Scholarships
Steven A Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship for Associate Members
SJMCA ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR EMPLOYEES OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Beginning in 2023, the South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association accepts applications for a $1,000 scholarship aimed at Graduating High School Children and/or Grandchildren of the Association’s Associate Membership (Non-Contractor Members). Each year the deadline for applications will be March 31st.
Tragically, in 2024 Steven A Berkowitz, a dedicated Board Member, representing our Associate Members passed away unexpectedly. For 19 years he served diligently on our Board, lending his expertise both as a lawyer and mechanical engineer. He formed lasting connections as a friend to many within our Association. In remembrance of Steve's remarkable legacy, it is important to acknowledge that he was an organ donor, positively impacting the lives of 5 individuals through his selfless act. We are deeply honored to perpetuate his spirit of generosity through this annual scholarship initiative.
Candidates will be evaluated on character, academic performance, extracurricular activities and community service.
To Download application - click here!
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2023 Associate Member Scholarship Recipient - Sean Cowan
Grandson to Kathleen Cowan of Glenn Insurance
Sean Cowan is a Senior at Absegami High School in Galloway, NJ, graduating this spring with a weighted 4.0 GPA. During his high school years, Sean volunteered at the Community Food Bank, assisting at their community events distributing food boxes to families in need. He also supported back to school events setting up and breaking down of displays, and distribution of resources during the event which was sponsored by South Jersey Family Medical Center. Sean was an active member and mentor of the Galloway Township Athletic Association coaching younger athletes in wrestling events; he worked the scoring table and was always there to assist the program staff from setup to break down.
Sean has a passion for wrestling, and said “Wrestling showed me how to handle loss and adversity. Wrestling is just you and the opponent; the result is left to you. It taught me if I don’t work hard and be disciplined, I won’t achieve what I want.” He wrestled on the varsity team all four High School years at Absegami; two of them as Team Captain. The Head Coach of the Wresting Team said, “I have watched him mature and grow in a driven, responsible person who genuinely cares about others.”
Sean will be attending Ursinus College in the fall majoring in Health and Exercise Physiology. Congratulations Sean, we wish you continued success!
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William Davidson Memorial Scholarship
William Davidson, a partner with Marvin Davidson at Harry Davidson, Inc. was a man devoted to family, friends and community. Those that knew Bill Davidson said he was a man with integrity. His work ethic and business reputation motivated the members of The Greater Atlantic City Area Mechanical Contractors Association to establish a scholarship in his memory in 1987. The South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association in 2017 was given the stewardship and are honored to continue the legacy of The William Davidson Memorial Scholarship.
2023 Recipient -Ashton Harris
Ashton Harris is dedicated to bettering himself and his community. He aspires to become an engineer.
For the last 5 years, Ashton helped lead younger students in maintaining a produce garden; the crop yield was used to hand make and donate meals to the homeless veterans of Enphront’s Transitional Housing in Atlantic City. For the last 2 summers, Ashton has volunteered at the local Northfield Community Middle School Camp Invention Program teaching STEM concepts to K-6 students. Last year he was selected as head counselor.
In January, Ashton earned the Internationally recognized Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and was selected as captain of Mainland Regional High School Academic Team. He also was a long-distance runner for winter and spring track teams. Ashton trained 9 years in American Tae Kwon Do and has earned his black belt. In 2019 he was recognized for sportsmanship, character, leadership and physicality in the gym.
Ashton, a National Honor Society Member, has a weighted GPA of 5.215 and will graduate Summa Cum Laude in the top 10% of his class. He earned a drone license in 2022, and an AutoCAD license in 2021. Ashton will be majoring in computer engineering and cyber security in the fall.
Past Recipients
2022 - Angela Claveria 2019 - Vito D. Carfagno
2021 - Giselle Obergfell 2018 - Duncan Scandin
2020 - Julianna DiVentura 2017 - Joseph Reina
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Rowan University College of Engineering Scholarship
The Rowan University College of Engineering Award began in 2000 as a way for South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association to show their support for the first graduating class at the Engineering School of Rowan University. We are honored to continue this grant each year with a recipient that is recommended by the staff at the College for an individual who has shown exemplary skills personally, and academically during their tenure at Rowan.
Chris Burton from Franklinville NJ is a senior in the Rowan College of Engineering, graduating in May ?23 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a CUGS in Automotive Engineering. At Rowan he has been actively involved in both academic and co-curricular activities. He is a technical supervisor at Studio 231 a student-led and student-run experiential learning lab and makerspace for the Rowan community where his duties include instructing design thinking, prototyping, and innovation to students. Chris has a passion for cars and currently holds Vice President and Events Chair positions in the Rowan SAE Club. Whether it’s building off-road vehicles and racing them in competitions, or automotive restorations and repair or even designing robotic arms and underwater remote vehicles his positive enthusiasm is quite visible to his peers and professors. While at Rowan he has also volunteered in several events such as conducting manufacturing workshops for students, Pumpkin Chunkin’, Rowan Rumble, Rowan Motorsports Day, and trash clean ups around campus.
Alongside his academics Chris has been working with BIODOME LLC, a startup company for rooftop aeroponics systems, and DEMOUNTABLE CONCEPTS INC., a truck equipment manufacturing company. Chris while working at Studio 231 will also be pursuing a Master’s in Engineering Management at the Rowan College of Business with anticipated graduation in May 2025.
Emma Beyer is a senior Mechanical Engineering student in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Emma began her academic career at Rowan University in 2019. From the start, she was not only a diligent student when it came to her coursework but was also a self-starter when it came to clinic and other projects. Whether it be by herself or with a team, she excels at all she does. She has been a great help to the department as well by serving as an Admission's Ambassador and sharing her story with prospective students. Emma has impressed the faculty with her motivation, attitude, and persistence in learning. Post-graduation, Emma will be working at Novelis in Clayton, NJ.
Past Award Recipients
2022 - Derek Miebach
2021 - Jack Perelman Camins & Megan Duman
2020 - Benjamin Taylor
2019 - Robert Phillips
2018 - Chris Kadlec & Yuan Li
2017 - James Henry & Jill Sharkey
2016 - Zachary Bechtle & Charles Grab
2015 - Gary Haes & Matt Short
2014 - John Grisi & Phil Greiner
2013 - Kelsey Lewis
2012 - Patrick Leung
2011 - Vincent Tedesco & Scott Storms
2010 - Evan Forisisky
2009 - Anthony LaBarck & Todd Nilsen
2008 - James Kostic
2007 - Christopher Rowen
2006 - William Weisnet
2005 - Larry Pologruto
2004 - Keith Goren
2003 - Rabon M. Jones
2002 - Lewis T. Clayton
2001 - Janelle Lieblein
2000 - Sarah Hart
