Aiding The Future

This year, students at universities ranging from New York to Tennessee, Utah, Hawaii and many other states are receiving financial assistance on behalf of the Promotional Products Educational Foundation (PPEF). The recipients are all part of the promotional products family; a few are industry employees themselves, and the rest have parents or guardians who work for distributors, suppliers, business service companies or multiline representatives. Some of them even recall the early years of their families’ companies or preparing for and attending trade shows in their youth.

While all the students are connected to the promo industry, the financial aid is helping them in their missions to study in fields as diverse as business administration, design, kinesiology and international studies, equipping them for careers in all sorts of fields.

For over 30 years, PPEF, the most significant philanthropic arm of PPAI, has been dedicated to recognizing and encouraging scholastic excellence and academic performance among promotional products industry employees and their college-aged children. Since 1989, the organization has awarded $3,026,500 to 1,618 students. This year alone, $299,000 of scholarships went to 130 new recipients and 32 renewal recipients.

The 2022 recipients were mailed their scholarships in July in advance of the academic year. For four-year and one-year scholarships, PPEF’s policy is to award 60% of scholarships based on need and 40% based on merit. Merit-based scholars receive $1,250, and need-based scholars receive $2,250 payments. This year, 52% of the recipients came from companies with less than $1 million in reported sales.

PPEF’s scholarship awards are determined through a competitive application process. Among the requirements, each applicant must be a full-time promotional products industry employee or the dependent child of an industry employee; must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must meet the deadline of March 15 at midnight PDT. Those being considered for need-based scholarships must also submit a copy of the Student Aid Report that a student receives after filing with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The online application for the 2023-24 school year opens in January 2023 and can be found at www.ppef.us/college-scholarships.

2022 CHAIRMAN’S SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Peyton Hendrickson
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Alabama
Parent: Scott Hendrickson, Quality First Branding Agency

Nathan York
Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Texas Christian University
Parent: Dean York, PMG Plus, Inc./AIA

2022 NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

FRAN FORD SCHOLARSHIP

Benjamin Anderson
Richfield, Utah
Utah State University
Parent: Jef Anderson, JBC Threadworks

“Thank you so much for this scholarship. I help with my parents’ startup screen printing and embroidery shop. It has been a long road for us to get where we are, and we still have a long way to go before we could really pay for my college out of pocket. I am studying marketing at Utah State University, and your generous donation will help me to make it through the school year.”
Benjamin Anderson

ALMAND “BO” CARROLL LEADERSHIP AWARD

Emily Anderson
Richfield, Utah
Southern Utah University
Parent: Jef Anderson, JBC Threadworks

Molly Kennedy
Orange Beach, Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Parent: Cindy Kennedy, A Special Occasion

Hannah Hall
Humble, Texas
University of North Texas
Parent: Angela Hall, ASH Apparel

Jason Hoang
San Gabriel, California
California Polytechnic State University
Parent: Kieu Ngo, Sweda USA Company LLC

“This scholarship is going to be a big boost in helping me achieve my goals, and I simply cannot put into words how grateful I am. I just wrapped up my freshman year of college studying business administration. This scholarship is part of the reason why I am in college, and one day I will tell my kids about how scholarships helped me a lot through my college career. I hope that one day I am able to donate a significant amount of money to organizations to fund scholarships so that I can also help college students like me.”
Jason Hoang

GEORGE C. MATTESON, JR. SCHOLARSHIP

Abby Bardin
Frankston, Texas
Baylor University
Parent: Vickie Bardin, HALO

TED E. DENNISON, MAS SCHOLARSHIP

Kaitlyn Bradley
Round Rock, Texas
Texas Christian University
Parent: Ellisa Bradley, Darling Promo

HELEN & AL MACKLER AND JOSEPH ALEXANDER SCHOLARSHIP

Alexa Bukowski
Fort Scott, Kansas
University of North Texas
Parent: Micha Bukowski, GO2 Partners

