Builders Exchange Scholarship Program

Since 1959, the Exchange Scholarship Program has given financial aid to deserving students in construction- related fields of study -- including architecture, engineering, construction management and HVAC design.

Funded solely through BX member contributions, the program has provided more than $750,000 to deserving students. In 2007 alone, $51,250 was awarded to 50 students. Individual scholarship amounts are decided by the trustees and range from $500 to $2,500.

For more information about available scholarships, contact Deb Murphy or Kelly Purcell at the Exchange, 614/486-9521.

Named Scholarships:

The Thomas C. Fitzpatrick Award for Community Service and Leadership

This scholarship was created in 2006 by Elford, Inc., a Columbus-based general contractor, to honor its retired chairman for his commitment to community service.

Thomas C. Fitzpatrick was active in the Builders Exchange for decades, serving as president in 1961. But long after his leadership roles concluded, he continued to volunteer at the BX as an instructor for industry education programs, a membership recruiter and foundation fundraiser.  He was equally active in civic activities, demonstrating loyalty and longevity in his community service.

Graduating high school seniors and current college/technical school students are eligible to apply.

The Ben W. Kramer Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Ben M. Kramer in honor of his father Ben W. Kramer who founded Kramer Paints in Columbus in 1948.

Kramer Paints provided for three generations of the Kramer family over the next half century. In 2006, Ben M. and his wife Ruth retired, closing Kramer Paints. When the next generation of Kramers pursued careers outside of the family operation, it was with the full blessing of their parents. Ben W. Kramer built a business to provide for the family … and it had done just that. Ben's grandson, Aaron, is a past BX Scholarship recipient.

Graduating high school seniors and current college/technical school students are eligible to apply.

The Lincoln Construction Scholarship for Central Ohio Students in Construction Management  
(Columbus State Community College students only)

Lincoln Construction, Inc., a Columbus-based general contractor, is a classic example of what hard work, a committed team and strong ethics can do. The company started in 1971, doing residential and small commercial jobs. 

The company’s owners – Kurt Schmitt, president, and Bruce Dew, vice president – created a scholarship especially for students in two-year, construction management programs. Their goal is to reward outstanding future construction managers, who will positively impact the Central Ohio industry. The Lincoln Construction Scholarship was created in 2003 as a permanent part of the Builders Exchange Foundation.

Applicants must have completed at least one quarter at Columbus State Community College, work full-time in the construction industry and be working toward a degree in construction management.

The Tyler Ludwig Leadership Award (High school graduating seniors only)

The Tyler Ludwig Leadership Award was created in 2001 to single out an individual, majoring in a construction-related field, for that person’s leadership qualities.

It was created in memory of Tyler Ludwig (1988-2001), the late son of an active volunteer leader at the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio. Support for the Tyler Ludwig Leadership Award comes from friends of Tyler and his family, and from Continental Building Systems.

The Mid-City Electric Company Scholarship

The family owners of Mid-City Electric Company created this scholarship in 2006 to recognize and support students who exhibit a strong commitment to a career in construction.

The Dew family – Founder and Mid-City Chairman Jim Dew, and his children in the business: Brian, Dennis, Steve and Mary – have always placed ethics and quality craftsmanship as the company’s central core values. Since the Columbus-based electrical contracting business was founded in 1960, the Dews have generously supported a number of industry and community causes.

Graduating high school seniors and current college/technical school students are eligible to apply.

The Miller Family Scholarship

For the Miller family, commercial construction provides more than just a way to make a living – it provides a way of family life.  Pete Miller established the Miller Family Scholarship to recognize the four generations (and counting) of Millers who have found a home in the industry

The first Miller family business was started in the 1920s by family patriarch, Frank Miller. Later, Miller’s son, Frank, Jr., and his wife, Ruth, became active in the industry. Their son, Pete and his wife, Judy followed suit. Pete’s brother – another Frank – also worked with Pete for 30 years.

Graduating high school seniors and current college/technical school students are eligible to apply.

The O'Shaughnessy Women in Construction Scholarship

The O’Shaughnessy Women in Construction Award was created in 1994 to annually single out a woman student for her teambuilding and leadership qualities.

It was created in memory of Terry O’Shaughnessy (1946-1994), the late executive director of the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio. Support for the O’Shaughnessy Women in Construction Scholarship comes from Terry’s friends and family, and from BX members.

Graduating high school seniors and current college/technical school students are eligible to apply.

The Samuel A. Shuman Scholarship for Mechanical Engineering and Construction Management

Speer Mechanical executives created this scholarship in 2007 to mark the 50th anniversary of Chair, Sam Shuman with their firm.

 In 1957, Samuel A. Shuman, then relatively new to Columbus, was recruited by Julian Speer to head up his mechanical contracting company. Over the next two decades, Sam served as president of both the BX board of directors and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Central Ohio. In 1978 he won the Builders Exchange Cornerstone Award.

Graduating high school seniors and current college/technical school students are eligible to apply.

Many thanks to Staples Business Advantage for their generous donations benefiting the BX Scholarship program.

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The Builders Exchange of Central Ohio  
1175 Dublin Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43215
Ph: 614.486-9521   Fax: 614.486-7620   Email: info@bx.org

Updated 3/10/2008