The branded merchandise industry will always need a future. Through the Promotional Products Educational Foundation, PPAI, its Board of Directors and the PPEF Board prioritize the futures of families across our community. Since 1989, PPEF has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to students related to the industry.
That’s more than just taking care of families. It’s a further investment in branded merch. While they can use their scholarships to study any field of their choosing, perhaps some will decide to enter our industry.
Beyond that, PPEF serves as a form of visibility for branded merch with young people heading to college. Whether their university’s marketing programs emphasize it as an advertising medium in the same way they might for digital marketing, PPEF scholars understand the footprint of branded merch.
Each recipient is a member of the promotional products family: A few are industry employees, but the vast majority are children of those who work for distributors, suppliers, business service companies or multi-line representatives.
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The 2026 PPEF scholars were mailed their scholarship checks over the summer in advance of the academic year. For four- year and one-year scholarships, PPEF’s policy is to award 60% of scholarships based on need and 40% on merit. Merit- based scholars receive $1,250, and need-based scholars receive $2,250 payments.
PPEF scholarship awards are determined through a competitive application process. Each applicant must be a full-time branded merchandise industry employee or the dependent child of an industry employee. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet the deadline of March 15 at midnight Pacific time. Those being considered for need-based scholarships must also submit a copy of the Student Aid Report that a student receives after filing with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
The online application for the 2027-2028 school year is open now and can be found at ppef.us/college-scholarships.
2026 Chairman’s Scholarship Recipients
Alexia Spetseris
Attending: University of Georgia
Parent: Angelo Spetseris
SoftShirts
Payton Porter
Attending: The University of Missouri – Columbia
Parent: Brian Porter
Starline
Isaiah Kozub (renewed for 2026)
Attending: Connecticut College
Parent: Tara Kozub
HALO
2026 Named Scholarship Recipients
“Keep the Dream Alive,” Junior Hamilton Scholarship, Presented by NWPMA
Kaiden Beal
Attending: Liberty University
Parent: Kristina Amber Beal
Totally Chocolate Promo
Almand “Bo” Carrol Leadership Scholarship
Bryce Ibarra
Attending: University of Redlands
Parent: Michael Ibarra
Nadel
Henry Arnold
Attending: University of Kansas
Parent: Mandi Rudd
Genumark
Lauren Clark
Attending: University of West Georgia
Parent: Chris Clark
Radius Marketing Solutions
Squire Smith
Attending: University of Kansas
Parent: Stephanie Thompson
Vantage Apparel
Bill Schmidt, Sr. Scholarship
Mei-Lien Rodriguez
Attending: Ocean County College
Parent: Vickie Larkin
ePromos Promotional Products
Brian Haner One-Year Merit Scholarship
Kaitlyn Dieu
Attending: The University of Missouri – Columbia
Parent: Jerry Palmer
Facilisgroup
Charles G. Duggan, II, MAS+ Adult-Learner Scholarship
Timara Grace
Attending: Rasmussen University Tampa/Brandon
Self
PCNA
Dave Regan One-Year Merit Scholarship
Gino Rouss
Attending: University of Memphis
Parent: Amy Rouss
Signet Inc.
David Woods Family Scholarship
Alyssa Moreno
Attending: Trinidad State College
Parent: Kendra Fernandez
Rebel Promotions
Fran Ford Scholarship
Anastasia Budd
Attending: Northwood University
Parent: Steven Budd
Universal Printing
George C. Matteson, Jr. Scholarship
Peyton Parker
Attending: Western Carolina University
Parent: Stephanie Arnold
SE Logo Wear
Glen Holt Scholarship
Alexa Bukowski
Attending: University of North Texas
Parent: Micha Bukowski
GO2 Partners
H. Ted Olson Scholarship
Courtney Dienna
Attending: Fairfield University
Parent: Daniel Dienna
ASI
Helen & Al Mackler & Joseph Alexander Scholarship
Han Tran
Attending: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Parent: Thu Tran
SanMar
Janelle Nevins Scholarship
William “Cole” Nevins
Attending: Christopher Newport University
Grandparent: Arthur Nevins
Brandmarks
NERA Scholarship
Molly Dusbiber
Attending: Saint Mary’s College
Parent: Jim Dusbiber
Champro
PPACW Scholarship
Ava McFadden
Attending: University of Iowa
Parent: Scott McFadden
Bag Makers Inc.
