New Named Scholarship and Grant for 2015
Two SC&RA members recently established SC&R Foundation Named Scholarship/Grant Programs. Both programs have been funded for at least five years.
Frank Bardonaro Jr., President of Sales for Maxim Crane, has established a scholarship in the name of his father, Frank Bardonaro Sr. He spent his entire professional career in the transportation, crane and rigging industry as a leader and mentor to hundreds of co-workers at national crane rental companies. Frank Sr. was a pioneer for developing operator and driver safety programs, as well as state-of-the art dispatching techniques dating back into the 1970s. His unmatched work ethic, passion for winning and determination have been instilled in the hearts of everyone he was around, noted The Cincinnati Enquirer. Frank led by example by going over 30 years without taking a sick-day at work and personified the “Never Give Up” motto. His determination, spirit and faith gave him the strength to not only beat cancer longer than anyone said he could but to still work, play and continue to enjoy his family and friends. Frank Sr.’s granddaughter, Alexys, is the 3rd generation of the family to work in the industry, as she interns during her college breaks. Recognizing the need to attract a broader range of people into our industry, the Bardonaro Scholarship’s ideal candidate will be a family member of an existing industry professional with a strong resume in charitable activities, high grade point average, extracurricular activities at school and desire to focus on improving the lives of those in the Crane and Rigging sector.
The Robert L. Cookinham Memorial Craftsman Grant has been established by George Young Mechanical, Swedesboro, N.J., and Rob’s family, friends, coworkers and numerous clients of the company. Rob believed that training was essential for any professional craftsman and lived up to the motto “Good Enough Is Never Good Enough.” He was an intelligent, inventive, fun-loving man who loved his family. Rob began as an apprentice for George Young in the 1990s and continually advanced himself through experience and additional training, culminating in his graduation from the Associated General Contractors prestigious Supervisory Training course. Rob’s good nature and contagious laugh made challenging projects seem just a little easier. As a Millwright General Foreman, he was a stickler for perfection and innovation and was respected and admired by his coworkers. Whether inventing new ways to handle Hygienic equipment at a MedImmune facility, being part of the Liberty Bell relocation team, mentoring young Millwright apprentices in safe work practices or building custom motorcycles, Rob lived life to the fullest. The Grant recipient should be passionate about training, possess a desire for advancement and hopefully show the same interest that Rob showed in mentoring future industry craftsmen.