Thirty-five years ago, PPAI began planting seeds to help educate future generations through the Promotional Products Educational Foundation. In 2024, they’re still going strong, and some of those initial recipients are now in their mid- 50s. PPEF is now welcoming a new class of recipients ready to take on higher education.
Since 1989, the organization has awarded more than $3.6 million to almost 2,000 students. In 2024 alone, $321,500 went to 170 students. Each recipient is a member of the promotional product family: A few are industry employees, but the vast majority are children of those who work for distributors, suppliers, business service companies or multi-line representatives.
The promo industry will be happy to welcome any of 2024’s PPEF scholars into the ranks if they choose to join the business, but PPEF’s financial aid is not intended to dictate what field or discipline the students go into. Recipients represent future leaders in all sorts of industries and careers.
The 2024 PPEF scholars were mailed their scholarship checks over the summer 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% on merit. Merit- based scholars receive $1,250, and need-based scholars receive $2,250 payments.
PPEF scholarship awards are determined through a competitive application process. Each applicant must be a full-time promotional products industry employee or the dependent child of an industry employee. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet the deadline of March 15 at midnight Pacific time. 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.
The online application for the 2025- 2026 school year is open now and can be found at ppef.us/college-scholarships.
Learn more about this year’s recipients.
2024 Chairman’s Scholarship Recipients
Andrea Lipic
St. Louis, Missouri
Trine University
Parent: Steve Lipic
Lipic’s Engagement
Kylie Cutler
Highland Park, Illinois
University
of Miami
Parent: Brett Cutler
CLEGGPromo
Michael Mathusek
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Parent: Billie Jo Mathusek
MARCOPromos
Noa Moore
Cypress, Texas
Trinity University
Parent: Elizabeth Moore
TREND Brand Solutions
2024 Named Scholarships Recipients
David Woods Scholarship
Alexia Spetseris
Atlanta, Georgia
University of Georgia
Parent: Angelo Spetseris
alphabroder
Robert D. Davis Scholarship
Diane Shin
Los Angeles, California
University of California, Irvine
Parent: Hyun Shin
SH Promotional
Helen & Al Mackler & Joseph Alexander Scholarship
Joyce Medina
Dallas, Texas
University of Texas at Austin
Parent: Maria Ipina
SanMar
Glen Holt Scholarship
Hunter Patrick
Parkton, Maryland
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Parent: Dave Patrick
HP Sportswear
George C. Matteston Jr. Scholarship
Valentina Sirio
Bluffton, South Carolina
Technical College of the Lowcountry
Parent: Gabriela Romero
Lowcountry Embroidery and Designs
PPACW Scholarship
Kyle O’Donnell
Elgin, Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Parent: Cary O’Donnel
Warwick Publishing Company
Fran Ford Scholarship
Taylor Kwasny
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Carthage College
Parent: Judy Schmidt
4imprint
David Woods Family Scholarship
Jordan Altic
Springfield, Missouri
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Parent: Jim Altic
Promoter Advertising Products
Bill Schmidt Sr. Scholarship
Kaitlyn Bradley
Round Rock, Texas
Texas Christian University
Parent: Ellisa Bradley
Darling Promo
Almand “Bo” Carroll Leadership Scholarship
Angela Fang
Braintree, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Parent: Anna Fang
Hub Pen Company
Jaden Bailey
Fort Pierce, Florida
Indian River State College
Kool Stuff LLC
Maire Frans Borges-Garcia
Jacksonville, Florida
Broward College
SanMar
Riley Robertson
Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico State University
Parent: Thomas Robertson
Specialty Incentives
William F. “Bill” Vernon Scholarship
Zachary Haar
Westerville, Ohio
The Ohio State University
Parent: Julie & Dan Haar
Proforma
Vincent J. Arena Scholarship
Ava English
Lakeville, Minnesota
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Parent: Amy & Bruce English
Ark Promotions LLC – Vernon Company
UMAPP Scholarship
Lexi Nichols
Hartford, South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Parent: Linda Dansman-Nichols
Innovative Office Solutions
Ted E. Dennison, MAS, Scholarship
Daylan Quinlan
Cypress, Texas
Blinn College
Parent: Kim Quinlan
Trademarks Promotional Products
Roni Wright Scholarship
Quinn Lewis
Omaha, Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Parent: Wade Lewis
Corporate Creations
Reciprocity Road “Roadie” Scholarship
Riley Smith
Southampton, Massachusetts
Syracuse University
Parent: Tracy Smith
HALO
PPAS Scholarship
Kathryn Daniel
League City, Texas
University of Texas at Austin
Parent: Kathryn Daniel
Daniel Promotions
PPAMidwest Scholarship
Henry Bair
Prairie Village, Kansas
University of Kansas
Parent: Paula Bair
Gill Studios
PMANC Campbell M. Brown Memorial Scholarship
Jade Ashfeld
Rockford, Minnesota
Winona State University
Parent: Rena Ashfeld
Spector & Co.