PPAS One-Year Merit Scholarship
Lauren Embry
Attending: Oklahoma State University
Parent: Missy Embry
MSE & Co.
Reciprocity Road Roadie Scholarship
Lydia Anderson
Attending: Southern Utah University
Parent: Jefry Anderson
Threadworks
Robert D. Davis Scholarship
Lexi Nichols
Attending: South Dakota State University
Parent: Linda Dansman-Nichols
Innovative Office Solutions
UMAPP Collegiate Scholarship
Brooke Meester
Attending: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Parent: Nicholas Meester
Ball Pro
Vincent J. Arena Scholarship
Azasia Newman
Attending: Lycoming College
Parent: Chris Niekamp
Visions Awards
William F. “Bill” Vernon Scholarship
Noah Roberts
Attending: University of Arkansas – Fayetteville
Parent: Ben Roberts
Outdoor Cap
2026 One-Year Scholarship Recipients
Abigail Fleming
Attending: Ohio State University – Columbus
Parent: Jamie Fleming
Fun Factory Promotional Products
Abigail Nabor
Attending: University of Missouri – Columbia
Parent: Steven Nabor
A&A Custom Shirts
Aidan Hennessy
Attending: Indiana University – Bloomington
Parent: Mike Hennessy
Integrity Sourcing LLC
Alexander Fanshaw
Attending: University of Wisconsin – Platteville
Parent: Eric Fanshaw
4imprint
Allison Lefkowitz
Attending: University of Texas – Austin
Parent: Brian Lefkowitz
The Blue Swing
Anna Nazario
Attending: University of Central Florida
Parent: Brittany Congdon
Katarel Management
Anne Draine
Attending: University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse
Parent: Daniel Draine
Storm Creek
Arianna Kanter
Attending: University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
Parent: Jamie Kanter
Creative Promotional Products
Ashlyn Bower
Attending: Biola University
Parent: Paul Bower
Imagen Inc.
Avery Erickson
Attending: Florida State University
Parent: Adam Erickson
Vampt Co.
Beckett Babiash
Attending: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Parent: Chris Babiash
Booshie Promotions Inc.
Cameron Levey
Attending: University of Kentucky
Parent: Brian Levey
1 Vision
Cami McGuire
Attending: University of Nebraska – Omaha
Parent: Jason McGuire
Innovative Office Solutions
Charlie Silver
Attending: University of Michigan
Parent: Mitch Silver
Printable
Chloe St. John
Attending: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Parent: Sara St. John
4imprint
Claire Grotting
Attending: University of Nevada – Reno
Parent: Curtis Grotting
The Magnet Group
Connor Harrington
Attending: North Greenville University
Parent: Gentry Harrington
The Sourcing Group
Cooper Royster
Attending: Virginia Wesleyan
Parent: Tracy Royster
Charles River Apparel
Dawson Reeves
Attending: Virginia Tech
Parent: Eric Reeves
Corporate Apparel
Daylan Quinlan
Attending: Texas A&M University
Parent: Kim Quinlan
Trademarks Promotional Products
Devin Niles
Attending: Fitchburg State University
Parent: Jason Niles
HALO
Erin Lewis
Attending: Texas State University
Parent: Melissa Lewis
Merge Creative
Ethan Coggin
Attending: Lynn University
Parent: Jason Coggin
The Icebox
Ethan Uyetake
Attending: Oklahoma State University
Parent: Evan Uyetake
Utalkie
Gage Tricker
Attending: Ohio State University
Parent: Erin Tricker
Broberry
Grace Hiatrides
Attending: High Point University
Parent: Peter Hiatrides
Peerless Umbrella
Grant Grunden
Attending: University of Arizona
Parent: Karin Grunden
Sharp Incentives
Hannah Schwalbe
Attending: Delaware State University
Parent: Glenn Schwalbe
Avenue121
Ian Dorris
Attending: University of California – San Diego
Parent: Ryan Dorris
Main Event Merchandise Group
Inara Akhter
Attending: University of Texas – Austin
Parent: Mueen Akhter
Imprint.com
Isabella Fenton
Attending: Fordham University
Parent: Debbie Fenton
HALO
Jakob Duquaine
Attending: St. Norbert College
Parent: Elizabeth Duquaine
4Imprint
Joel Guse
Attending: University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Parent: Krista Guse
Quality Resource Group Inc.