PAUL E. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP

Alexis Dohleman
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University
Parent: Lisa J. Dohleman, Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple

“Being a first-generation college student, I have absolutely no guidance in the whole college process, but I am working to the best of my abilities to find scholarships and resources to help me along my college path. The stress of financials has been a burden on my mind, but because of you and your generosity, I have a little less to worry about. I truly cannot thank you enough for all the positive things that will come out of this scholarship.”
Alexis Dohleman

JANELLE NEVINS SCHOLARSHIP

Kylie Dumas
Moorhead, Minnesota
University of Arizona
Parent: Andrew Dumas, Range Printing

STANLEY L. BRECKENRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP

Lauren Dumas
Moorhead, Minnesota
North Dakota State University
Parent: Andrew Dumas, Range Printing

RONI S. WRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP

Martha Ferrell
Wilmington, North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Parent: Clif Ferrell, Springboard Promotions

H. TED OLSEN SCHOLARSHIP

Jaiden Green
Olathe, Kansas
University of Kansas
Parent: Brianna Green, Making the Mark, Inc.

THE UMAPP COLLEGIATE SCHOLARSHIP

Jacob Hareid
Farmington, Minnesota
North Dakota State University
Parent: Scott Hareid, Hareid Marketing

“My dad has owned his own multi-line representative company since 2000. From a young age, I was fortunate to help with his company. I helped him prepare for trade shows and meetings with customers. I learned how to strategically pack our van to max capacity for shows and put together sample packs for customers. This scholarship will benefit my family and assist in financing my college education. Thank you so much.”
Jacob Hareid

WILLIAM F. “BILL” VERNON SCHOLARSHIP

Christine Keller
Coral Springs, Florida
University of Florida
Parent: Livi Dalmau Keller and Thomas Keller, American Solutions for Business

“As I pursue my degree in business administration, international studies and economics, I hope to accomplish even a fragment of what Mr. Bill Vernon achieved in his impressive professional career. From what I’ve read, I know that he not only excelled in growing The Vernon Company, but also had a heavy focus in various philanthropic causes. The legacy he leaves behind serves as an inspiration to young professionals like me who would also like to make a difference in the world.”
Christine Keller

BILL SCHMIDT, SR. SCHOLARSHIP

William Keller
Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Lancaster Bible College
Parent: William Keller, LMK Industries LLC

PMANC CAMPBELL M. BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Ryan Kirkbride
Benicia, California
Sonoma State University
Parent: Tosha Sparks, Alpi International

“Thank you for giving me and my family this amazing scholarship offer. This helps my single mom pay for some of my school fees at Sonoma State University. This scholarship allows me to focus a little more on school and not worrying about having to work to pay my fees. This is greatly appreciated!”
Ryan Kirkbride

ROBERT D. DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP

Joshua Kozub
Wilbraham, Massachusetts
Connecticut College
Parent: Tara Kozub, HALO

NORMAN & SUSANNE COHN SCHOLARSHIP

Madeleine Lawler
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
University of Southern California
Parent: Madeleine Lawler, Bish Creative

RECIPROCITY ROAD ROADIE SCHOLARSHIP

Qian Wen Li
Quincy, Massachusetts
Boston University
Parent: Xiao Na Liu, Hub Pen

“I am a full-time student at Boston University concentrating in finance and global business. As a first-generation college student, being able to attend college and pursue a degree is already a great achievement for me. I believe that by receiving this scholarship, my college experiences will be enhanced and made more enjoyable with less financial burden on me and my family.”
Qian Wen Li

FRIENDS OF PPMN SCHOLARSHIP

Perla Lozano
Santa Ana, California
University of California, Los Angeles

DAVID WOODS SCHOLARSHIP

Aubrey McFadden
Huntley, Illinois
University of Iowa
Parent: Scott McFadden, Bag Makers, Inc.