Dave Reagan Scholarship
Leilani Jurena
Temecula, California
California State University, Fresno
Parent: Amy Jurena
Bear Designz
Paul E. Smith Scholarship
Lucy Mullen
Cincinnati, Ohio
Miami University
Parent: Kelly Mullen
Smartcat Marketing Solutions
Norman & Suzanne Cohn Scholarship
Nikhitha Arumugam
Salem, New Hampshire
New York University
Parent: Arumugam Lakshmanan
Gemline
NERA Based Scholarship
Kyla Border
Rock Falls, Illinois
North Central College
Parent: Karla Border
HALO
Lyndon “Lindy” Pearson Scholarship
Neve Scalf
Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Western Kentucky University
Parent: Tina Denise Scalf
Punch Promotional Products
Lorraine Hempen Scholarship
Isabella Clementi
Frankfort, Illinois
Florida State University
Parent: Nicole Clementi
Concord Marketing Solutions
Joseph Greenberg, CAS – First Impressions Inc. of Houston Scholarship
Allison Simmons
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Parent: James Simmons
4imprint
Jayne Emoff Miller Scholarship
Braxton Kennedy
Sugar Hill, Georgia
Kansas State University
Parents: Don Kennedy
GreatGifts4u
Janelle Nevins Scholarship
Macy Sheahan
Muskego, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Parent: Angie Sheahan
HALO
H. Ted Olson Scholarship
Chilam Johnson
Montgomery, Texas
Texas A&M University
Parent: Virginia Johnson
DeltaTime
2024 One-Year Scholarship Recipients
Adair Brown
Mandeville, LA
Louisiana State University
Parent: Nikki Brown
Imaginal Marketing
Alexa Bukowski
Fort Scott, KS
University of North Texas
Parent: Micha Bukowski
GO2 Partners
Alexander Smith
Overland Park, KS
Kansas State University
Parent: Stephanie Thompson
Vantage Apparel
Alexandra Robillard
East Aurora, New York
University of Rochester
Parent: Danielle Robillard
AAkron
Ally Whitener
Marble Hill, MO
Southern Illinois University
Parent: Kelly Whitener
Cap America
Amalia Jimenez
Olympia, WA
Saint Martin’s University
Parent: Amalia Jimenez
Safeway
Anders Berlin
Orem, UT
Brigham Young University
Parent: John Berlin
Ad Value LLC / BetterMousepads.com
Araceli De Leo Lopez
Oak Creek, WI
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Parent: Rebecca De Leo Lopez
Flare Apparel LLC
Aryssa Hinderberger
Newton, IA
Iowa Valley Community College
Parent: Aleyna Hinderberger
The Vernon Company
Aubrey McFadden
Huntley, IL
University of Iowa
Parent: Scott McFadden
Bag Makers, Inc.
