MITA is pleased to announce that two individuals are the proud recipients of the 2016 MITA scholarship(s). This was the inaugural year of the MITA Scholarship Fund, and it was wonderful to receive so many qualified applications for the scholarship(s).
This year’s recipients are Dustin Walters of Waterford and Shane Anstett of Grandville! Read on to learn more about these two promising young gentlemen.
DUSTIN WALTERS SHANE ANSTETT
After completing coursework at Oakland Community College and Michigan Tech University, Dustin is now enrolled at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, where he is working toward his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He is on track to graduate in May of 2017.
Fun Facts: Dustin has worked in the industry since 2009, when he started as a foreman at Great Lakes Land Renovation. He is currently a Level 4 Engineering Technician at Soil and Materials Engineers (SME), where he has performed quality control and quality assurance testing and design on various construction materials.
In his cover letter, Dustin said, “My goal upon graduation is to attain a leadership role that allows for continuous growth and endless opportunities. I plan to be a part of a company that is looking for a sustainable structure both internally and externally. This industry is very competitive and that is why I will help provide the highest quality of service, above and beyond the competitors. I plan to use my knowledge to ensure that company goals (such as longevity, collaboration, expansion, and stability) are constantly being met.”
Shane is on track to graduate from Grandville High School this year, and he will be enrolling at Ferris State University’s College of Engineering Technology in the fall. His goal is to major in Building and Civil Engineering Technology and to earn his Bachelor degree in Construction Management.
Fun Facts: Shane started working at Give ‘Em A Brake Safety (a MITA member company) at the age of 14. He gets to work with multiple family members on a daily basis, including his mom, his uncle and three cousins. Each of these family members have played a key role in developing Shane’s love of and interest in the industry.
In his cover letter, Shane said, “I have worked with many different people from various walks of life. I have always put my best foot forward and learned to work amicably with all sorts of personality types. I have witnessed others who do not have a college degree and how it has affected their opportunities in life. Consequently, as much as I enjoy physical labor, I want to push further in construction. A degree in Construction Technology will allow me to work in the industry I love, while at the same time open many doors in an ever-growing industry.”
The Board of Directors voted in early May to determine the number of scholarships that would be distributed and to whom. Each applicant submitted a cover letter, transcripts, a letter of recommendation and a resume for the Board to consider.
The MITA Scholarship Fund will continue to be an on-going project in the coming years. The fund is always accepting donations, and the Board will review new applications every year to determine who will receive the scholarship(s). Please consider donating to the MITA Scholarship Fund to help move the industry forward by investing in the next generation! Checks can be made out to MITA, Inc. with the words MITA Scholarship Fund written on the memo line. They can be mailed to P.O. Box 1640, Okemos, MI 48805.
If you have any questions about the MITA Scholarship Fund, please contact Mariam Robinson, Outreach Coordinator, at 517-347-8336 or at mariamrobinson@mi-ita.com.
