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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2024 Associate Member Scholarship Recipient - Zoey Baumholtz
Daughter to Robyn Baumholtz, Audubon Plumbing Supply
As a young girl, I dreamt of unicorns, ice cream and all things shiny. With no worries to cloud my mind, my sole purpose was simply to have fun. However, at a young age, my parents divorced, and I often felt overshadowed by my brother. Despite dabbling in various activities like gymnastics, cheerleading, and golf, I never quite found my niche and battled social anxiety, feeling perpetually stuck in the shadows of others.
I needed an escape … I found joy and happiness in redesigning my childhood bedrooms; it made me feel like I was on top of the world. Choosing color, furniture, windows, and light fixtures was where I could see myself shine. When I stumbled upon an interior design class in high school, I found my calling. After designing two rooms, I knew without a doubt that this was my future. I want to design commercial buildings and residential homes, explore designs that are in and out of my comfort zone, and put my best work forward with each design.
This path for my future makes everything feel right and all those bad moments replaced with good ones. As I look ahead to my future at Thomas Jefferson University, majoring in Interior Design, I know that my younger self would be beaming with pride at my accomplishments.
Past Recipients:
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.
2024 Recipient -Anamika Chakrabarty
Anamika Chakrabarty is deeply passionate about mechanical and aerospace engineering. During high school, she fervently pursued scientific inquiry and technological innovation in STEM fields. She interned at NASA and the FAA contributing to pioneering research initiatives. She co-authored a published research project at the American Geophysical Union International Research Conference. Additionally, she was a student researcher at USciences Physics Camp working in a team to investigate the “vacuum bazooka” phenomena. She fostered her enthusiasm for mechanical engineering building an Arduino motion-activated “cat-defense” spray.
As a student representative on the school board, Ms. Chakrabarty demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and passion for fostering a vibrant and inclusive school community.
In the fall, Anamika will be attending Princeton University (tentative), majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a minor in climate science and a departmental certificate in robotics and intelligent systems. She is driven by a passion for exploration and discovery, eagerly anticipating the opportunities ahead as she pursues her academic, professional and personal aspirations.
Below Anamika with Director Cathy Murphy and her Parents.
Past Recipients
2023 - Ashton Harris
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.
John Terifay was a transfer student from RCBC and thrived after joining the Mechanical Engineering Department at Rowan as a junior. John has demonstrated exceptional academic performance with a perfect 4.0 GPA, graduating with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. During his time at Rowan, John enjoyed working with Dr. Wei Xue on various research projects. They included aiding the Physics department to develop preliminary designs for an implantable device to block pain signals, serving as an alternative to pain medication, as well as furthering research on the impact of additive nanoparticles in polymers in cryogenic environments. These research assignments assisted John’s learning to work in multidisciplinary environments and communicating ideas to team members outside of his major. Furthermore, John enjoyed introducing the polymer project to incoming freshmen, inspiring and motivating their own adventures into mechanical engineering. He also presented to professors from around the nation in New Orleans at the largest mechanical engineering conference in the world. John and his teammates published their findings in a conference paper and were awarded the “best paper award” by the ASME MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) division. John enjoys helping others with homework, projects, and simulation problems for various classes. He played intramural softball with friends on Monday nights. John has accepted a position at the naval yard in Philadelphia for NAVSEA. He will be working on and improving the deployment systems of the radio communication devices onboard submarines.
Below John Terifay with Director Cathy Murphy and President Jay McGinniss
Margaret Barrasso recently graduated from Rowan University in May 2024 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and Certificates of Undergraduate Studies in Automotive Engineering and Forensic Studies. For two years she worked on a research project overseen by Dr. Koohbor, and got to co-author a research paper that was published to The Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering (SAMPE). She was also part of the team that presented the findings of that paper, Repairing Impact-Damaged GFRP Composites by Polymer Cold Spray, at the SAMPE Conference and Exhibition in Long Branch California. Margaret also held multiple leadership positions in different academic clubs serving for 2 years as secretary for the Society of Women Engineers and 1 year as Fundraising & Service Chair for Rowan’s Chapter of IEEE Women in Engineering. Margaret also held multiple part-time jobs on campus, working as the Recreation Center Lifeguard Supervisor and CPR Instructor for over 2 years. Post-graduation she will be working as a Mechanical Engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Philadelphia, PA. She is grateful for the opportunities provided to her by Rowan University, and would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Koohbor for his guidance and support.
Past Award Recipients
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