Ben Gansner
St. Louis, MO
University of Missouri Columbia
Parent: Shannon Bertram
Go2 Partners
Bria Vivio
Sewickley, PA
University of Kentucky
Parent: Sharee Vivio
Promote It Café
Brooke Meester
Mound, MN
University of Minnesota
Parent: Nicholas Meester
Ball Pro
Cailey Nelson
Rigby, ID
BYU-Idaho
Parent: Heather Nelson
Image Inkers
Calvin Chenn
Quincy, MA
UMass Lowell
Parent: Yan Jiao ChenHub Pen Company
Canna Stephens
Port Clinton, OH
Kent State University
Parent: Craig Stephens
Imprintlogo LLC
Catherine Zhuiko
Newton, PA
Drexel University
Parent: Natalie Davis
Advertising Specialty Institute
Charlee Hudak
North Olmsted, OH
Miami University
Parent: Suzyn Hudak
University Tees
Chelsea Velasquez
Rogers, AR
University of Arkansas
Parent: Maria Velasquez
Outdoor Cap
Chloe Geiger
New Ulm, MN
Southwest State University Marshall
Parent: Cory Braun
Beacon Promotions
Christina Hope
Oshkosh, WI
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Parent: Christina Hope
4imprint
Cierra Flynn
Clarksville, AR
University of the Ozarks
Parent: Jared Flynn
Outdoor Cap
Claudia Daoud
Spring Valley, CA
San Diego State University
Parent: Claudia Daoud
Creative Media Code
Cody Rhude
Thompsons Station, TN
Vanderbilt University
Parent: Michelle Hill
Cornerstone Promotional Products
Coen Hueneke
Frisco, TX
Stephen F. Austin State University
Parent: Coen Hueneke
Hello Imprint LLC
Cohen Trupiano
Festus, MO
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Parent: Monica AuBuchon
GO2 Partners
Collin Cuong Ho
Edmond, OK
Rockhurst University
Parent: Bobbie Ho
Robyn Promotion
Cynthia Sifuentes
Round Lake, IL
Bradley University
Parent: Guadalupe Flores
Neil Enterprises
Daniel Rodriguez
Cicero, IL
University of Illinois Chicago
Parent: Virginia Maya
alphabroder
Dawson Reeves
Richmond, VA
Virginia Tech University
Parent: Eric Reeves
Corporate Apparel
Dayton Teague
Fort Pierce, FL
Indiana River State College
Parent: Emily Cruz
SanMar
Della Ferguson
Neenah, WI
University of Minnesota
Parent: Erika Wegner
4Imprint
Dongrong Mai
Quincy, MA
UMass Amherst
Parent: Weitang Mai
Hub Pen Company
Eileen Lucky
Morristown, TN
East Tennessee State University
Parent: Eileen Lucky
Koozie Group
Elie Wendinge
North Mankato, MN
University of Minnesota
Parent: Jon Wendinger
W-Incentives
Ellora Geiger
Virginia Beach, VA
College of Charleston
Parent: Dana Geiger
Premier Group Network
Emma Jenkins
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
Parent: Kimberly Jenkins
Top Brands Inc.
Gregg Owens
Reston, VA
George Mason University
Parent: Kip Owens
Advertising Specialty Institute
Gunner Norene
Blythewod, SC
Auburn University
Parent: Tiffany Norene
Black Rock Branding
Ian Morgan
Medina, OH
Vanderbilt University
Parent: Pamela Morgan
Apex Marketing Solutions
Isabella Fenton
Old Bridge, NJ
Fordham University
Parent: Debbie Fenton
HALO Branded Solution / HALO Recognition
Isaiah Kozub
Wilbraham, MA
Connecticut College
Parent: Tara Kozub
HALO
Jack Suher
Longmeadow, MA
Middlebury College
Parent: Frank Suher
E.S. Sports Corporation
Jaden Worrell
Flower Mound, TX
University of Tulsa
Parent: Samantha Worrell
The Gift Tailor
James Berry
Spring, TX
Texas A&M University
Parent: Susanna Berry
Qualigraphics
Jamie Kreitenberg
Los Angeles, CA
UNLV
Parent: Claudia Kreitenberg
Every Promotional Product
Jason Hoang
San Gabriel, CA
California Polytechnic State University
Parent: Kieu Ngo
Snugz USA
Jazlynn Toledo
Philadelphia, PA
West Chester University
Parent: Marinette Toledo
Advertising Specialty Institute
Jean Carlos Brito
Lawrence, MA
Babson College
Parent: Maria Surun
Gemline
Johnathon Nixon
Minster, OH
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Parent: Timothy Nixon
Cap America
Jonah Kozub
Wilbraham, MA
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Parent: Tara Kozub
HALO
Jordan Harris
Dacula, GA
Savannah College of Art and Design
Parent: Andre Harris
The Magnet Group
Joshua Kozub
Wilbraham, MA
Connecticut College
Parent: Tara Kozub
HALO
Julia Rotman
Montclair, NJ
Fairleigh Dickenson University
Parent: Tracey Diamond
Tracey Diamond Designs
Julian Prock
Dallas, TX
Texas Tech University
Parent: Rachel Prock
MDL Promotions
Kamil Stephens
Port Clinton, OH
University of Mount Union
Parent: Craig Stephens
Imprintlogo LLC
Kayden Whitehead
Sterling, IL
Illinois State University
Parent: Katie Whitehead
Starline. Inc.
