In March, EPUD awarded $25,000 in scholarships to five outstanding local students through our annual EmPOWERing Scholarships program!
Each year, we invite students pursuing fields commonly found in the electric utility industry to apply. From the many impressive applicants, a selection committee chose five recipients to each receive a $5,000 scholarship. These funds help support the cost of education and training that could lead to a future career in the utility industry. We’re excited to cheer on these students as they take the next steps toward their goals.
MEET THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
JAY ANDREWS plans to attend Lane Community College after graduating from Mohawk High School in June. He will pursue his career goal of becoming a diesel mechanic. It was his love of vehicles and heavy equipment that inspired Jay to enter this field of study.
Jay hopes to someday work on the vehicles that keep crews moving. From bucket trucks and diesel engines to complex hydraulic and electrical systems, Jay looks forward to becoming a mechanic who can diagnose problems, repair equipment failures, and keep equipment in optimum condition.
MADELEINE GUNN attends Oregon Institute of Technology where she is pursuing a career in communications. She values connection with others and considers herself a “people person,” which is how she knew communications was the right field for her. Currently a sophomore, her studies have taught her that communication is not just papers and presentations, it’s critical thinking, leadership and learning to use your voice effectively when it matters.
Madeleine hopes to someday work at a public power utility where she can serve the community with clarity, accuracy, and compassion.
ELIAS MICHEL is currently studying at Oregon State University, pursuing a career in nuclear engineering with a focus on reactor engineering. He is working towards his goal of becoming a senior reactor operator at a commercial power plant.
Elias chose to study nuclear engineering because he wants to help the world. He knows energy demand is increasing, along with the demand for energy to come from clean sources. Elias believes nuclear power can increase grid capacity as we move away from generating greenhouse gasses and develop better renewable energy sources.
Elias is a 2-time recipient of the Ron Davis EmPOWERing Scholarship for his study of an energy source that can help renewable energy move forward. Nuclear energy is considered a clean energy source as it produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This scholarship is named after former EPUD Director Ron Davis for his enduring passion for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmentally-friendly practices.
LANCE RISDAL is ready to pursue a life of service after graduation by working to become a humanitarian engineer. Lance realizes he is fulfilled by helping others, which is why he hopes to someday help build essential infrastructure in rural or underdeveloped areas—places that often lack clean water, reliable electricity, and safe roads.
Lance will earn his Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Boise University before working to earn his professional engineer license. His end goal is to be able to help communities and people in need anywhere in the world.
RYDER BIEHLER is soon to graduate from Cottage Grove High School and will next continue his education at Oregon Institute of Technology. He will study geomatics and work towards a long-term goal of becoming a utility surveyor.
Ryder chose this field because it offers stability and will also allow him to work outdoors. He looks forward to a long career locating and mapping underground and overhead lines, checking property boundaries, and identifying obstacles or hazards. He wants to be part of the team that keeps the lights on and the community safe.