By SEMA Editors

SEMA awarded more than $270,000 this year in scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of member companies.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $272,000 to 97 individuals this year, including scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.

“This year’s pool of scholarship winners represents the diversity of interests and disciplines that the automotive industry attracts,” said SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Tim Martin. “SEMA is committed to offering support to the next generation of young men and women that will drive this industry for years to come.”

More than $2.5 million has been awarded to more than 1,500 deserving students since the program’s establishment in 1984. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program are dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers.

Online applications for next year’s awards will be accepted November 1, 2019–March 1, 2020.

For questions or additional information, contact SEMA Student Programs Manager Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

SEMA Scholarship Award winners:

• Eric Anderson (Ohio University, mechanical engineering)
• Dylan Baillie (Boise State University, mechanical engineering)
• Jacob Barfuss (Utah State University, engineering)
• Frank Bravo (Texas A&M University, aerospace aeronautical)
• Joey Brinegar (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive/business management)
• Ian Brown (San Diego State University, mechanical engineering)
• Daniel Buckel (Georgia Southern University, mechanical engineering)
• Emma Cameron (Boise State University, mechanical engineering)
• Liam Casto (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, mechanical engineering)
• Ethan Champe (Texas A&M University, mechanical engineering)
• William Cloutier (University of Portland, computer and information sciences)
• Taylor Crafton (Ivy Tech Community College-Wabash Valley, transportation/logistics)
• Ryan Curtis (University of Wyoming, mechanical engineering)
• Isaiah Daniel (California State University, Fresno, mechanical engineering)
• John DeBoer (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, electrical engineering)
• Bonifacio Duller III (College for Creative Studies, automotive design)
• Cordell Durcholz (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, mechanical engineering)
• Benjamin Falconer (McPherson College, automotive restoration and communications)
• Jacob Feenstra (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Reid Florence (University of Florida, mechanical engineering)
• Arturo Flores (Southwest University at El Paso, automation technology)
• Nathan Friedman (Riverside Community College, automation technology)
• Clare Frigo (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mechanical engineering)
• Trey Galgon (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Brianna Glowinski (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technical supervision)
• Samuel Griffith (Northwood University, automotive marketing and management)
• Christopher Hagen (University of Miami, marketing)
• John Haggerty (Michigan State University, mechanical engineering)
• Kali Holt (The University of Tennessee, business management)
• Gregory Hovis (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Noah Jacobson (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Zachary Jones (Clemson University, mechanical engineering)
• Gable Kemna-Berg (Rio Hondo College, automotive technology)
• Brendan King (University of St. Thomas, accountancy)
• Darren Kusumoto (Rio Hondo College, automotive technology)
• Kenton Kyger (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Keilan Levesque (Texas A&M University, computer engineering)
• Frank Lyons Jr. (Fayetteville Technical Community College, automotive technology)
• Samuel Maner (The University of Alabama, mechanical engineering)
• Broderick Medley (University of Dayton, mechanical engineering)
• Devan Merkle (Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania, automotive technology)
• Lauren Mims (Clemson University, automotive engineering and technology)
• Kyle Morris (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Sean Morton (Northwestern University, materials engineering)
• Thomas Nelson (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mechanical engineering)
• Judy Newman (Chattahoochee Technical College, automotive technology)
• Christian Nisperos (University of California, Berkeley, mechanical engineering)
• Christopher Okumura (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, mechanical engineering)
• Samuel Oliva-Perry (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Austin Owen (Western Michigan University, mechanical engineering)
• Eric Patrell (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Christian Pegouske (Auburn University, mechanical engineering)
• Casey Pepper (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Emma Powers (University of Akron, mechanical engineering)
• Sarah Puder (Cuesta College, Liberal/general studies)
• Aidan Shannon (University of Kentucky, mechanical engineering)
• Ashley Stamboulian (Villanova University, finance)
• Kyle Stewart (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, automotive engineering and technology)
• Caleb Stringer (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Brett Suggs (High Point University, marketing)
• Nathan Thompson (University of Akron, mechanical engineering technology)
• Benjamin Tiemeyer (University of Northwestern Ohio, diesel technology)
• Cole Trent (Purdue University, mechanical engineering)
• Stephen Trinklein (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Dylan Uribe (Cypress College, automation technology)
• Luke Voldahl (Eastern Michigan University, information technology)
• Brody Vrooman (Northeast Community College, automation technology)
• Brian Walker (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Darrell Walters (Western Kentucky University, mechanical engineering)
• Evan Wendling (Ferris State University, engineering)
• Jake Whelan (North Carolina State University at Raleigh, mechanical engineering)
• William White-Griggs (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Connor Witham (Michigan State University, mechanical engineering)
• Madison Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, engineering)
• Daniel Wright (Colorado School of Mines, metallurgical engineering)
• Brandon York (Pittsburg State University, automation technology)

