Kyle Ressler, a rising senior at the University of Kentucky (UK), has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Barry K. Wendt Memorial Scholarship. Awarded by a panel of National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) member judges, the scholarship is given annually to a student pursuing a mining-related degree and plans to make a career in the aggregates industry.
Ressler, a mining engineering major, recently completed an internship with Martin Marietta while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. In his application, Ressler stated that while he has always been interested in engineering, he discovered a passion for mining engineering upon entering UK. Ressler intends to start a career as a management associate employee with a large aggregates producer, subsequently working in operations before moving to engineering.
“Overall, I believe it is important to work in operations before going to the engineering discipline because without the hands-on and practical knowledge the probability of poorly designed systems would increase,” said Ressler.
Ressler’s academic advisors at UK and his supervisor at an electric cooperative praised his incredible diligence, intelligence and work ethic. “I do not say this lightly – the potential for Kyle Ressler is endless,” wrote Brad Flora, chief financial officer with Darke Rural Electric Cooperative. “I cannot in any way, shape or form imagine anything less than a stellar college career, and after school, his contribution to any company that chooses him will be superior to others around him.”
The application period for the 2022 Barry K. Wendt Memorial Scholarship will open in January of 2022.