Joel Yowell
Attending: University of Houston
Parent: Heidi Hovda
Gulf Business Printing
Jordan Lochow
Attending: The University of Alabama – Huntsville
Parent: Marc Lochow
Proforma PSP
Jordyn Hannigan
Attending: Belmont University
Parent: Jamison Hannigan
HALO
Kaelyn Foley
Attending: University of Michigan
Parent: Saadia Bryant
Gemline
Kai Knasel
Attending: University of Kentucky
Parent: Nicole Knasel
Proforma N&M Communications
Katelyn Glagola
Attending: University of Tennessee – Knoxville
Parent: Mary Glagola
Annie’s Uniforms & Corporate Apparel
Katelyn Thomason
Attending: Clemson University
Parent: Susan Thomason
Logo Imaging LLC
Liza Jans
Attending: Augustana University
Parent: Amy Jans
Rock Paper Scissors
Lucia Draine
Attending: Wartburg College
Parent: Daniel Draine
Storm Creek
Luke Culbertson
Attending: Georgia Institute of Technology
Parent: Nathan Culbertson
PCNA/Spoke Custom
Mackenzie Lynch
Attending: University of Connecticut
Parent: Kathryn Lynch
Myron
Madison Haas
Attending: University of California – Los Angeles
Parent: Efren Haas
Logomark
Madison Jensen
Attending: Marist University
Parent: Annette Jensen
MacKenzie-Childs
Nathan Titus
Attending: Appalachian State University
Parent: Brian Titus
S&S
Neve Scalf
Attending: Western Kentucky University
Parent: Tina Scalf
Punch Promotional Products
Riley Goehring
Attending: University of North Dakota
Parent: Angela Goehring
Simple Wolf LLC
Rowen Harbert
Attending: Skidmore College
Parent: Rich Harbert
Ariel Premium Supply
Siena Lail
Attending: Longwood University
Parent: Charity Lail
Corporate Incentive Products
Sylas Janssen
Attending: Cedarville University
Parent: Wade Janssen
SanMar
Una Davis
Attending: Skidmore College
Parent: Jeff Davis
Record Remix
Zachary Shipman
Attending: University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Parent: Kari Shipman
Storm Creek
Adalyn Madl
Attending: Wichita State University
Parent: Amelia Madl
PromoCorner
Adrianna Gruenhagen
Attending: Carroll University
Parent: Becky Gruenhagen
Marco Promos
Alexander Grabon
Attending: Rochester Institute of Technology
Parent: Daniel Grabon
Roaring Moose LLC
Alyssa Ved
Attending: Loyola University Chicago
Parent: Kenny Ved
Fossa Apparel
Anna Garey
Attending: Hamline University
Parent: Jay Garey
Vernon Company/Northwoods Promotions West
Ashton Sladek
Attending: Creighton University
Parent: Janelle Sladek
Pin High Promos LLC
Ashton Vang
Attending: University of Wisconsin – Stout
Parent: Amy Vang
4imprint
Avery Hudock
Attending: Thomas Jefferson University
Parent: Matthew Hudock
S&S
Braxton Kennedy
Attending: Kennesaw State University
Parent: Donald Kennedy
GreatGifts4u
Brett Rosner
Attending: Baylor University
Parent: Gregory Rosner
My Corporate Expressions
Bria Vivio
Attending: University of Kentucky
Parent: Sharee Vivio
Promote It Cafe LLC
Brooklyn Liddell
Attending: Brigham Young University
Parent: Eric Liddell
Momentum Promo
Carter Thomas
Attending: University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
Parent: Courtney Thomas
Overture Promotions
Catherine Zhuiko
Attending: Drexel University
Parent: Natalie Davis
ASI
Cohen Trupiano
Attending: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Parent: Monica AuBuchon
GO2 Partners
Collin Cuong Ho
Attending: Rockhurst University
Parent: Be Nga (Bobbie) Ho
Robyn Promotions
Cristina Negron
Attending: William James College
Parent: Mikilani Negron
HALO
Delilah Torres
Attending: Chaffey College
Parent: Salina Brill
Logomark
Devan Earll
Attending: Iowa State University
Parent: Jamie Hobbs
Eco Lips Inc.
