The Roofing Alliance has awarded $114,000 in scholarships to 25 students through its 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship program, continuing its investment in education and the future roofing industry workforce.
The organization approved 13 new Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship recipients totaling $59,000 along with $55,000 in renewal scholarships for 12 students. Since the program began, 186 students have received more than $1.36 million in scholarship awards.
The 2026-2027 recipients are Garrett Beckstead, Louisian
a State University; Nasheed Benjamin, Tuskegee University; Jaleni Diaz De Leon, Colorado State University; Carter Dominique, Ohio State University; Tanner Gawith, Tuskegee University; Sascha Oliveira, Penn State York; Rylee Raukits, University of Florida; Yahir Reyes-Morga, Forsyth Technical Community College; Alessandro Rignanese, Florida International University; Ashwin Varadhan, Auburn University; Norman Warcholik, Arizona State University; Austin Ziringer, Columbus State Community College; and Kyle Ziringer, Ohio State University.
Their areas of study span construction management and construction science management to architecture, civil engineering, architectural technology, business management and other disciplines.
“Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future of our industry. By supporting students pursuing careers in construction management and related fields, we’re not only helping them achieve their educational goals—we’re strengthening the workforce and ensuring the roofing industry has the talented leaders it needs for tomorrow,” says Alison LaValley, executive director of the Roofing Alliance.
The scholarship program offers three opportunities and is open to employees of roofing industry companies, their spouses and dependent children. Construction management students enrolled at the undergraduate level and students enrolled in career and technical education programs or schools also are eligible regardless of roofing industry affiliation.
Details and application guidelines for the 2027-2028 Melvin Kruger Scholarship program are expected to be available in early October.
The Roofing Alliance represents a network of more than 210 roofing industry leaders and supports initiatives focused on education, research, workforce development and philanthropic outreach.
