A major renovation at the historic Hotel Mac in Richmond, CA completed in time for the PDCA Pacific Coast Chapter to host its Holiday Luncheon in the property's popular Biancovede restaurant.  More than three dozen Chapter members and friends returned to the familiar venue on December 19th to resume the seasonal tradition. Attendees enjoyed a buffet luncheon and a great opportunity to reconnect in a social setting. 

Chapter President Dermot Fallon gave brief, opening remarks to those assembled. He introduced Chapter board members who were present. Also at the lunch were Will Millette, a recipient of the 2024 PDCA Pacific Coast Scholarship, and representatives of Pile Drivers Local 34. After the event, he reported that the 2024 lunch brought some new contractors and suppliers who showed interest in involvement with the Chapter. Overall, he said, people were very 'glad that the event is back up and running.' 

Pictured, Top (L-R): Sean Ross, Lauren Dannen, Caden Riddle, Maflobio Lopez-Ortiz
Bottom (L-R): Judah Lasley, Robert Leerkes, Tyler Kleinsasser, Will Millette; not pictured, Jack Agler

Thanks to the strong participation at the April 2024 PDCA Pacific Coast Chapter Scholarship Shoot at Birds Landing, CA, the organization raised enough funds to award nine scholarships to students on the West Coast who are pursuing higher education in construction and/or engineering disciplines. Each of the following students receives a $2,000 scholarship available for the 2024 fall semester at their respective schools. 

Part of the application process for hopefuls who pursue this scholarship is to share information and documentation about their experiences and accomplishments, to date, and their plans for the future. Meet the 2024 Winners of the Pacific Coast Chapter Scholarship:

Caden Riddle is a first-year student at Sacramento State University pursuing his education in electrical engineering. The May 2024 graduate of Franklin High School in Elk Grove, CA was a four year leader in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program which offers participating students a unique curriculum for college and career preparation. Outside of the classroom, Riddle was active in the local Franklin Theatre Company as an actor and stagehand. There he earned impressive distinctions which included the Most Improved and Best Lead in One Act and the FAT CAT Award. Foundation Constructors Inc. sponsored Riddle's application

Jack Agler is a mechanical engineering major at Gonzaga University, a curriculum he contends, will equip him with 'the skills to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of pile driving operations, ultimately contributing to advancements in the industry.' In addition to his rigorous curriculum, he is also a D1 athlete as a member of the Zags' crew team. Prior to his pursuit of higher education, the Junipero Serra High School graduate (San Mateo, CA) attained Eagle Scout, performed in numerous ballet productions, competed in varsity crew where he was twice awarded, led high school retreats through the campus ministry, and served as a student ambassador. For a summer job, he was an instructor at a summer camp for the Boy Scouts organization.

Judah Lasley also aspires to be a mechanical engineer. His path through higher education began when he was a dual-enrolled student Heartwood Charter School in Petaluma, CA. He simultaneously took high school classes as well as at courses nearby Santa Rosa Junior College.When he completes SRJC, he intends to enroll at San Diego State University. In addition to his academic load, he has also held jobs as a bicycle mechanic and ranch hand. Still he found time to volunteer at his church and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities such as the 4-H Shooting Club and Odyssey of the Mind. His hobbies include biking, 3D printing, Dungeons & Dragons, and the Movie and Game Club.  

Lauren Dannen is a student at Oregon State University studying civil engineering, a profession she recognizes as having a unique influence on the prevalence in the building sector to use driven pile foundations. Outside of class, the 4.0 student plays intramural soccer, participates in the Environmental Science Club, and performs in swing dance productions. As a high schooler at in Lebanon, OR, she was in student government, a three-sport athlete, Junior Rotarian, NHS, youth athletics volunteer and summer school tutor. She is employed part-time as a pharmacy tech. In a recommendation letter, a former counselor said Lauren's "empathy, positivity, and humor will create a positive work environment." 

Maflolbio Lopez-Ortiz has begun his fourth year at San Jose State University in the civil engineering program. While he grew up contributing to his family's strawberry production operations, he gravitated to construction trades in high school where he was active and successful the welding and metal fabrication club. As a college student, he joined a civil engineering fraternity where he has served in leadership. One of his professors who submitted a recommendation letter on his behalf in his application for the Pacific Coast Scholarship remarked not only on his performance as a student, but on his dedication to academic achievement, as a student who is funding his own education and housing. Manson Construction is the sponsor of his application.

Sean Ross is a Junior at California Polytechnic State University where he has accumulated a 3.9 grade point average, been named to the President's List for two consecutive years, and maintained Dean's List status over eight quarters. A Business Administration major who minors in Construction Management and Real Property Development, he has engaged in activities that align with the building community, such as his voluntary role leading a team for a competition administered by the Cal Poly National Association of Home Builders. Other involvement outside his coursework includes volunteer service with the IAFF and MDA. One of his professors stated of Sean that he is a 'standout candidate' for this scholarship. Manson Construction hosted Ross as an intern last summer and sponsored his application

Tyler Kleinsasser carries a 4.0 GPA at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, has compiled 18 various engineering, construction, leadership, and other awards, and participates in six different engineering organizations. His other involvement includes service as past president of the Student Association Senate, intramural sports competitions, including championship teams, and volunteerism for a wide variety of community organizations and causes. Funding his own education, Tyler has also maintained part-time work to ensure he reaches his career goal of working 'as a construction manager or design engineer on large infrastructure projects.' Two different academic professionals endorsed the Silverdale, WA native for the scholarship, including one who noted  that Tyler's 'humility is one of his most impressive qualities.' 

Robert Leerkes is a repeat winner of the PDCA Pacific Coast Scholarship, having won last year in advance of his first year as a student at Northern Arizona University, majoring in Civil Engineering. Foundation Constructors, Inc. sponsored Leerkes' application for 2024.

Will Millette also won this scholarship in 2024. The Construction Management major at Colorado State University has finished two years at the school and maintains a high level of enthusiasm and dedication to the building industry. Reeve Trucking sponsored  Millette for the scholarship. 

PDCA congratulates the winners of the 2024 PDCA Pacific Coast Sholarship!