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award winners:

• Andrew Balduf (Toyota Technical Center, University of Toledo, mechanical engineering)
• Charles Becker III (University of Northwestern Ohio, University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Chelsea Beights (Transfer Flow Inc., California State University-Chico, Art Studio, photography)
• Edward Carroll (McGard LLC, SUNY College at Buffalo, mechanical engineering)
• Trevor Chaney (Lane Automotive, University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Ashlee Chramega (PPG, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, chemistry)
• Nick D'Orazio (Fox Racing Shox, Georgia Institute of Technology, mechanical engineering)
• Collin Gentry (Meyer Distributing, University of Southern Indiana, education)
• Brett Gervais (K&N Engineering, Clarkson University, mechanical engineering)
• Jeffrey Hidde (The Carlstar Group LLC, University of South Carolina-Columbia, mechanical engineering)
• Jacob Marshall (NHRA, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, motorsports and mechanical engineering)
• Erin Mattay (Retro Manufacturing, College of Southern Nevada, liberal/general studies)
• Adam Mihalko (Quirey Quality Design Co., Gannon University, mechanical engineering)
• Justin Miles (Cummins Inc., Brigham Young University-Idaho, advanced vehicle systems)
• Chris Occhiogrosso (Xtreme Diesel Performance LLC, Monmouth University, accounting)
• Tyler Perkins (Hunter High School, Universal Technical Institute of Arizona, automotive technology)
• Austin Rivera (Brandmotion LLC, College for Creative Studies, fine arts)
• Josh Seaver (COMP Performance Group, Minnesota State University-Mankato, automotive engineering and technology)
• Alex Stivaletti (Detroit Speed Inc., NASCAR Technical Institute, automotive technology)
• Austyn Sullivan-Watson (Momz Garage, University of Idaho, mechanical engineering)
• Denise Waddingham (Dee Zee Inc., William Penn University, business)

By SEMA Editors

SEMA awarded more than $270,000 this year in scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of member companies.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $272,000 to 97 individuals this year, including scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.

“This year’s pool of scholarship winners represents the diversity of interests and disciplines that the automotive industry attracts,” said SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Tim Martin. “SEMA is committed to offering support to the next generation of young men and women that will drive this industry for years to come.”

More than $2.5 million has been awarded to more than 1,500 deserving students since the program’s establishment in 1984. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program are dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers.

Online applications for next year’s awards will be accepted November 1, 2019–March 1, 2020.

For questions or additional information, contact SEMA Student Programs Manager Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

SEMA Scholarship Award winners:

• Eric Anderson (Ohio University, mechanical engineering)
• Dylan Baillie (Boise State University, mechanical engineering)
• Jacob Barfuss (Utah State University, engineering)
• Frank Bravo (Texas A&M University, aerospace aeronautical)
• Joey Brinegar (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive/business management)
• Ian Brown (San Diego State University, mechanical engineering)
• Daniel Buckel (Georgia Southern University, mechanical engineering)
• Emma Cameron (Boise State University, mechanical engineering)
• Liam Casto (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, mechanical engineering)
• Ethan Champe (Texas A&M University, mechanical engineering)
• William Cloutier (University of Portland, computer and information sciences)
• Taylor Crafton (Ivy Tech Community College-Wabash Valley, transportation/logistics)
• Ryan Curtis (University of Wyoming, mechanical engineering)
• Isaiah Daniel (California State University, Fresno, mechanical engineering)
• John DeBoer (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, electrical engineering)
• Bonifacio Duller III (College for Creative Studies, automotive design)
• Cordell Durcholz (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, mechanical engineering)
• Benjamin Falconer (McPherson College, automotive restoration and communications)
• Jacob Feenstra (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Reid Florence (University of Florida, mechanical engineering)
• Arturo Flores (Southwest University at El Paso, automation technology)
• Nathan Friedman (Riverside Community College, automation technology)
• Clare Frigo (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mechanical engineering)
• Trey Galgon (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Brianna Glowinski (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technical supervision)
• Samuel Griffith (Northwood University, automotive marketing and management)
• Christopher Hagen (University of Miami, marketing)
• John Haggerty (Michigan State University, mechanical engineering)
• Kali Holt (The University of Tennessee, business management)
• Gregory Hovis (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Noah Jacobson (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Zachary Jones (Clemson University, mechanical engineering)
• Gable Kemna-Berg (Rio Hondo College, automotive technology)
• Brendan King (University of St. Thomas, accountancy)
• Darren Kusumoto (Rio Hondo College, automotive technology)
• Kenton Kyger (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Keilan Levesque (Texas A&M University, computer engineering)
• Frank Lyons Jr. (Fayetteville Technical Community College, automotive technology)
• Samuel Maner (The University of Alabama, mechanical engineering)
• Broderick Medley (University of Dayton, mechanical engineering)
• Devan Merkle (Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania, automotive technology)
• Lauren Mims (Clemson University, automotive engineering and technology)
• Kyle Morris (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Sean Morton (Northwestern University, materials engineering)
• Thomas Nelson (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mechanical engineering)
• Judy Newman (Chattahoochee Technical College, automotive technology)
• Christian Nisperos (University of California, Berkeley, mechanical engineering)
• Christopher Okumura (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, mechanical engineering)
• Samuel Oliva-Perry (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Austin Owen (Western Michigan University, mechanical engineering)
• Eric Patrell (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Christian Pegouske (Auburn University, mechanical engineering)
• Casey Pepper (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Emma Powers (University of Akron, mechanical engineering)
• Sarah Puder (Cuesta College, Liberal/general studies)
• Aidan Shannon (University of Kentucky, mechanical engineering)
• Ashley Stamboulian (Villanova University, finance)
• Kyle Stewart (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, automotive engineering and technology)
• Caleb Stringer (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Brett Suggs (High Point University, marketing)
• Nathan Thompson (University of Akron, mechanical engineering technology)
• Benjamin Tiemeyer (University of Northwestern Ohio, diesel technology)
• Cole Trent (Purdue University, mechanical engineering)
• Stephen Trinklein (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Dylan Uribe (Cypress College, automation technology)
• Luke Voldahl (Eastern Michigan University, information technology)
• Brody Vrooman (Northeast Community College, automation technology)
• Brian Walker (Kettering University, mechanical engineering)
• Darrell Walters (Western Kentucky University, mechanical engineering)
• Evan Wendling (Ferris State University, engineering)
• Jake Whelan (North Carolina State University at Raleigh, mechanical engineering)
• William White-Griggs (University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Connor Witham (Michigan State University, mechanical engineering)
• Madison Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, engineering)
• Daniel Wright (Colorado School of Mines, metallurgical engineering)
• Brandon York (Pittsburg State University, automation technology)

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award winners:

