Last year, the typical “college experience,” filled with friends and fun events to promote learning and community, was nearly impossible. With classroom learning temporarily replaced with Zoom-based courses, and virtual hangouts making up for canceled sporting events, guest lecturers and club meetings, feelings of isolation and depression rose among students. While young people don’t often become seriously sick with COVID-19, a BestColleges.com survey found that more than 90 percent of college students experienced mental health challenges due to the pandemic.  

Nevertheless, many students persevered, maintaining their grades through the pandemic, despite the surrounding economic uncertainty and social unrest. Continuing its more than 30-year commitment to uplifting and supporting higher education for industry students, the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) is awarding $278,750 in scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year. PPEF Board Chair Carrie Pitre says, “With all the changes and uncertainty of the past year, the PPEF Board of Trustees felt it was vital that we did not change one more thing. We are thrilled that we were able to maintain not only the number of scholarships awarded, but also the dollar amount of each scholarship.  This is a testament to our generous donors, our strong industry community, and the dedicated Board coming together to make the education goals of our children the highest priority.”

PPEF, the nonprofit arm of PPAI, is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging scholastic excellence and academic performance among promotional products industry employees and their college-aged children and has awarded more than $2.7 million to 1,488 recipients since its founding in 1989. This year, PPEF is awarding 130 new and 31 renewal scholarships to selected recipients who have displayed exceptional academic achievement, extracurricular participation and community service. Each winner will receive between $1,000 and $9,000 in support of their college education.

PPEF’s scholarship awards are determined through a competitive application process. Among the requirements, each applicant must be a full-time promotional products industry employee or the dependent child of an industry employee; 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 2022-23 school year is March 15, 2022; the online application form opens in January 2022 at www.ppef.us/college-scholarships.

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Carson Jenkins
Raleigh, North Carolina 
North Carolina State University
Parent: Judy Cartret-Jenkins, The Marketing Mecca


Hali Soukup
New Ulm, Minnesota 
Concordia University- St. Paul
Parent: Michael Soukup, Koozie Group

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Devin Diggs 
Olathe, Kansas
University of Notre Dame
Parent: DeShaun Diggs, Gemline



Leilani Jurena 
Temecula, California
Fresno State University
Parent: Amy Jurena, JD Promotions




Bailey Rizzo
Mansfield, Texas
University of Missouri
Parent: Chad Rizzo, Showdown Displays



 
Hannah Chazan 
Anthem, Arizona
Grand Canyon University
Parent: Manny Chazan, Work Hard Play Hard Marketing




Benjamin Anderson
Logan, Utah
Utah State University
Parent: Jef Anderson, JBC Threadworks
 




Jason Hoang 
San Gabriel, California
California Polytechnic State University
Parent: Kieu Ngo, Sweda USA Company LLC

"I am extremely honored to be one of this year's recipients. While this scholarship is going to help me a lot, it is also going to help my parents. As a low-income family, my parents always worried about paying for utilities, food, insurance, etc. Now that I am attending college, they stress even more about how we're going to pay for tuition. This scholarship definitely lessened that stress. I understand how much they gave up to be in a better country like America, so this really motivated me throughout my childhood to work hard in school." - Jason Hoang, George C. Matteson, Jr. Scholarship



Michael Mathusek
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin- Madison
Parent: Billie Jo Mathusek, Proforma


 

Siddarth Punjabi
Orange, California
University of California, Berkeley
Parent: Dilip Punjabi, Ace Products

"Having grown up in my family's company, Ace Products, I have experienced the struggles and successes that come with running a promotional products business. To receive this award from the same industry that has afforded my family so much already means a tremendous amount. Though I did not know him, I have great respect for the work Mr. Pearson did over his amazing career. I feel connected to him through his scholarship and hope to represent his family well as a recipient." - Siddarth Punjab, Lyndon "Lindy" Pearson Scholarship




Ian Morgan 
Medina, Ohio
Vanderbilt University 
Parent: Pamela Morgan, Apex Marketing Solutions


 

Aubrey McFadden 
Huntley, Illinois
University of Iowa
Parent: Scott McFadden, BAG MAKERS, Inc.




