The Hamm Foundation is proud to announce a generous donation of $20,000 to the Missouri Limestone Producers Association (MLPA) Scholarship Foundation. This contribution is part of a fundraising campaign launched by MLPA to honor the memory of Chris Upp, a revered leader in the industry who passed away in March at the age of 49.
Left to Right: Matt Rosenthal, Vice President - General Manager, Missouri Valley District, Martin Marietta and 2023 MLPA President; Dan Kleinsorge, Executive Director, MLPA; Brendan Devereaux, Director, Hamm Foundation Inc. - Captured during a collaboration that reflects industry leadership and commitment.
The MLPA Scholarship Foundation, in collaboration with MLPA, has set a goal of raising $300,000 through the campaign to establish two annual scholarships, each valued at $6,000. These scholarships will benefit students enrolled in mining engineering, explosives engineering, and geology programs at Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T), where Chris Upp graduated in 1996.
Chris Upp's dedication to the mining industry was exemplified during his tenure as the 2015 president of MLPA and over 20 years of service on the MLPA Scholarship Foundation board of directors. To perpetuate Upp's legacy and passion for mining and aggregates, MLPA created the Chris Upp Memorial Endowment. This endowment will provide ongoing support for students who share Chris's enthusiasm for the industry.
The Hamm Foundation's $20,000 donation demonstrates its commitment to investing in the future of the infrastructure and construction sectors and supporting the educational aspirations of students pursuing careers in mining engineering, explosives engineering, and geology. This contribution serves as a testament to the foundation's dedication to fostering excellence and innovation within the industry.
MLPA extends an invitation to all those whose lives and careers were touched by Chris Upp to join in this collective effort. The goal is to replicate Chris's commitment to shaping the future of the industry and nurturing the next generation of mining leaders.
In expressing gratitude for the Hamm Foundation's support, MLPA President Matt Rosenthal remarked, "This generous donation from the Hamm Foundation brings us one step closer to realizing our vision for the Chris Upp Memorial Endowment. Chris was a tireless advocate for our industry, and this initiative ensures that his impact endures through the education of future leaders."
For those interested in contributing to the Chris Upp Memorial Endowment or learning more about the campaign, please visit uppendowment.org.
About Hamm Foundation: The Hamm Foundation was established in 1997 to cultivate innovation and educational opportunities in the infrastructure and construction industry, and aims supporting its talent pipeline.
About MLPA: The Missouri Limestone Producers Association (MLPA) was organized in 1944 to promote and protect the interests of crushed stone operators located or doing business in the state. The association is involved in legislative issues; state and federal regulatory matters; community and public relations; and marketing of crushed stone products.