine people that work throughout the promotional products industry. It is truly inspiring that PPEF would donate their time and money to invest in my education and future. I will be attending Clemson University this fall, studying business with a concentration in finance and marketing. Thank you all very much!” - Mason Hershey, 2020 Four-Year Scholarship

“Being raised by a single mother, our budget has always been tight. Therefore, the thought of affording college has always been unnerving. My dream was to attend a small, private college. If my dream was to come true, I was going to need all the financial help I could get. Thankfully, aid received from the University of Richmond, coupled with your financial generosity, means that I can afford the cost while only taking out minimal student loans. I cannot stress enough how much this scholarship means to my mom and me. Thank you.” - Foster Lyman, 2020 Four-Year Scholarship

“I am truly blessed and honored to receive this scholarship from PPEF. Thank you for generously supporting me and my family as I pursue my education and continue my baseball career at Vassar College next year. Over the course of the next four years, I will be studying biology on a pre-medical track in the hopes of attending medical school. The scholarship you have provided me will not only help me in paying my educational expenses but also allow me to put more time into studying. With your generosity, I am one step closer to making a difference in my future community as a member of the medical field. Thank you for your efforts in helping me afford my educational endeavors.” - Ty Murray, 2020 Four-Year Scholarship

“As a recipient of your scholarship, I would like to extend my sincerest thank-you for providing me with this help towards paying for my tuition. I am currently an advertising major with a business minor and plan to transfer this degree into a career in the promotional product space after college. This money will help fund my tuition while helping me focus more on my education and spend less time on my job during the school year. So far, my experience at CU Boulder has been everything I imagined and working combined with scholarships are the ways in which I am able to continue. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my education and my degree through your generosity.” - Ashley Drake, 2020 Chairman’s Scholarship

“I would like to thank you for choosing me as a recipient for a PPEF scholarship. Your generosity will help my family afford my tuition and textbooks for the 2020-2021 academic year. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on my parents’ promotional products business, so receiving this scholarship is especially important for us this year. I am honored and incredibly grateful to the Nadel Family for helping me to pursue my academic goals." - Samantha Allman, 2020 Jack and Marty Nadel Scholarship

“Thanks for your generous support. I recently returned to the Des Moines Area Community College after over 20 years to finish an associate’s degree. My first semester back was recently finished with two A’s. I am currently in my summer semester and it’s been challenging so far. …My educational pursuits would not be possible without generous support from scholarship sponsors like your foundation. Thank you for enabling this opportunity!” - Melissa Hobbs, 2020 Friends of PPMN Scholarship

“During these unique economic times, a lot of companies pulled their scholarships due to funding cuts. …[My father] is in the promotional products business, and when COVID-19 struck, his business ground to a halt. When PPEF reached out and notified me that I had been awarded a one-year scholarship, I was beyond joyful. My family is so thankful that PPEF continued their scholarships during the virus to help provide for people!” - Blake Casner, 2020 PPAS Scholarship

“As the recipient of the Reciprocity Road Roadie Scholarship, I’d like to personally thank you for your generous commitment to students such as myself. Your work is greatly appreciated, especially right now as students in the graduating Class of 2020 enter the next stage of our lives in such an uncertain world. Please know that your support of PPEF’s scholarship program has an incredible impact on countless students each year, and I am honored to consider myself one of them.” - Nicholas Kempf, 2020 Reciprocity Road Roadie Scholarship

“I am delighted and honored to be awarded the H. Ted Olson Scholarship. I am planning on majoring in business, and I am so excited to get involved at the campus in the fall. This scholarship was a reminder to be excited for what is ahead. Amidst many of the current circumstances, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and saddened by the news. When I was notified about earning this scholarship, I felt a sense of hope and excitement. Thank you for making your mark within my journey to success.” - Lindsey Lau, 2020 H. Ted Olson Scholarship

“Thank you so much for awarding me with this scholarship. I am pursuing an English degree with a concentration in linguistics. I plan to pursue speech language pathology in the school or special education system. This award will help me attend my dream university despite financial concerns. It will also help me be the first in my family to graduate college.” - Molly Kennedy, 2020 One-Year Scholarship

“I am so grateful to receive this generous scholarship from PPEF. I am ecstatic as it will help me return to the University of Michigan, where I plan to continue in my pursuit of a degree connecting environmental studies with business. This gift has been wonderful news for my family, especially for my mother, who has worked in the promotional products industry for many years…I hope to eventually use my degree to give back to the promotional products industry.” - Zachary Marmet, 2020 One-Year Scholarship

“I want to thank you for the generous scholarship that I received from PPEF. Receiving this scholarship is especially helpful for me this year because my position as a summer camp counselor was cancelled due to COVID-19. My family appreciates your generosity. This scholarship will help cover the cost of my books and fees for this coming year. Thank you again.” - Kate Pollack, 2020 One-Year Scholarship

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Tina Berres Filipski is editor of PPB.