Ursula Wiegand Scholarships Support 26 Children of WIKA USA Employees

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 2019, 26 exemplary students received the scholarship.

Marliana Suarez, WIKA employee, with her son and scholarship winner, Marco Suarez Sanchez

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

From left: Christopher Moore, shipping supervisor; Mildred Quartey, WIKA employee and mother of Asantewaa Berko, scholarship winner

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.

From left: Jenna Larsen, scholarship winner; Brent Shadix; and Jonie Larsen, WIKA employee and Jenna’s mother

Since the program began 17 years ago, more than 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 career.

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 an independent organization.

Recognizing Tomorrow’ Leaders

Twenty-six students – representing 18 different technical schools, community colleges, colleges, and universities – received the scholarship this year. Their areas of study range from business and online marketing to cybersecurity and materials science engineering. Twelve of the winners, along with their family and several members of WIKA’s management team, attended the July 24 awards luncheon.

From left: Brent Shadix, Monique Stripling, Kiera Stripling (scholarship winner), and Keith Stripling (WIKA employee and Kiera’s father)

The scholarship winners will be an asset to future employers, perhaps even WIKA! “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.”

Another important reason for the Ursula Wiegand Scholarship is to recognize those WIKA employees – at both the Lawrenceville (Georgia) and Pasadena (Texas) locations – who have raised such outstanding young people. During the ceremony, Shadix noted that the road to educational success is long, arduous, and certainly not cheap, and that WIKA USA is happy and honored to be part of that journey.

“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 2019 Ursula Wiegand Scholarship