Industrial Fabrics Foundation announces student scholarship winners

Published On: November 17, 2014

The Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) student scholarship award winners for 2014 were recently announced at Specialty Fabrics Expo and Advanced Textiles Expo in Minneapolis, Minn.

The scholarship awards provide tuition expenses at an accredited college, university or technical school for students interested in a career in the specialty fabrics or advanced textiles industries. The scholarship awards are as follows:

Advanced Textile Products Member Scholarship recipient Jennise Thurston is a student at Central Michigan University. Thurston is pursuing a graduate degree in Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology. She currently has a BAA in Apparel Merchandising and Design with a minor in Art from Central Michigan University. Thurston currently works for Dr. Maureen Macgillivray, ATP Member, making her eligible for the member scholarship. The Advanced Textile Products Division, a division of the Advanced Textiles Association, funds the scholarship.

Don Williams IFF Student Scholarship recipient Emma Deuitch is a student at the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. Deuitch is pursuing an undergraduate double major degree in Textiles Engineering and Textile Design. She chose a degree in textiles because of her passion for art and her fascination with science. Deuitch’s goal is to combine her two interests and create something innovative and functional, but also beautiful. In Deuitch’s spare time she enjoys giving back to her community by working at the Watauga Humane Society and Horse Helpers. The Industrial Fabrics Foundation funds the scholarship.

Fabric Graphics Association Student Scholarship recipient Alexandra Cohen is a student at North Carolina State University. Cohen is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Fashion and Textile Design. She will be in the first graduation class of the new major Fashion and Textile Design in May 2015. Cohen has done two internships abroad in Peru and is also involved in leading a community support group through her local church and working with Clubs in the City. The Fabric Graphics Association, a division of the Advanced Textiles Association, funds the scholarship.

Architect Student Scholarship recipient Kristen Weigel is a student at Roger Williams University. Weigel is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Architecture with minors in Sustainability and Art & Architectural History. She is a mentor for 25 freshman architecture students during the school year. Weigel was also the recipient of the 2012-2013 Architect Student Scholarship and has strived to learn as much possible and achieve greater expectations. The Fabric Structures Association, a division of the Advanced Textiles Association, funds the scholarship.

Geosynthetic Materials Association Member Scholarship recipient Amanda Mayhue is a student at Thomas Edison State College. Mayhue is an employee with an ATA member company, TenCate Geosynthetics. She is looking to gain knowledge in the Geosynthetic Fabrics. Mayhue started working in the TenCate lab understanding fiber strengths five years ago. The Geosynthetic Materials Association, a division of the Advanced Textiles Association, funds the scholarship.

ATA Member Scholarship recipient Melina Connor is a student at Miami Dade College MDC Kendal Campus. Connor is currently employed for ATA member, Trivantage Glen Raven and is pursuing a degree in Supervision and Management. She has been interested in the textile and marine industry while working with Trivantage and wants to develop more of her knowledge. Mayhue keeps busy with charitable events and extracurricular activities with her sons. The Advanced Textiles Association funds the scholarship.

Marine Fabricators Association Member Scholarship recipient Janeen Richards is a student at Hood Marine Canvas & Trainings. Richards owns ATA member company, Crafted Canvas. She has been taking courses from Mark Hood, Master Fabrics Craftsman, learning different techniques to help her business. Richards wants to become a Master Fabrics Craftsman in the upcoming years. She is a board member on a nonprofit sailing association where she can help many boat owners with their sailboats. The Marine Fabricators Association, a division of the Advanced Textiles Association, funds the scholarship.

Tent Rental Division of ATA Member Scholarship recipient Fred Tracy is a student at Clarkson University. Tracy is pursuing a degree in Engineering and Management. He is hoping to bring future insights in engineering into the family business to better the structural functions of tents. Throughout high school, Tracy was a class representative and a youth court program and soccer player. The Tent Rental Division, a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association, funds the scholarship.

The IFF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to education and research in specialty fabrics. For more information, contact Linden Wicklund, IFF Managing Director, 651 225 6920 or llwicklund@ifai.com.