The Northeast Concrete Industry Management (NECIM) Patrons Association raised over $300,000 at its annual Scholarship Dinner, held earlier this year at the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York City. Surpassing a record total set in 2024, the funds will directly support students enrolled in the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) CIM Program. NECIM Patrons work closely with the Newark school to provide students a well-rounded education in concrete production, management, and technology.
Over 170 guests attended the elegant evening on the Upper East Side, which featured a four-course meal with premium wine pairings. The event provided a valuable networking opportunity for current and former NJIT CIM students, NJIT staff, and key members of the concrete industry from across the country. Many who were unable to attend the event contributed generously, helping NECIM reach a fundraising milestone.
“Our success this year reflects the strength and unity of our industry,” says Frank Flatch of Silvi Materials, a key ready mixed concrete and aggregates operator in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. “The generosity of our donors is an investment in the future of the concrete industry, and we’re grateful for their support.”
“The continued support from NECIM and its partners ensures that the next generation of concrete professionals will have the knowledge and resources they need to succeed,” adds NECIM Patrons Association Chairman and Silvi Materials Director of Concrete Promotion Jake Ables.
CARBONCURE ANNOUNCES CIM SUSTAINABILITY SCHOLARSHIPS
CarbonCure Technologies, developer of carbon dioxide injection and mineralization processes in zero to high slump concrete mix production, has named scholarship recipients for Concrete Industry Management students at each of the five CIM programs: Jakob Burckhard of South Dakota State University; Omar Palacios of Texas State University; Rachel Shawver of Middle Tennessee State University; Hank Wildenradt of California State University, Chico; and, Anthony Zacieracha of New Jersey Institute of Technology. The 2024-2025 academic year is the third for awarding the CarbonCure Sustainability in Concrete Scholarships.
Candidates for the $2,000 grants prepared essays exploring opportunities to improve concrete’s sustainability and detailing their personal dedication to a greener future in construction. This year’s scholarship applicants note that the strong demand for lower carbon building materials is among the factors motivating concrete producers to adopt innovative techniques and technologies, such as CarbonCure, to reduce carbon emissions and boost their businesses.
“We’re dedicated to fostering the next wave of concrete industry leaders, particularly those passionate about sustainability,” says CarbonCure CEO Rob Niven. “We’re thrilled to invest in these innovators. By mid-century, they will undoubtedly be leading the charge, driving the industry toward net-zero emissions.” The CIM focus on concrete-specific business management provides invaluable insights, he adds, as evidenced by CarbonCure concrete producer partners who frequently recruit and hire program graduates.
The CIM degree efficacy, furthermore, is demonstrated by the multiple program alumni who are CarbonCure team members. Reflecting on takeaways from his Middle Tennessee State University days, CIM graduate, scholarship selection committee member and CarbonCure Commercial Manager Rhett Dunlap notes, “The program gave me the confidence and skills to pursue a career in the concrete industry. Working at CarbonCure has been an incredible opportunity to learn and grow, while contributing to a more sustainable future.”