LORRAINE HEMPEN SCHOLARSHIP

Claire Metcalf
Ozark, Missouri
University of Arkansas
Parent: Leslie Metcalf, Pickle Promotions

DAVID LAWRENCE SHARP SCHOLARSHIP

Ian Morgan
Medina, Ohio
Vanderbilt University
Parent: Pamela Morgan, Apex Marketing Solutions

JOSEPH GREENBERG, CAS-FIRST IMPRESSIONS, INC. OF HOUSTON SCHOLARSHIP

Matthew Nevonen
Roanoke, Texas
University of Texas at Arlington
Parent: James Nevonen, Signarama Grapevine

DAVID WOODS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Hunter Patrick
Parkton, Maryland
Coastal Carolina University
Parent: Dave Patrick, HP Sportswear

PPAS SCHOLARSHIP

Madalyn Peterson
Edmond, Oklahoma
University of Kansas
Parent: Kimberly Peterson, SmithDryden, LLC

“I am beyond grateful to be a recipient of this year’s PPAS Scholarship from an industry my mom has been a part of for 25 years. With the continued increase in expenses, this scholarship will help lighten the financial burden of attending college. The generosity and dedication of PPEF and PPAS ensures education is a priority.”
Madalyn Peterson

PPACHICAGO SCHOLARSHIP

Matthew Ritterbusch
Palatine, Illinois
University of Notre Dame
Parents: CJ Ritterbusch, Concord Marketing Solutions

NWPMA SUCCESS SCHOLARSHIP

Maysen Running
Tigard, Oregon
University of Oregon
Parent: Maully Daniels, American Solutions for Business

SAM ROSENBLUM SCHOLARSHIP

Tess Sanford
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
University of Southern California
Parent: James Sanford, American Eagle Imagewear, Inc.

DAVE REAGAN SCHOLARSHIP

Cael Saxton
Avon, Ohio
University of Chicago
Parent: Jeff Saxton, Promotions on Time

“Thank you so much for your generous support. Being awarded this scholarship will not only take financial pressure off my family in having to pay for college, but it also means a lot coming from the field where my father has worked so hard. Your commitment to those working in this industry as well as students of the future is incredibly noble.”
Cael Saxton

PPAMIDWEST SCHOLARSHIP

Elizabeth Shultz
Overland Park, Kansas
University of Arkansas
Parent: David Shultz, commonsku

LYNDON “LINDY” PEARSON SCHOLARSHIP

Eva Silver
Chicago
University of Wisconsin- Madison
Parent: Mitch Silver, Printable Promotions

GLEN HOLD SCHOLARSHIP

Alexander Smith
Overland Park, Kansas
Kansas State University
Parent: Stephanie Thompson, Cutter & Buck

JAYNE EMOFF MILLER SCHOLARSHIP

Carson Valley
Spokane, Washington
University of Idaho
Parent: Jeff Valley, Pacific Company

VINCENT J. ARENA SCHOLARSHIP

Cole Weinman
Richardson, Texas
University of Texas at Austin
Parent: Monica Scott, Logotology

“Thank you so much for contributing to my education and my future. It’s hard to believe I’m already halfway through my undergraduate education at UT Austin. Living in a single- parent household is hard, and receiving this scholarship means a lot to my family. The past few years have been particularly challenging, and this scholarship will make a difference.”
Cole Weinman

2022 ONE-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Savannah Anderson
Laguna Niguel, California
University of Pittsburgh
Parent: Stacey Anderson, Above & Beyond Balloons, Inc

Rachel Arneson
Canyon Country, California
The Master’s University
Parent: Brett Arneson, Dolphin Promotions

Samuel Astro
Virginia Beach, Virginia
James Madison University
Parent: Myla and Tony Astro, MVOSS Creation LLC

Ashlee Bair
Avonmore, Pennsylvania
La Roche University
Parent: Michael Bair, PCNA

Henry Bair
Prairie Village, Kansas
University of Kansas
Parent: Paula Bair, Gill Studios Inc