Kayla Pierce
Bentonville, AR
Northwest Community College
Parent: Kayla Ann Pierce
Outdoor Cap
Laci McGinnis
Portland, IN
Purdue University
Parent: George McGinnis
Creative Awards & Gifts
Lara Siegel
Henderson, NV
Hofstra University
Parent: Karen Siegel
Darko Promotional Products Inc.
Lixin Xu
Quincy, MA
Umass Amherst
Parent: Xuefang Mei
Hub Pen Company
Loudon Nokes
Gardner, KS
University of Kansas
Parent: Jason Nokes
PromoPulse
Mackenzie Bliven
Northport, NY
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
Parent: Kody Bliven
Positive Promotions
Madeleine Lawler
Lake Zurich, IL
University of Southern California
Parent: Eric Lawler
Bish Display
Malachi Knasel
Taylor Mill, KY
University of Kentucky
Parent: Nicole Knasel
Proforma N&M Communications
Marissa Palumbo
Telford, PA
Penn State University
Parent: Lynn Blackwell
Advertising Specialty Institute
Mason Myers
Sleepy Eye, MN
Iowa State University
Parent: Kari Myers
Koozie Group
Mazie Roop
Salem, VA
Roanoke College
Parent: Jamie Roop
Robertson Marketing Group
McKenzie Jenne
Myrtle Beach, SC
College of Charleston
Parent: Dan Hagney
BMarked Promotions Inc/iPromoteu
Michael Abrams
Northbrook, IL
Indiana University
Parent: Naomi Abrams
GoPromotions
Michelle Li
Monterey Park, CA
University of Mary
Parent: Sheng Yuan Li
SnugZ USA
Miranda Marquardt
Maple Valley, WA
Central Washington University
Parent: Marcy Fairchild
SanMar
Molly McLain
Raleigh, NC
UNC Charlotte
Parent: Allison McLain
Brand Fuel, Inc.
Morgan Peters
Noblesville, IN
University of Indianapolis
Parent: Nancy Peters
CoasterStone
Nathaniel Hayman
Dagsboro, DE
NCSU
Parent: Rebecca Hayman
Hayman Creative Promotional Products Agency Inc
Olivia DeJarnett
Bayport, MN
University of Minnesota
Parent: Sarah DeJarnett
Springboard Promotions
Olivia Rogers
Wilmington, MA
University of Rhode Island
Parent: Karen Troy-Rogers
The Gem Group
Olivia Worrell
Flower Mound, TX
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Parent: Samantha Worrell
The Gift Tailor
Paul Bawinkel
Terre Haute, IN
Olivet Nazarene University
Parent: Laura Bawinkel
BoxUp
Quinlan TeSelle
Rocklin, CA
California Polytechnic State University
Parent: Mary Beth TeSelle
TeSelle Marketing Communications
Richard Rebich
Brandon, MS
University of Mississippi
Parent: Jennifer Rebich
Geiger
Samuel Astro
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Tech University
Parent: Myla and Tony Astro
MVOSS Creation LLC
Sanskar Patel
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University
Parent: Leena Pate
Advertising Specialty Institute
Sarah Lederman
Baltimore, MD
University of Maryland – College Park
Parent: Ayme Lederman
Badges Buttons Plus Specialties
Savannah Swanson
Marengo, IL
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Parent: Lisa Swanson
Bag Makers
Sean Gomez
Jensen Beach, FL
Florida International University
Parent: Theresa Gomez
Team IP
Sophie Bosma
Aberdeen, SD
Northern State University
Parent: Jana Bosma
Geffdog Design & Apparel
Sterling Smith
Overland Park, KS
University of Kansas
Parent: Stephanie Thompson
Vantage Apparel
Sydney Breitenstein
Louisville, KY
Aurora University
Parent: Sydney Breitenstein
The UPS Store
Theresa Bona
Plymouth, MN
Century College
Parent: Theresa Bona
Showdown Displays
Tina Keshavarz
Jacksonville, FL
Florida State University
Parent: Nazanin Keshavarz
Pilot Pen
Tyler Jacoby
Madison Lake, MN
Gustavus Adolphus College
Parent: Mark Jacoby
Navitor
William Spoehr
Menasha, WI
UW Oshkosh
Parent: Theresa Spoehr
4Imprint
Four-Year Scholarship Recipients
Alyssa Ana Muller
Burbank, CA
University of California, Berkeley
Parent: Andy Chang
Snugz USA
Amanda Peterson
Wrentham, MA
Suffolk University
Parent: Pamela Peterson
Geiger
Ana Muller
McKinney, TX
Texas A&M University
Parent: Patti Muller
PCNA
Anna Mages
Winter Park, FL
Covenant College
Parent: Jason Mages
Match-Up Promotions
Annie Pan
Upland, CA
University of California Berkley
Parent: Leo Yin Lung Pan
Bags Depot Inc.
