Construction alumni raise $1 million+ in scholarships for construction students
PITTSBURG, Kan. – A milestone has been reached: since an alumni-driven fundraising effort began in 1988, more than $1 million in scholarships have been given to students in the School of Construction at Pittsburg State University to help them stay on track to graduation and their dream of entering the construction profession.
During the Nov. 11 football game at Carnie-Smith Stadium, the School of Construction Alumni Association presented the latest fundraising effort: a ceremonial check representing $170,000,
This year, more than 100 students will receive scholarships totaling more than $102,000.
The funds are raised at annual golf tournaments in Pittsburg, Wichita, and Kansas City, and at sporting clay events in Kansas City and Wichita, all led by the association.
Longtime Construction professor Jim Otter said the scholarships originally were targeted to seniors as a way to help them get through their final year and to get their first job. Now, they’re open to all.
“They help many of our working-class students who are trying to pay for their college through work and scholarships with the least amount of loans,” he said. “Many of our students are from small towns with rural or farming backgrounds. So, they are working, going to college, and trying to survive. Every chance our students have to minimize college debt puts them ahead in life.”
Dan West, a 2015 graduate who is now a project manager with McCownGordon Construction, clearly remembers interviewing for such a scholarship when he was at Pitt State.
“I remember describing how I was the typical broke college kid just trying to afford everything and get to graduation so I could get into the construction field and start making some money,” he said. “I could tell the folks in the interview room knew how much any scholarship amount helps as a college student.”
When he got his dream job, he made it a point to give back and be an active part of the association.
“I won’t forget the impact that scholarship had on me and the amount of respect I gained for the School of Construction with how they gave back to their students and wanted them to find success. Knowing I now play a part in helping current students in the program is a great feeling.”
Learn more about the School of Construction at pittstate.edu/construction