Lily Barna
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Colgate University
Parent: Stacy Barna, The Vernon Company

Ethan Beach
Webster, New York
University of Tampa
Parent: Keith Beach, Emerald Print

Logan Beebe
Salisbury, Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park
Parent: Rodney Beebe, Millstone Company

Katharine Boone
Mobile, Alabama
Auburn University
Parent: Kim Boone, Zebra Marketing

Mason Bridges
Snohomish, Washington
University of Puget Sound
Parent: Sherri Bridges, Geiger

Ashley Briney
Houston, Texas
University of Texas at Tyler
Parent: Kara Briney, HALO

Lauren Broderson
Weston, Florida
LIM College
Parent: John Broderson, Pilot Pen

Caden Brown
Marietta, Georgia
Kennesaw State University
Parent: Holly Brown, PCNA

Haley Bryner
Normalville, Pennsylvania
Penn State University, Fayette
Parent: Paul Bryner, PCNA

Blake Casner
Dallas
Texas A&M University
Parent: Rick Casner, Dynamic Branded Solutions

Amber Celone
Clearwater, Florida
St. Petersburg College

“This scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to do much more than just purchase books and supplies. Being a direct promotional products employee, I am able to continue my educational journey and be a role model to continue to impact others to follow their dreams. As I complete my education and continue to grow professionally, I am very grateful for receiving your thoughtful gift.”
Amber Celone

Stacy Chapman
Loganville, Georgia
Toccoa Falls College
Parent: Angela Chapman, Scott and Associates

Rachel Chazan
Anthem, Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Parent: Manuel Chazan, Work Hard Play Hard Marketing

Jason Cohen
Tuckahoe, New York
Georgetown University
Parent: Andy Cohen, Advertising Specialty Institute

Audrey Coyle
Wheaton, Illinois
Wheaton College
Parent: Christopher Coyle, Coyle Unlimited

Raven Dalosto
Round Rock, Texas
Hawaii Pacific University
Parent: Michelle Dalosto, Tumble Tech

Noa Diggs
Pittsburgh
Penn State University
Parent: Quelle Diggs, PCNA

Tanner Dorschner
New Ulm, Minnesota
Minnesota State University
Parent: Curtis Dorschner, Koozie Group

Angela Fang
Braintree, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Parent: Anna Fang, Hub Pen Company

Cierra Flynn
Bentonville, Arkansas
University of the Ozarks
Parent: Jared Flynn, Outdoor Cap

Monica Fortin
Miramar, Florida
University of Florida
Parent: Monica Fortin, Monalisa HN, LLC

Benjamin Gansner
St. Louis
University of Missouri
Parent: Shannon Bertram, GO2 Partners

Brian Gellings
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Marian University of Fond du Lac
Parent: Carla Gellings, 4imprint

Nicole Greenhouse
Boca Raton, Florida
University of Central Florida
Parent: Todd Greenhouse, Smashbox Creative

Haley Grobe
Hilliard, Ohio
Grand Valley State University
Parent: Kevin Grobe, Uniflex, a part of S.Walter Packaging

May Huang
Quincy, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Parent: Jiezhen Lin, Hub Pen Company

“My family and I are very grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship. We are a low-income family, and my widowed mother has worked full-time in the promotional products industry since 2002. Like many immigrant parents, her greatest wish is to see her children succeed. I have been a recipient of this scholarship for the past few years, and it has greatly lightened the financial burden on my family. Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to excel in my studies. It is an honor having PPEF Donors with me throughout my education!”
May Huang

Skylar Huebner
Bethesda, Maryland
Vassar College
Parent: Christopher Huebner, Mac Mannes Inc.

Jessica Ibsen
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Nicholls State University
Parent: Jessica Ibsen, Cajun Country Promos

Zoe Jean-Sprecher
Los Angeles
University of California, Berkeley
Parent: Monica Jean, a2e, LLC

Emma Jenkins
Berlin, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Parent: Kimberly Jenkins, Top Brands Inc.

