The Missouri Limestone Producers Association (MLPA) Scholarship Foundation announced the commencement of the “Chris Upp Memorial Endowment” fundraising campaign to honor our past president and respected colleague, Chris Upp. This campaign pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Chris Upp, who made remarkable contributions to the aggregates and construction industries.
The campaign’s goal is to raise $300,000 to establish two annual scholarships of $6,000 each for students enrolled in the mining engineering, explosives engineering, and geology programs at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T).
Chris Upp passed away on March 15, 2023, at the age of 49. Chris’s influence on the industry was marked by his role as the past president of MLPA in 2015, his leadership as the past chair of the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) Young Leaders, and his dedicated service at Conco Quarries, where he worked for more than 25 years.
The “Chris Upp Memorial Endowment” campaign is a reflection of Chris’s passion for education, professional development and community betterment. In addition to his other volunteer positions in the industry and in the Springfield area, Chris also served on the MLPA Scholarship Foundation board of directors for more than 20 years. The endowment scholarships will continue his legacy by supporting students who share his enthusiasm for mining and the aggregates industry.
MLPA President Matt Rosenthal explained, “Chris Upp’s impact on our industry was profound. Chris is missed by his colleagues, but his contributions are not forgotten. The endowment campaign is a meaningful way to honor his memory and contribute to the next generation of industry leaders.”
Individuals and organizations eager to contribute to the “Chris Upp Memorial Endowment” campaign can do so in several ways:
Visit https://uppendowment.org/ and use the online giving platform
Checks may also be mailed to:
MLPA Scholarship Foundation
ATTN: Chris Upp Memorial Endowment PO Box 1725
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Every contribution, irrespective of its size, will go to preserving Chris’s legacy and educating the next generation of miners.
For further details about the “Chris Upp Memorial Endowment” fundraising campaign, the MLPA Scholarship Foundation encourages interested parties to contact Dan Kleinsorge at [email protected].
About the MLPA Scholarship Foundation: MLPA was founded in 1944 and the MLPA Scholarship Foundation, a 501c3 organization affiliated with the Missouri Limestone Producers Association, has been awarding scholarships since 1980. To date, the MLPA Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $250,000 to students.
Media Contact: Dan Kleinsorge, Executive Director, MLPA Phone: (573) 821-2040 Email: [email protected]