Aubry Schweiner
Sherwood, WI
University of Notre Dame
Parent: Carl Schweiner
Premier Promotions
Beatrice Coyle
Wheaton, IL
Westmont College
Parent: Christopher Coyle
Coyle Unlimited
Braeden Sladek
Alexandria, MN
University of Kansas
Parent: Janelle Sladek
Pin High Promotions
Breanna Dore
Olathe, KS
Kansas State University
Parent: Christina Dore
Canopy and Vine
Cameron Bradley
Round Rock, TX
University of Mississippi
Parent: Ellisa Bradley
Darling Promo
Carly Diamond
Stamford, CT
University of Virginia
Parent: Seth Diamond
Lapine Associates/ADM Group
Carrington Newell
Halls, TN
University of Tennessee
Parent: Kimberly Newell
Gold Bond Inc.
Cavan Malayter
Chicago, IL
Arizona State University
Parent: Eileen Malayter
Spark Branded Solutions
Daniel Pelayo
Los Angeles, CA
Dartmouth College
Parent: Brenda Pelayo
Nadel
Emily Jackson
Tulsa, OK
Oral Roberts University
Parent: Angela Jackson
Big Dome Promo
Emma Denis
Langhorne, PA
Gwynedd Mercy University
Parent: William Denis
Advertising Specialty Institute
Emma Jankowska-Aman
Clearwater, FL
Cornell University
Parent: Agnieszka Jankowska
Hit Promotional Products
Erin Resnick
Walpole, MA
Fairfield University
Parent: Mark Resnick
American Solutions for Business
Gabe Dodge
Douglasville , GA
University of West Georgia
Parent: Barbara Dodge
AIA Corporation
Hanuel Corbitt
Clearwater, FL
Webber International University
Parent: Crystal Glass
Koozie Group
Jack Pagan
Tequesta, FL
University of Florida
Parent: Lee Pagan
The Results Group
Jack Titus
Mooresville, NC
Collaborative College for Technology and Leadership
Parent: Brian Titus
Broderbros Co
Janice Fu
Chesterfield, MO
Boston University
Parent: Shengmei Chen
Ariel Premium Supply
Jasmin Gonzalez
Wheeling, IL
St. Olaf College
Parent: Gabriela Barraza
Illini Line
Joey Hoppenjans
Sylvania, OH
Ohio State University
Parent: J.R. Hoppenjans
FASTSIGNS
Joshua Rodriguez
Bridgeton, NJ
Grove City College
Parent: Sandra Rodriguez
D and S Designs
Kassandra Estrella
Rock Falls, IL
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Parent: Angelica Estrella
HALO
Kelsey Hinderliter
Broadalbin, NY
University of Delaware
Parent: Jeannine Hinderliter
Amsterdam Printing
Kennedie Dyer
Grand Prairie, TX
Tarleton State University
Parent: Negail Torborg
Carmichael Lynch
Marissa Shook
Ansonia, OH
University of Toledo
Parent: Jennifer Shook
Visions Awards
McKenzie Falch
Dallas, GA
University of Georgia
Parent: Kimberly Falch
InTandem Promotions
Michael Hagney
Steamboat Springs, CO
University of Colorado Boulder
Parent: Dan Hagney
BMarked Promotions Inc/iPromoteu
Noah Barker
Scenery Hill, PA
Geneva College
Parent: Danielle Barker
Custom Comet, LLC.
Payton Patrick
Parkton, MD
UNC Charlotte
Parent: Dave Patrick
HP Sportswear
Rachel Rouse
Clarence Center, NY
John Carroll University
Parent: Erin Rouse
AAkron Rule Corp.
Ramsey King
Stanford, KY
Western Kentucky University
Parent: Norbert King
Wear the Word
Rocklan Nokes
Gardner, Kansas
Johnson County Community College
Parent: Jason Nokes
PromoPulse
Ryan Krauthamer
West Bloomfield, MI
University of Michigan
Parent: Carrie Krauthamer
Captiv8 Promotions powered by HALO
Sanam Punjabi
Orange, CA
University of Miami
Parent: Dilip Punjabi
Ace Products
Auping is a news editor at PPAI.