Abby Prywitch
Chesterfield, Missouri
Indiana University
Parent: Mike Prywitch, MJP Promotions




Alexis Davenport
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Western Colorado University
Parent: Michelle Davenport, Shirt Stop




Jake Pundsack 
Melrose, Minnesota
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Parent: Lisa Pundsack, Kelly Promotions




Regina Moreno
Merced, California
California State University, Stanislaus
Industry Employee, Image Masters




Emilie Metzger 
Sunnyvale, Texas
Texas A&M University- Commerce
Industry Employee, Metzger Awards and Promotional Products




Zachary Marmet
Minnetonka, Minnesota
University of Michigan
Parent: Marnie Marmet, Chillybean Promotions



Mitchell Shook
Ansonia, Ohio
Bowling Green State University
Parent: Jennifer Shook, Visions

"This scholarship means so much to my family, especially my mother, since she is the one who is working in the promotional products field! She says it's nice to see that the industry cares about her and her family on a personal level instead of just in a working relationship. The other members of my family are also incredibly grateful because they love seeing other people support me and my mission to attend college since I am a first-generation college student." - Mitchell Shook, Paul E. Smith Scholarship



Jonah Kozub
Wilbraham, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Parent: Tara Kozub, HALO 


 

Mubera Hasic
Tallahassee, Florida 
Tallahassee Community College
Parent: Edin Hasic, Koozie Group


 


Isaac Berlin
Orem, Utah
Brigham Young University
Parent: John Berlin, Advalue and BetterMousepads.com




Emma Harrell
Brandon, Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi
Parent: Kimberly Harrell, Geiger




Hannah Holligan 
Scottsdale, Arizona
University of Arizona
Parent: Jonathan Holligan, Specialty Incentives




Abby Bardin
Frankston, Texas
Baylor University
Parent: Vickie Bardin, HALO 




Emma Harman 
West Point, Georgia
University of Georgia
Parent: James Harman III, American Solutions for Business




Corinne Allen
College Station, Texas 
Texas A&M University 
Parent: Melissa Lewis, Merge Creative

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you for choosing me to receive the Lorraine Hempen Scholarship. As a young woman preparing to enter Texas A&M University this fall, I am inspired by Ms. Hempen's tenacity and courage to enter a non-traditional career field for her time." - Corinne Allen, Lorraine Hempen Scholarship




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




Wilson Howard 
St. Petersburg, Florida
University of South Florida
Parent: Teresa Howard, Hit Promotional Products




Madeleine Lawler
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
University of Southern California
Parent: Eric Lawler, Bish Creative


 

Kinsley Green 
Groton, Connecticut
University of Saint Joseph
Parent: Rachel Green, Promo Matting From Americo




Cynthia Sifuentes 
Round Lake, Illinois
Bradley University
Parent: Guadalupe Flores, Neil Enterprises




Weston Cadena 
Cypress, Texas
Texas A&M University
Parent: Renelle Cadena, Trademarks Promotional Products




Rebecca Weinberg 
Seattle, Washington
University of Oregon
Parent: Michelle Weinberg, Image Source




Vincent Chang 
San Gabriel, California
University of California, Davis
Parent: Josephine Chih-Ying Chu, Innovation Line

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Alyssa Chang
Burbank, California
University of California, Berkeley
Parent: Andy Zan Chang, Sweda Company



Beatrice Coyle
Wheaton, Illinois
Westmont College
Parent: Christopher Coyle
Coyle Unlimited

"I am sincerely honored that you found me worthy of your esteemed scholarship. Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. COVID-19 has been a strain on our family finances, and this is definitely helping me attend a four-year college in the fall." - Beatrice Coyle, Four-Year Scholarship



Kassandra Estrella 
Rock Falls, Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Parent: Angelica Estrella, HALO 



Kelsey Hinderliter
Broadalbin, New York
University of Delaware
Parent: Jeannine Hinderliter, Amsterdam Printing



Joey Hoppenjans
Sylvania, Ohio
Ohio State University
Parent: J.R. Hoppenjans, FASTSIGNS of Monroe, Michigan



Cava Malayter 
Chicago, Illinois
Arizona State University
Parent: Eileen Malayter, HP Sportswear



Payton Patrick 
Parkton, Maryland
University of South Carolina
Parent: Dave Patrick, HP Sportswear



Erin Resnick
Walpole, Massachusetts
University of Richmond
Parent: Mark Resnick, American Solutions for Business



