WIKA Supports Future Generations With Annual Ursula Wiegand Scholarships

WIKA USA established the Ursula Wiegand Scholarship Fund in 2002 to recognize the accomplishments of WIKA employees’ children. This award is given to high academic achievers and community leaders who are or will be enrolled in full-time undergraduate studies. In 2018, 26 exemplary students received the scholarship.

One of WIKA USA’s key values is professional development, training, and on-going education for its entire workforce. So it’s little surprise that this commitment to learning extends to employees’ families – through annual merit-based scholarships

The Ursula Wiegand Scholarship Fund, established in 2002 by former WIKA President Michael Gerster, supports employees’ children in their undergraduate studies. Recipients are chosen based on their academic record and community involvement, and supporting documentation includes a personal statement and teacher recommendations.

The Ursula Wiegand Scholarship: A History of Success

The scholarship is named after Ursula Wiegand, one of WIKA’s founders and the first woman to receive the Business Owner of the Year award in Germany (1984). In honor of Wiegand’s leadership and contribution to WIKA’s success, each year WIKA USA hands out a one-time award – ranging from $500 to $1,000 per person – to a group of high-achieving students.

Besides being children of WIKA USA employees, applicants must be enrolled – or plan to enroll – in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two-year, four-year, or technical postsecondary institution. The application process begins in the spring, and winners are announced in the summer. The award is intended to help students with the cost of tuition, books, lab fees, or other educational expenses.

Since the program began 16 years ago, almost 300 students have received the Ursula Wiegand Scholarship. Employees’ children can apply each year of their studies, and several have received the honor more than once during their academic careers.

WIKA USA established the scholarship fund, but no company employees are involved in choosing the winners. Rather, all phases of the application and selection process are handled by the independent organization Scholarship Managers, a division of Career Opportunities Through Education, Inc.

From left: Dave Wannamaker, WIKA USA President/ CEO; Abigal Blay, scholarship recipient; Flora Phiri-Perry, her mother

Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow

Almost 50 students applied this year, with 26 receiving the scholarship. The 2018 winners average a 3.49 GPA and represent 16 different universities and community colleges. Their 15 areas of study range from drafting and civil engineering to nursing and biology. In fact, this diversity of academic subjects is one of the purposes for giving out these awards.

“This scholarship is an investment in future leaders not only for our company, but for society as a whole,” said Brent Shadix, Executive Vice President Human Resources at WIKA USA. “Our goal is to support the workforce of tomorrow in all industries.”

Scholarship recipient Tim Nguyen (left) and his father, Tri Nguyen

Another important reason for the Ursula Wiegand Scholarship is to recognize those WIKA employees who have raised such outstanding young people. During the August 15th award luncheon, Shadix noted that the road to educational success is long, arduous, and certainly not cheap. WIKA USA helps out with this scholarship, and this year’s award came with a bonus: a $75 gift card to buy the things students need for college. However, parents are key to helping their children find their way and stay the course.

“The Ursula Wiegand Scholarship is a great program that gives WIKA the ability to support our employees’ investment in their children’s futures – and to ensure a brighter future for us all,” Shadix said.

Winners of the 2018 Ursula Wiegand Scholarship