The Roofing Alliance Announces 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship Recipients

Itasca, IL – The Roofing Alliance has announced its 2026-27 Melvin Kruger Scholarship Award recipients. The program offers three scholarship opportunities, and all categories are open to employees of roofing industry companies, their spouses and dependent children. It is also open to construction management students enrolled in undergraduate level or students enrolled in CTE programs or schools—regardless of industry affiliation.

The Roofing Alliance approved thirteen new Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship recipients, including:

· Garrett Beckstead, studying Construction Management, Louisiana State University

· Nasheed Benjamin, studying Construction Science Management, Tuskegee University

· Jaleni Diaz De Leon, studying Construction Science Management, Colorado State University

· Carter Dominique, studying Construction Management, Ohio State University

· Tanner Gawith, studying Construction Science Management, Tuskegee University

· Sascha Oliveira, studying Sports Management, Penn State York

· Rylee Raukits, studying Construction Management, University of Florida

· Yahir Reyes-Morga, studying Architectural Technology – 3D Scanning & Building Information Modeling, Forsyth Technical Community College

· Alessandro Rignanese, studying Construction Management, Florida International University

· Ashwin Varadhan, studying Architecture, Auburn University

· Norman Warcholik, studying Business Management, Arizona State University

· Austin Ziringer, studying Civil Engineering, Columbus State Community College

· Kyle Ziringer, studying Construction Systems Management and Business Administration, Ohio State University

“Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future of our industry. By supporting students pursuing careers in construction management and related fields, we're not only helping them achieve their educational goals—we're strengthening the workforce and ensuring the roofing industry has the talented leaders it needs for tomorrow,” said Roofing Alliance Executive Director, Alison LaValley.

A total of $59,000 was awarded for new scholarships with an additional $55,000 for 12 renewal scholarships. To date, a total of 186 students have received $1,366,500 in scholarship awards.

Details for the 2027-28 Melvin Kruger Scholarship program and the application guidelines will be available in early October. For more information about the Melvin Kruger Scholarship Program and the Roofing Alliance, contact Alison L. LaValley, CAE, executive director, at alavalley@nrca.net or visit roofingalliance.net.

About the Roofing Alliance

The Roofing Alliance serves as the catalyst for industry innovation, bringing together more than 200 leaders who are dedicated to shaping roofing’s future. With commitments exceeding $18 million, the Alliance funds essential research and training, advances education through initiatives like the roofing minor, fosters workforce development, supports scholarships, and leads impactful philanthropic efforts including its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities®. To learn more, visit roofingalliance.net or contact Alison L. LaValley, CAE, Executive Director, at alavalley@nrca.net.