Joshua Rodriguez 
Bridgeton, New Jersey
Grove City College
Parent: Sandra Rodriguez, D and S Designs

"Thank you so much for your financial support, generosity and willingness to support college students like me. With the costs of college skyrocketing and the amount of student loan debt rising with each generation, it is reassuring to know that there are still those who care and are willing to make a difference to help future generations of students with college expenses. Because of generous PPEF donors and my hard work over the past five years, it looks like I will be able to attend my entire first year of college debt-free!" - Joshua Rodriguez, Four-Year Scholarship  



Aubry Schweiner 
Sherwood, Wisconsin
University of Notre Dame
Parent: Carl Schweiner, Premier Promotions

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Savannah Anderson 
Laguna Niguel, California
University of Pittsburgh
Parent: Stacey Anderson, Above & Beyond Balloons, Inc.



Rachel Arneson 
Canyon Country, California
The Master’s University
Parent: Brett Arneson, Dolphin Promotions


Brooke Bauer 
Tampa, Florida
Florida State University
Parent: Lori Bauer, iPROMOTEu



Nicholas Carter 
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
University of Wisconsin- Madison
Parent: Natalie Zhuiko, ASI



Blake Casner 
Dallas, Texas
Texas A&M University 
Parent: Rick Casner, Dynamic Branded Solutions



Iris Chao
Rossmoor, California
University of California, Berkeley
Parent: Hsin-Chia Chao, Twintech Industry, Inc.



Rachel Chazan 
Anthem, Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Parent: Manny Chazan, Work Hard Play Hard Marketing



Joseph Conde
Fishers, Indiana
Indiana University Bloomington
Parent: Mark Conde, FirePoint Creations

"Like many, my family was hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. With fewer sales for our family business as a result of the pandemic, the idea of college tuition payments became even more daunting. However, your scholarship donation not only alleviated my fears of college debt, but also took some of the financial stress off my family coming out of these challenging times." - Joseph Conde, One-Year Scholarship



Audrey Coyle
Wheaton, Illinois
Wheaton College
Parent: Christopher Coyle, Coyle Unlimited



Lily Crowner
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 
University of Pittsburgh
Parent: Matt Crowner, Kojak Graphic Communication INC



Ava English
Lakeville, Minnesota 
University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
Parent: Bruce English, ARK Promotions, LLC



Jace Faust
Auberry, California
Academy of Art University
Parent: Noelle Borrelli, Geiger



Sadie Fosdick
Plymouth, Massachusetts
University of Rhode Island
Parent: Lisa Fosdick, ePromos



Jacob Glagola
Ellicott City, Maryland
Syracuse University
Parent: Mary Glagola, Annie’s Uniforms & Corporate Apparel



Olivia Goldblatt
Carmel, Indiana
DePauw University
Parent: Shelby Goldblatt, Goldleaf Promotional Products Inc.



Maya Gonzalez
Chicago, Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Parent: Paula Gonzalez, Creative Promotional Products

"Thank you so much for donating to such a great cause. The PPEF scholarship will not only help me, but it will also help my family. We have greatly struggled financially due to unforeseen medical procedures among other expenses that emphasized other financial instability. My family's financial situation has truly taught me the importance of financial support and a college education." - Maya Gonzalez, One-Year Scholarship



Nicole Greenhouse 
Boca Raton, Florida
University of Central Florida
Parent: Todd Greenhouse, Smashbox Creative


Ashley Gusek 
Niles, Illinois
Northern Illinois University
Parent: Connie Gusek, GO2 Partners

"I am sincerely honored to have been chosen to receive a one-year scholarship. After suddenly losing my father this past January, this means so much to me and my mother. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to complete my teaching degree and become a certified K-12 physical education teacher. Without this scholarship, it may have not been possible for me to fulfill this dream." - Ashley Gusek, One-Year Scholarship



Hannah Hall 
Humble, Texas
University of North Texas
Parent: Angela Hall, ASH Apparel LLC



ShaeLoren Hall 
Northglenn, Colorado
Colorado Mesa University
Parent: Lorraine Hall, Mailbox Express



Logan Hamik 
Grand Island, Nebraska
Chadron State College
Parent: Julie Hamik, Flatwater Apparel Inc.