Devansh Joshi
Attending: University of Texas – Austin
Parent: Manisha Joshi
SR Promos
Diego Gonzales
Attending: University of Oregon
Parent: Heather Comerford
1338Tryon
Eli Schaar
Attending: Valparaiso University
Parent: Rachel Schaar
Magellan Promotions
Elia Rodriguez
Attending: Texas A&M University
Parent: Valeria Rodriguez
Brand Junkie
Elijah Raymond
Attending: University of North Texas
Parent: Joseph Raymond
SAGE
Elim Fu
Attending: Washington University – St. Louis
Parent: Sheng Mei Chen
Ariel Premium Supply
Emily Madigan
Attending: University of Dallas
Parent: Ruth Madigan
Forefront Group
Emma Rosenfeld
Attending: University of Georgia
Parent: Kelli Rosenfeld
Blue Rose Promotions
Emma Terveen
Attending: Harding University
Parent: Mark Terveen
Fey Industries Inc.
Ethan Brayshaw
Attending: University of Wisconsin – Platteville
Parent: Roxanne Tigert
4imprint
Francesca Jelovich
Attending: Ashland University
Parent: Angela Jelovich
Scratch Off Systems Inc.
Georgia Moye
Attending: Florida Institute of Technology
Parent: Ashlee Moye
Bacon & Company
Grace Bellante
Attending: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Parent: Gretchen Bellante
HALO
Grace Wallace
Attending: University of North Dakota
Parent: Lanae Wallace
Boundless
Gracie Worthen
Attending: San Francisco State University
Parent: David Worthen
Reno Type
Grant Wenger
Attending: Northern Arizona University
Parent: Nicole Wenger
Budgetcard Inc.
Haley Lederman
Attending: Towson University
Parent: Ayme Lederman
Badges Buttons Plus
Haniya Tukdi
Attending: University of Houston
Parent: Mushtaq Tukdi
Circle Clothing
Isaac Berlin
Attending: Brigham Young University
Parent: John Berlin
AdValue LLC
Isabella Clementi
Attending: Florida State University
Parent: Nicole Clementi
Concord Marketing Solutions
Jack Steele
Attending: Shippensburg University
Parent: Christien Steele
Davco Advertising Inc.
Jacobi Sutton
Attending: University of Maine – Orono
Parent: Kelly Sutton
Geiger
Jaden Toledo
Attending: Temple University
Parent: Marinette Toledo
ASI
Jason Wrzesien
Attending: Saint John’s University – New York
Parent: Marta Wrzesien
HALO
Jayden Dalton
Attending: University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Parent: Michelle Dalton
Proforma
Jeancarlos Brito
Attending: Babson College
Parent: Maria Surun
Gemline
Jocelyn Parker
Attending: Drake University
Parent: Carrie Meyer
Vernon Company
Julia Nault
Attending: University of South Florida
Parent: Bill Nault
The Magnet Group
Julian Prock
Attending: Texas Tech University
Parent: Rachel Prock
IMAGEN
Juliana Simonian
Attending: Art Center College of Design
Parent: Diana Simonian
Toddy Gear Inc.
