Scholarships
Steven A Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship
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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2026 Associate Member Scholarship Recipient
CONNOR DUGAN
Son of Shawn Dugan, Victaulic
Connor Dugan is a senior at Lehighton Area High School with a 3.7 GPA who will attend Wilkes College for Business Administration/International Business in the fall.
Connor is the son of Shawn Dugan, an internal audit manager at Victaulic in Easton PA.
In Connors college essay, he wrote about his time as a wrestler, indicating that for a long time it made him feel clumsy, but he learned from being a team member it wasn’t just about winning, it was about showing up, even in the moments that bruise your pride. He talks about changing how he measured progress, wins felt good but consistency was the real victory. He learned the valuable less that showing up, and showing up consistently is what matters.
Conor still walks off the mat sore more often than not, but does not carry his losses as failure, but as the place he began; reminding him to be a teammate others can rely on, and the student who keeps improving and doesn’t quit because something hurts.
Mr. Dugan also is active in his community, he organized fundraisers including collecting 500 pounds of food for local families, and has also volunteered for the wrestling and track programs at school. Connor’s High School Principal of Operations and Student Management said what sets Connor apart is his well-rounded character -- balancing academics, athletics and leadership with poise and determination.
As we all remember, Steve Berkowitz was a daredevil, who loved any type of sports, and had a vibrant energy. I believe that Steve would be the first person in our Association to want to shake hands with Connor.
Past Recipients:
2025 – Danielle Hannold and Melissa Sereday
2024 – Zoey Baumholtz
2023 - Sean Cowan
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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.
2026 Recipient -Krispa Chapagain
Krispa Chapagain is a Nepalese-American student with a passion for engineering and community impact. As co-president of the STEM for Change Club, I have helped lead my team to a top-10 in the NJ STEAM TANK competition for two consecutive years, bringing innovative ideas and a commitment to education to every project.
Dedicated to giving back, I serve as president of the Asian Cultural Club, am an officer for the Greater Philadelphia YMCA Civic Engagement Model UN High School Conference, and the co-founder of my school's Girls Who Code Chapter. I have also interned with a NASA program and am co-authoring a research paper with an assistant professor at Stockton University.
Next fall, I will attend Columbia University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering, with hopes of using engineering to make a lasting difference in the world.
Past Recipients
2025 – Mithun Roy
2024 - Anamika Chakrabarty 2020 - Julianna DiVentura
2023 - Ashton Harris 2019 - Vito D. Carfagno
2022 - Angela Claveria 2018 - Duncan Scandin
2021 - Giselle Obergfell 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.
2026 Recipients -Nicholas Stephan and Matthew Walker
Nicholas Stephan completed his BS in Mechanical Engineering and Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Automotive Engineering in May of 2026. Later this summer, he will begin working full time for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division as a Control Systems Engineer. This follows his completion of two prior summer internships at NSWCPD under the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program.
In addition to his exceptional academic record, Nick has served as an active member of Rowan University's chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) since his first semester. Through this organization, he has contributed to various volunteer efforts such as Stockings for Soldiers, university-wide clean ups, and fundraiser car shows. Furthermore, Nick has been the captain of the frame team for the Baja SAE Engineering Clinic since the Fall of Junior Year. Through this unique experience, a rules-compliant off road vehicle must be designed and fabricated from scratch. A culmination of hard work and dedication rewarded Nick and his team with a 6th-place overall finish at the Baja EDN competition this past February in Quebec City, Canada. Looking ahead, Nick seeks to continue applying his technical expertise as Rowan Motorsports travels to the Baja SAE New York competition next month.
Matthew Walker is a non-traditional, first-generation student who graduated in May 2026 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He began his academic journey at Camden County College, where he earned an AS in Engineering Science and Mathematics and was named to the Permanent President’s List. After transferring to Rowan University, Matthew has continued to demonstrate academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s Lis and gaining membership in Tau Beta Pi, the oldest engineering honor society in the United States.
Beyond is academic achievements, Matthew is recognized by his peers as a mentor and resource within his program. He is frequently sought out for assistance with coursework and project guidance, and he takes pride in helping others strengthen their understanding of engineering concepts and succeed academically.
Matthew has made significant contributions to the Stirling Engine project featured in Rowan University’s Introduction to Thermodynamics and Fluid Sciences course as part of the engineering clinic sequence. His work has focused on developing instrumentation for performance testing, providing valuable data for analysis and ongoing improvement. He continues to support the project beyond his initial involvement.
In the summer of 2025, Matthew completed an internship at PBF Energy-owned Delaware City Refinery, where he worked in the mechanical integrity department as a fixed equipment reliability engineering intern. In this role, he gained hands-on experience with industrial plant operations and reliability practices. Following graduation, Matthew will continue building on his experience as he beings his career with DCO Energy.
Past Award Recipients
2025 - Matthew Heras
2024 - John Terifay & Margaret Barrasso
2023 - Emma Beyer
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
