ESFM Awards Two IFMA Foundation Scholarships to IUPUI Grad Students

ESFM is proud to announce Ashley Culp and Brandon Wilkinson, who are both pursuing a Master of Science in Technology – Facilities Management through Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), as the recipients of the 2022 ESFM IFMA (International Facilities Management Association) Foundation Scholarship.

Culp has a 4.0 GPA in the MS program at IUPUI and is on track to graduate next summer. Before that she studied biomedical sciences at Western Michigan University. She has a wealth of experience in several fields, including automotive, pharmaceutical and clinical environments, and has supported research and development and manufacturing clients. With an eye on healthcare facilities management, and a strong interest in sustainability and leading green initiatives, Culp hopes to leverage her degree to grow in her facilities management career, utilizing her skills and passion for the betterment of others and the planet.

Wilkinson is in his second year of graduate school at IUPUI where he also maintains a 4.0 GPA. He has an undergraduate degree in Facilities Management from Brigham Young University. He currently works in operations and maintenance, leading repairs for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water treatment, equipment, A/V, grounds and building exterior for his employer. Wilkinson recently completed two years of service as the Health and Safety Chair over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Provo Utah Temple. He has also engineered and automated a proprietary estimating template for a more accurate and efficient bidding process. Wilkinson sees FM as a profession that solves real-world problems, and he looks forward to advancing his career.

These two students were selected not only for their standout credentials but also for their passion for the FM industry and commitment to shaping its future. In addition to being awarded $1,500 towards their tuition, Culp and Wilkinson will also receive admission and travel expenses to attend IFMA’s World Workplace event at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., this month.

At IFMA World Workplace, the students will meet ESFM President David Hogland, who is taking part in a panel presentation during the conference. Joining ESFM Senior Director of Marketing Andrea Rossitter and Nudge VP of Business Development & Partnerships Kyle Arnold, Hogland will discuss how ineffective communication is costing FM companies in safety, productivity, and turnover — and what ESFM did to invert the communication model. The expert panel will be at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28 in Education Arena 1, Booth 1152 in the Expo.

This year, several applicants vied for multiple scholarships, based on various criteria. Candidates are required to be members of IFMA and currently seeking degrees in the facility management or energy management field. Technical skills and the applicant’s geography were also taken into consideration.

Applications for the 2023 IFMA Scholarship will be available in January. Click here to learn more about the scholarship or to apply.

ESFM is committed to investing in the future of the FM industry and to solidify that effort has recently joined IFMA as a Gold-level Corporate Sustaining Partner. The partnership allows ESFM to strengthen its relationship with the world’s largest and most widely recognized association for facility management professionals.

Through this partnership, ESFM will serve as an industry thought leader, advocate for the advancement of industry professionals and an active professional partner in shaping the future of IFM. ESFM subject matter experts will share articles and case studies through IFMA channels, all while continuing to support future talent through the annual scholarship program in partnership with the IFMA Foundation.