Jackson Hare 
Chardon, Ohio
Xavier University
Parent: Steve Hare, Ohio Varsity



James Haros 
Lisle, Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Parent: Jo Ellyn King, Norscot Group



Kaitlyn Heckler 
Mason, Ohio
Ohio State University
Parent: Mark Heckler, Company Promo Store



Samantha Hesekiel
Plainview, New York
Northwestern University
Parent: Jennifer Hesekiel, Graphic Image



Michaela Hoffman
Washington, Iowa
Iowa State University
Parent: Clinton Hoffman, Design House Plus



Skylar Huebner
Bethesda, Maryland
Vassar College
Parent: Christopher Huebner, Mac Mannes Inc.



Ella Jean-Sprecher
Los Angeles, California
University of California, Berkeley
Parent: Monica Jean, A2E



Zoe Jean-Sprecher
Los Angeles, California
University of California, Berkeley
Parent: Monica Jean, A2E

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of my moms lost her job. With the loss of her income, paying for four years of university for both my twin sister and me is an even more daunting challenge. This scholarship will help me to achieve my educational goals. Instead of worrying about the financial aspect of college and balancing a full-time job or jobs in addition to my schooling, I will be able to focus on my education." - Emma Jenkins, One-Year Scholarship Recipient



Emma Jenkins
Berlin, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Parent: Kim Jenkins, Top Brands, Inc.

"My whole life, I've wanted to pursue a career in design at my dream school, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. I have always had a passion for art. I love to draw, create glass pieces and take pictures in my free time along with working full-time. I have just recently taken an interest in graphic design, which is now what I plan on majoring in. This scholarship helps keep the cost low enough for me to make my dreams a reality." - Emma Jenkins, One-Year Scholarship



Tyler Jeske
Riesel, Texas
Lyon College
Parent: Kim Jeske, Worldwide Supply



William Keller
Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Lancaster Bible College
Parent: Bill Keller, LMK Industries LLC



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



Garrison Kreitenberg
Los Angeles, California
Ohio State University
Parent: Claudia Kreitenberg, Every Promotional Product



Taylor Kwasny
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Carthage College
Parent: Judy Kwasny, 4imprint



Isabella Lardin
Brighton, Michigan
University of Pittsburgh
Parent: Gina Lardin, Target Marketing



Michaela Laret
Rancho Cordova, California
University of Kentucky
Parent: Jennifer Laret, A4 Promotions and Incentives – iPROMOTEu



Qian Wen Li
Quincy, Massachusetts
Boston University
Parent: Xiao Na, Hub Pen



Ashley Lipe
St. Ann, Missouri
Knox College
Parent: Dawn Christman, Brand Addition



Austin Lundberg
Rexburg, Idaho
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Parent: Carolyn Lundberg, Onvoy International, LLC



Leigh Machion
Newtown, Pennsylvania
University of Notre Dame
Parent: Charles Machion, ASI



Ariana Marroquin
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Kean University
Parent: Kimberly Marroquin, Anico International



Logan McGinnis
Portland, Indiana
Purdue University
Parent: George McGinnis, Creative Awards & Gifts




Alexandra Melerski
Park Ridge, Illinois
Illinois State University
Parent: Christina Melerski, Neil Enterprises/Illini Line



Claire Metcalf
Ozark, Missouri
University of Arkansas
Parent: Leslie Metcalf, Pickle Promotions


Katherine Miller
Houston, Texas
University of Texas
Parent: Chet Miller, Sharp Impressions



Olivia Mubarek
Sandy Hook, Connecticut
Elon University
Parent: Kerri Mubarek, adm Group



Abigail Neely
Washington, Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University
Parent: Kristine Neely, The Magnet Group



Kelsey Neibert
Winona, Minnesota
Winona State University
Parent: Rebecca Neibert, Hidden Bay Graphics LLC

"Receiving this scholarship will benefit me immensely in my senior year at Winona State University. Throughout my secondary education, I have paid for all my college expenses on my own. I work very hard at my two jobs to ensure that I can continue my education. Although paying for my entire college career can be tough at times, I am fortunate to be able to do it on my own. It has taught me a lot about money management and responsibility that I could not have learned elsewhere." - Kelsey Neibert



Mollie Nellist
Levittown, Pennsylvania
West Chester University
Parent: Kathleen Nellist, ASI



Spencer Oslin
Collinsville, Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
Parent: Krista Oslin, Promotions Etc.



