One of the highlights of the 2024 College Industry Conference was the Annual Awards Luncheon. Twenty-six students received CIC scholarships made possible by the generosity of individuals, companies, and AFS Chapters that have set up endowments with FEF. Highlighted below are several of this year’s recipients and some insight about each scholarship.

Gary and Jeanne Gigante Scholarship: From Gary Gigante, Waupaca (retired) & Jeanne Gigante, University of Wisconsin-Madison. “As former FEF scholars, we believe in ‘paying it forward.’ We hope that our scholarship will encourage its recipients to bring their talents to the metalcasting industry,” they said.

Winner: Sean McCarthy––University of Wisconsin-Platteville, engineering technology management major (May, 2025). “Without this scholarship, I would have to miss opportunities for learning more about metalcasting and advancing my knowledge to further my career.

Loper Award. From Cynthia Loper, Dr. Carl Loper’s daughter. Carl R Loper, Jr. and his wife, Jane, established the Loper Award to assist promising students in advancing their education in metalcasting. Carl was grateful for the support from FEF, which allowed him to enjoy a fulfilling career; he established this endowment so that other students would have the same opportunity. 

Winner: Michael Jones, Georgia Southern, masters in manufacturing engineering (May, 2025).
“Knowing how much FEF has helped me in my career, I hope to one day have the same opportunity to assist and mentor the next generation of foundry engineers,” he said.

Dr. Katherine E. Mortimer Scholarship For Women In Metal Casting. From Dr. Katherine Mortimer & Mr. John H. Mortimer. “We believe education for metalcasting is important because it will prepare graduates to fulfill the needs for world-class manufacturing. Our aims of the scholarship are to promote women in metalcasting careers and to recognize women who are excelling in their studies related to metalcasting careers,” they stated.

Winner: Margaret Lee, Texas State University, master’s in engineering management (May, 2025). “I am deeply grateful to those in my life, especially the women, who have come before me and paved the way. This scholarship inspires me to continue improving myself and pursuing the best opportunities. After graduation, I am excited to work in a foundry where I can further hone my metal casting skills and contribute to this dynamic industry,” she said.

Linda Steele Memorial Scholarship. From Robert Steele, long-time FEF supporter and past FEF treasurer. “The Linda Steele Memorial Scholarship was established to honor my wife and her more than 30 years of support for FEF. She attended every College Industry Conference, enjoying the interaction and active engagement between students and foundry industry representatives.

Winner: Emma Lewis, University of Alabama, metallurgical and materials engineering (May, 2026). “Receiving this scholarship represents more than just financial support; it is a testament to the value that women bring to the industry through their ambition, innovation, and persistence. This scholarship will allow me to invest more time in my academics and research,” she said.

AFS Texas Chapter/Robert Habingreither Scholarship. From Dr. Robert Habingreither CMfgE, Professor Emeritus, Texas State University. “I am honored that the AFS Texas Chapter has chosen to name their scholarship in honor of my years serving as the FEF Key Professor at Texas State. It is so rewarding to see many of my students working in various aspects of our industry,” he said.

Winner: Jestin Young, Texas State, bachelor’s in industrial engineering (December, 2024). “Receiving this scholarship has instilled in me a deep passion to spread a deeper wealth of knowledge to those after me. I am eager to continue to expand the family of the metalcasting industry and ‘pour it forward’ throughout my career.”

Additional awards presented at the CIC: (1) FEF/AFS Distinguished Professor Award: Luis Trueba, Texas State University, has been the FEF Key Professor since 2019; (2) Professor Emeritus Award: Dr. Bob Habingreither, served as the FEF Key Professor at Texas State University from 1990-2009;

EJ Walsh Award: Pam Lechner, FEF director of alumni & academic relations, has been working at FEF for 29 years.