“I have always had a passion for art. I love to draw, create glass pieces and take pictures in my free time, along with working full time. My whole life, I’ve wanted to pursue a career in design at my dream school, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, where I have just finished my first year. I learned so much and I am excited for where this university will take me. This scholarship helps keep the cost low enough for me to make my dreams a reality.”
Emma Jenkins

Leilani Jurena
Temecula, California
Fresno State University
Parent: Amy Jurena, Bear Designz

Andrew Kauffman
Columbus, Ohio
Tulane University
Parent: Catherine Kauffman, Stolz-Mead Global

Brendan Kohberger
Syracuse, New York
Union College
Parent: Carol Kolceski, POW Promos LLC

Jonah Kozub
Wilbraham, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Parent: Tara Kozub, HALO

Jamie Kreitenberg
Los Angeles
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Parent: Claudia Kreitenberg, Every Promotional Product

Taylor Kwasny
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Carthage College
Parent: Judy Kwasny, 4imprint

Sarah Lederman
Pikesville, Maryland
University of Maryland
Parent: Andrew Lederman, Badges Buttons Plus

Jacob Levey
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Parent: Brian Levey, Preferred Marketing Solutions

Brooklyn Liddell
Sisters, Oregon
Brigham Young University
Parent: Eric Liddell, Momentum Promo

Ashley Lipe
St. Ann, Missouri
Knox College
Parent: Dawn Christman, Brand Addition

Andrea Lipic
St. Louis
Trine University
Parent: Steve Lipic, Lipic’s Inc.

Hannah Metcalf
Ozark, Missouri
Colorado State University
Parent: Leslie Metcalf, Pickle Promotions

Katie Miller
Houston
University of Texas at Austin
Parent: Chet Miller, Sharp Impressions

Jenna Mischke
Westminster, Colorado
University of Northern Colorado
Parent: Sheri Mischke, BrightStores, Inc

Peyton Neat
Oviedo, Florida
Slippery Rock University
Parent: Jill Neat, Corporate Pride

Abigail Neely
Washington, Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University
Parent: Kristine Neely, The Magnet Group

Lillian Neely
Washington, Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University
Parent: Kristine Neely, The Magnet Group

Mollie Nellist
Levittown, Pennsylvania
West Chester University
Parent: Kathleen Nellist, Advertising Specialty Institute

Loudon Nokes
Gardner, Kansas
Arizona State University
Parent: Jason Nokes, PromoPulse

Carly Obly
Aurora, Ohio
Ohio University
Parent: Lori Obly, Agratronix

Madison Odziemski
Red Wing, Minnesota
Minnesota State University- Mankato
Parent: Mike Odziemski, Koozie Group

Marissa Palumbo
North Wales, Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Parent: Lynn Palumbo, Lynn Palumbo

Zoë Paugh
Westfield, Indiana
Texas Christian University
Parent: Robert Paugh and Christine Paugh, Imagery LLC

Justin Penny
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
George Mason University
Parent: Leigh Penny, Advertising Specialty Institute

Ryan Perkins
San Antonio, Texas
University of Texas at Austin
Parent: Jenny Perkins, The Prestigious Mark, Inc.

Morgan Peters
Noblesville, Indiana
University of Wisconsin- Green Bay
Parent: Nancy Peters, CoasterStone

Lyndsey Pettengill
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Suffolk University
Parent: Keith Pettengill, Creative Gifts International

Abby Prywitch
Chesterfield, Missouri
Indiana University
Parent: Michael Prywitch, MJP Promotions

Kiara Reckenwald
Clearwater, Florida
St. Petersburg College
Parent: Kristi Reckenwald, Koozie Group

Ethan Reifer
Ijamsville, Maryland
Carnegie Mellon University
Parent: Michele Reifer, Kojak Graphics

Ella Reimer-Epp
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canadian Mennonite University
Parent: Heidi Reimer-Epp, Botanical PaperWorks