Shelby Ottengheime
Altadena, California
Pitzer College
Parent: Terri Yamate-Ottengheime, Beyond Zebra, Inc.



Marissa Palumbo
North Wales, Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Parent: Lynn B. Palumbo, ASI



Shelby Persechino 
Tampa, Florida
University of South Florida
Parent: Candy Persechino, Eye Candy Prints



Ethan Reifer
Ijamsville, Maryland
Carnegie Mellon University
Parent: Michele Reifer, Kojak Graphics



Joseph Riggleman
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Ringling College of Art + Design
Parent: Gwen Kelly, Suntex Industries



Megan Rodgers
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia College
Parent: Lisa Rodgers, White Dog Promotions LLC



Daniel Rodriguez
Cicero, Illinois
University of Illinois - Chicago
Parent: Virginia Maya, alphabroder



Julia Rotman
Montclair, New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Parent: Tracey Diamond, Tracey Diamond Designs



Christopher Ruane
Moraga, California
Boston College
Parent: Andrea Ruane, Insight Resource Group



William Rudisill
Hickory, North Carolina
North Carolina State University
Parent: Natalie Lathan, Appalachian Imprints



Marcos Saldaña
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Atlantic University College
Parent: Manuel R. Saldaña, iDeal Promo Source, LLC



Cael Saxton
Avon, Ohio
University of Chicago
Parent: Jeff Saxton, Promotions on Time



Canon Sbravati
Boyle, Mississippi 
Mississippi State University
Parent: Melanie Ouzts, Signet, Inc.



Carter Schmidt
Menasha, Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin
Parent: Matt Schmidt, 4imprint



Breanna Shaffer 
Kennewick, Washington
Eastern Oregon University
Parent: Trudi Adams, Adams Place Country Gourmet, Inc.



Amie Shin
Los Angeles, California 
Babson College
Parent: Hyun Shin, ABI USA Sales Corp



Elizabeth Shultz
Leawood, Kansas
University of Arkansas
Parent: David Shultz, commonsku



Mary Katherine Sizemore
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
North Greenville University
Parent: James Gillespie, GTS Promo



Cassandra Talatzko
Anthem, Arizona
The Studio Academy of Beauty
Parent: Lisa Talatzko, White Knight Distributors



Celcie Tetteh 
Rosenberg, Texas
Duke University
Industry Employee, Elegant Stitches



Jake Tharp
San Antonio, Texas
Texas State University
Parent: Craig Tharp, Accu-Print/Accu-Labels



Elisabeth Tonn
Springfield, Minnesota
Loyola University Chicago
Parent: Becky Tonn, Koozie Group



Amanda Tristani
Boquerón, Puerto Rico
Universidad del Sagrado Corazon
Parent: Victor Tristani, Promociones Antillanas II



Claudia Tristani
Boquerón, Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico
Parent: Victor Tristani, Promociones Antillanas II



Lily Troutman
Marietta, Georgia
Georgia State University
Parent: Lindsay Troutman, InTandem Promotions



Carson Valley
Spokane, Washington
University of Idaho
Parent: Jeff Valley, Pacific Company



Abigail Vandiver
Hoover, Alabama
University of Mississippi
Parent: Kelly Vandiver, Junior Davis & Associates, Inc.



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



Harriet Williamson
Germantown, Tennessee 
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Parent: Lisa Williamson, Think Threads



Aaron Wills 
Clyo, Georgia
University of Georgia
Parent: Michael Wills, ASI

"I would like to thank you for your generous scholarship. As the oldest son, with two younger siblings yet to go to college, I have been looking for ways to support myself by taking college courses in high school, working during school and saving money. Because of your generosity, there is much less stress and uncertainty to deal with during my college years." - Aaron Wills, One-Year Scholarship



Isabel Wilsbach
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio University
Parent: Tracy Wilsbach, G&G Outfitters



Sadie Wolf
Brush Prairie, Washington
Colorado State University
Parent: Sandra Wolf, GIDI Promotions



Theresa Wood 
Auburn, California
Benedictine College
Parent: Dean Wood, Advantage Marketing and Print



Nathan York
Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Texas Christian University
Parent: Dean A. York, PMG Plus, Inc. / AIA   

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Kristina Valdez is associate editor of PPB.