Sources: Daniel Schmitt, 785-547-5416, dschmitt@k-state.edu;
Eric Skibbe, 316-772-2736, skibbe@k-state.edu;
and Samantha Butler, 316-200-8444, sbutler@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Megan Wilson, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009

THREE K-STATE ENGINEERING STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE CONCRETE REINFORCING STEEL INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

MANHATTAN -- Three Kansas State University graduate students in architectural engineering have received national scholarships from the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute Foundation, a branch of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute.

Daniel Schmitt, Hiawatha, Eric Skibbe, Newton, and Samantha Butler, Towanda, each received $2,500 scholarships. All three students are taking part in K-State's combined degree program in architectural engineering, allowing them to graduate in six years with both a bachelor's and a master's.

In addition to college transcripts, the scholarship application process also included three letters of recommendation and two essays. One essay covered why the applicant was interested in the concrete industry, while the other essay was on the applicant's future plans.

Schmitt is a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, where he has served as vice president, treasurer and in other offices. He also is a member of the architectural engineering honor society, Phi Alpha Epsilon; the K-State student chapter of the Structural Engineers Association of Kansas and Missouri; and was the co-founder of the K-State student chapter of the American Concrete Institute. Schmitt plans to work for either a structural engineering consulting firm or in a structural engineering department of an architectural firm following his graduation in May.

Skibbe is part of the student chapter of the Structural Engineers Association of Kansas and Missouri. In the future, he plans to move to the Kansas City area and work as structural engineer in the structural department of a multidiscipline firm. Eventually, he hopes to start his own structural engineering firm.

Butler is involved with the K-State College of Engineering Ambassadors, serving as president and as treasurer of the organization. She also is involved in the student chapter of Structural Engineers of Kansas and Missouri, Women Mentoring Women and is a volunteer for other activities sponsored by the College of Engineering and its departments. Butler is considering working in structural consulting after she completes her degree work.

The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute is a trade association and resource for information related to steel reinforced concrete construction. Serving the needs of architects, engineers and construction professionals, the institute offers many technical publications, design aids, software programs, educational seminars, promotional activities, membership functions and design award programs. The institute's mission is to maximize the use of steel reinforcement in concrete in construction.