Sophie Reimer-Epp
Winnipeg, Manitoba
University of Ottawa
Parent: Heidi Reimer-Epp, Botanical PaperWorks

Macy Richter
St. Louis
University of Missouri
Parent: Joanna Richter, Geiger

Olivia Rogers
Wilmington, Massachusetts
University of Rhode Island
Parent: Karen Troy-Rogers, The Gem Group

Julia Rotman
Montclair, New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Parent: Tracey Diamond, Tracey Diamond Designs

Christopher Ruane
Moraga, California
Boston College
Parent: Andrea Ruane, Insight Resource Group

Canon Sbravati
Boyle, Massachusetts
Mississippi State University
Parent: Melanie Ouzts, Signet, Inc.

Amie Shin
Los Angeles
Babson College
Parent: Hyun Shin, ABI USA

Cynthia Sifuentes
Round Lake, Illinois
Bradley University
Parent: Guadalupe Flores, Neil Enterprises

Nathaniel Smith
Higginsville, Missouri
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Parent: Stephanie Thompson, Cutter & Buck

Sadie Smith
Clearwater, Florida
Florida College
Parent: April Smith, Koozie Group

Jazlynn Toledo
Philadelphia
West Chester University
Parent: Marinette Toledo, Advertising Specialty Institute

Asher Troutman
Atlanta
Georgia Southern University
Parent: Lindsay Troutman, InTandem Promotions

Diana Valdivia
Cypress, California
Syracuse University
Parent: Elizabeth Valdivia, JR Resources

Jenna Van Booven
Washington, Missouri
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Parent: Brian Van Booven, Advertising Unlimited, Inc

Jaden Worrell
Flower Mound, Texas
University of Tulsa
Parent: Samantha Worrell, The Gift Tailor LLC

Jadyn Zemlock
San Angelo, Texas
Angelo State University
Parent: Rebecka Zemlock Magness, Gandy Ink

“I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor, and I am deeply appreciative of your support. I will be a first-year college student in the fall but worked hard in high school to complete as many dual credits as possible. Even though I’m considered a freshman, I have already completed 33 college credit hours with a 4.0. The financial assistance you are providing will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more of my time on studying.”
Jadyn Zemlock

2022 FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Abigail Chazan
Anthem, Arizona
Arizona State University
Parent: Manuel Chazan, Work Hard Play Hard Marketing

Carly Diamond
Stamford, Connecticut
University of Virginia
Parent: Seth Diamond, Lapine Associates

“I want to thank you for awarding me with this scholarship. I was elated to get into the University of Virginia, which was my top choice school, but after the excitement calmed, I realized how expensive it is to attend my dream university. Receiving your scholarship has helped ease my nerves and has made it that much more manageable to attend UVA. Now I can focus my attention on my kinesiology program and pursue my goal of helping others through a career in sports medicine.”
Carly Diamond

Kennedie Dyer
Grand Prairie, Texas
Tarleton State University
Parent: Shawn & Tara Dyer, TDG Creative

Emma Jankowska-Aman
Clearwater, Florida
Cornell University
Parent: Agnieszka Jankowska, Hit Promotional Products

Anna Mages
Winter Park, Florida
Covenant College
Parent: Jason Mages, Match-Up Promotions

Ana Muller
McKinney, Texas
Texas A&M University
Parent: Patti Muller, PCNA

Carrington Newell
Halls, Tennessee
University of Tennessee at Martin
Parent: Kimberly Newell, Gold Bond Inc.

“I am beyond thankful, humbled and blessed for this opportunity to further my education through your generosity. Growing up all my life with my mother working in the promotional products industry, I have always felt this industry was part of my life and a part of my family, which makes receiving this award so much more meaning to me. Many of the attributes I have learned and obtained over the years have come from my life experiences being surrounded by the promotional products industry.”
Carrington Newell

Jack Pagan
Tequesta, Florida
University of Florida
Parent: Lee Pagan, The Results Group