• Andrew Balduf (Toyota Technical Center, University of Toledo, mechanical engineering)
• Charles Becker III (University of Northwestern Ohio, University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Chelsea Beights (Transfer Flow Inc., California State University-Chico, Art Studio, photography)
• Edward Carroll (McGard LLC, SUNY College at Buffalo, mechanical engineering)
• Trevor Chaney (Lane Automotive, University of Northwestern Ohio, automotive technology)
• Ashlee Chramega (PPG, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, chemistry)
• Nick D'Orazio (Fox Racing Shox, Georgia Institute of Technology, mechanical engineering)
• Collin Gentry (Meyer Distributing, University of Southern Indiana, education)
• Brett Gervais (K&N Engineering, Clarkson University, mechanical engineering)
• Jeffrey Hidde (The Carlstar Group LLC, University of South Carolina-Columbia, mechanical engineering)
• Jacob Marshall (NHRA, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, motorsports and mechanical engineering)
• Erin Mattay (Retro Manufacturing, College of Southern Nevada, liberal/general studies)
• Adam Mihalko (Quirey Quality Design Co., Gannon University, mechanical engineering)
• Justin Miles (Cummins Inc., Brigham Young University-Idaho, advanced vehicle systems)
• Chris Occhiogrosso (Xtreme Diesel Performance LLC, Monmouth University, accounting)
• Tyler Perkins (Hunter High School, Universal Technical Institute of Arizona, automotive technology)
• Austin Rivera (Brandmotion LLC, College for Creative Studies, fine arts)
• Josh Seaver (COMP Performance Group, Minnesota State University-Mankato, automotive engineering and technology)
• Alex Stivaletti (Detroit Speed Inc., NASCAR Technical Institute, automotive technology)
• Austyn Sullivan-Watson (Momz Garage, University of Idaho, mechanical engineering)
• Denise Waddingham (Dee Zee Inc., William Penn University, business)

Registration for the 2019 SEMA Show is open.

Registration for the 2019 SEMA Show is open.

By Kristopher Porter

A female-only event, SBN Gear-up Girl is a unique networking opportunity for women in the automotive industry to connect with female students pursuing careers in the automotive and motorsports industry.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has announced its next Gear-up Girl Networking Event at NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), September 12, from 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. A female-only event, SBN Gear-up Girl is a unique networking opportunity for women in the automotive industry to connect with female students pursuing careers in the automotive and motorsports industry. The event is designed to:

• Assist female students in gaining a broad understanding of opportunities in the industry.
• Help female students identify their interests and how they might connect with specific niche market segments and/or companies in the industry.
• Provide an opportunity for female automotive professionals to strengthen their network.

All SBN members, women in the automotive industry and female students pursuing a career in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Gear-Up Girl is free to attend but an RSVP is required. Tickets are available here.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By Kristopher Porter

A female-only event, SBN Gear-up Girl is a unique networking opportunity for women in the automotive industry to connect with female students pursuing careers in the automotive and motorsports industry.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has announced its next Gear-up Girl Networking Event at NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), September 12, from 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. A female-only event, SBN Gear-up Girl is a unique networking opportunity for women in the automotive industry to connect with female students pursuing careers in the automotive and motorsports industry. The event is designed to:

• Assist female students in gaining a broad understanding of opportunities in the industry.
• Help female students identify their interests and how they might connect with specific niche market segments and/or companies in the industry.
• Provide an opportunity for female automotive professionals to strengthen their network.

All SBN members, women in the automotive industry and female students pursuing a career in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Gear-Up Girl is free to attend but an RSVP is required. Tickets are available here.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By Kristopher Porter

A female-only event, SBN Gear-up Girl is a unique networking opportunity for women in the automotive industry to connect with female students pursuing careers in the automotive and motorsports industry.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has announced its next Gear-up Girl Networking Event at NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), September 12, from 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. A female-only event, SBN Gear-up Girl is a unique networking opportunity for women in the automotive industry to connect with female students pursuing careers in the automotive and motorsports industry. The event is designed to:

• Assist female students in gaining a broad understanding of opportunities in the industry.
• Help female students identify their interests and how they might connect with specific niche market segments and/or companies in the industry.
• Provide an opportunity for female automotive professionals to strengthen their network.

All SBN members, women in the automotive industry and female students pursuing a career in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Gear-Up Girl is free to attend but an RSVP is required. Tickets are available here.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By Kristopher Porter

The Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for awesome truck, SUV and off-road builds to display at the 2019 SEMA Show as a part of its feature vehicle program.

The Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for awesome truck, SUV and off-road builds to display at the 2019 SEMA Show as a part of its feature vehicle program. Applications are now open; the council is looking for submissions in areas such as lifted vehicles, diesel, Jeep, SUV, off-road, UTV and street/lowered vehicles.

The SEMA Show is the best-attended trade event in the automotive aftermarket industry, attracting more than 60,000 qualified buyers. Having a feature vehicle at the Show will bring invaluable exposure for the builders and manufacturers whose parts are featured on each vehicle.  

Six vehicles will be selected as a part of the 2019 TORA feature vehicle program. At least one vehicle will be displayed in the TORA booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Upper South Hall, while the other five will be featured outside of the LVCC South Hall, where thousands of people spend time every day of the Show. If selected, the cost of these spots is $2,000; applicants must also make a donation of $500 to SEMA Cares charities on top of the premium placement fee. Payment must be made by September 30, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT), otherwise your spot will be forfeited.

Applications are due September 3, by 5:00 p.m. (PDT). Get your name out there as a builder; submit your application today!

By Kristopher Porter

The Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for awesome truck, SUV and off-road builds to display at the 2019 SEMA Show as a part of its feature vehicle program.

The Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for awesome truck, SUV and off-road builds to display at the 2019 SEMA Show as a part of its feature vehicle program. Applications are now open; the council is looking for submissions in areas such as lifted vehicles, diesel, Jeep, SUV, off-road, UTV and street/lowered vehicles.

The SEMA Show is the best-attended trade event in the automotive aftermarket industry, attracting more than 60,000 qualified buyers. Having a feature vehicle at the Show will bring invaluable exposure for the builders and manufacturers whose parts are featured on each vehicle.  

Six vehicles will be selected as a part of the 2019 TORA feature vehicle program. At least one vehicle will be displayed in the TORA booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Upper South Hall, while the other five will be featured outside of the LVCC South Hall, where thousands of people spend time every day of the Show. If selected, the cost of these spots is $2,000; applicants must also make a donation of $500 to SEMA Cares charities on top of the premium placement fee. Payment must be made by September 30, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT), otherwise your spot will be forfeited.

Applications are due September 3, by 5:00 p.m. (PDT). Get your name out there as a builder; submit your application today!

By SEMA Editors

Registration is open for SEMA Battle of the Builders, a car-build competition that provides added exposure to SEMA Show exhibitors and customizers.

Customizers with a car or truck displayed at the 2019 SEMA Show are invited to register now to participate in the sixth annual SEMA Battle of the Builders, a car-build competition that provides added exposure to exhibitors and builders, their vehicles and sponsoring exhibitors.

Contested during the SEMA Show, November 5–8 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Battle of the Builders contest shines a spotlight on the talents of builders already taking part in the automotive trade event and the products that make the builds unique.

“All builders who display a vehicle at the SEMA Show this year can benefit from the added industry and media exposure that the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition provides,” said SEMA President & CEO Chris Kersting. “It’s a great way for exhibitors who are displaying a vehicle to increase awareness for their products and brand.”

For the second straight year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will recognize a winner in four different categories—Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact and Young Guns—before crowning one overall top builder during SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party, which will be recorded for a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air in early 2020. By entering the contest, all competitors, their vehicles and sponsoring exhibitors could be featured in the TV show.

As part of SEMA’s initiative to promote vehicle customization to a younger generation and make the hobby accessible to more people, the association partnered with nine regional events to award one builder 27 years and younger at each venue an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2019 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. A 10th winner will be decided by an online fan vote later in the year.

“For the third straight year, we canvassed the country in search for young builders with great craftsmanship and talent for customizing,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “We want to give these up-and-coming builders the opportunity to compete alongside established builders, show off their skills to a national audience and inspire a new generation of young builders.”

To register, or for more information on how to shine a spotlight on your car build and brand through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, log on to www.semashow.com/botb. The deadline to register is August 30.