Kaitlyn Devaney-Samuel
Attending: Arizona State University
Parent: Colleen Devaney
Magical Marketing
Kara Schiano
Attending: Salve Regina University
Parent: Kimberly Schiano
Kimco Sales Inc.
Karina Blanco
Attending: University of Maine
Parent: Andres Blanco
iPROMOTEu
Keegan Plourde
Attending: Husson University
Parent: Keegan Plourde
Gallery Leather
Kelly Zhang
Attending: Washington University – St. Louis
Parent: Xiaoye Li
Ariel Premium Supply
Kelsey Sharma
Attending: University of Cincinnati
Parent: Denise Sharma
Smartcat Marketing Solutions
Kendra Ditter
Attending: Seton Hill University
Parent: Shennandoah Ditter
Promo Zest LLC
Kylie Monahan
Attending: University of Northern Iowa
Parent: Molly Monahan
Spec Cast
Laci McGinnis
Attending: Purdue University
Parent: George McGinnis
Creative Awards & Gifts
Logan Mechling
Attending: University of South Carolina – Columbia
Parent: Traeger Mechling
Graph-itti Inc.
Mackenzie Cupples
Attending: Des Moines Area Community College – Ankeny Campus
Parent: Heather Cupples
Vernon Company
Madelyn Lisjack
Attending: Kent State University
Parent: Biana Lisjack
Philips
Madelyn Trox
Attending: Worcester State University
Parent: Larissa Trox
Walker-Clay Inc.
Madilyn Thurke
Attending: University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Parent: Lynn Schneider
4imprint
Maris Arnold
Attending: Pennsylvania State University
Parent: Jason D. Arnold
Office Service Co.
Matthew Huang
Attending: Texas A&M University
Parent: Zongying He
Ariel Premium Supply
Matthew Whiton
Attending: University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Parent: Gregg Whiton
Prime Promotions US LLC
Melody Lujan
Attending: Riverside City College
Parent: Yajhaira Rodriguez
Nadel
Mia Corsaro
Attending: Indiana University – Bloomington
Parent: Jia Corsaro
JJ Promos LLC
Michael Abrams
Attending: Indiana University – Bloomington
Parent: Naomi Abrams
GoPromotions
Molly McLain
Attending: University of North Carolina – Charlotte
Parent: Allison McLain
Brand Fuel
Neely Bennett Lauffer
Attending: University of South Carolina – Columbia
Parent: Sheila Lauffer
Data Imaging
Nicholas Morrison
Attending: University of Missouri – Columbia
Parent: Ken Morrison
StrombergBrand Umbrellas
Peyton Deignan
Attending: University of Delaware
Parent: Samantha Deignan
PTM Promotional
Phung-Sar Dingra
Attending: Florida State University
Parent: Khin Dingra
Pilot Pen Inc.
Rachel Kurian Manavalan
Attending: Georgia Institute of Technology
Parent: Kurian Francis Manavalan
Axis Promo/HALO
Rhema Tai
Attending: Bard College
Parent: David Tai
Twintech Industries
Sim Wenger
Attending: Colorado Mesa University
Parent: Nicole Wenger
Budgetcard Inc.
Stella Jahn
Attending: Western Washington University
Parent: Stacy Jahn
American Solutions for Business
Sterling Smith
Attending: University of Kansas
Parent: Stephanie Thompson
Vantage Apparel
Sydney Hannigan
Attending: San Diego State University
Parent: Jamison Hannigan
HALO
Tavis Derksen
Attending: Red River College Polytechnic
Parent: Katrina Derksen
Kanata Blanket Co.
Tripp Cochran
Attending: Gonzaga University
Parent: Michele Cochran
Six Twenty Six LLC
Tyler Durham
Attending: Georgia State University
Parent: Joe Durham
HALO
Zach Haar
Attending: Ohio State University
Parent: Julie Haar
Proforma Strategic Promotions
Zachariah Kozub
Attending: University of Hartford
Parent: Tara Kozub
HALO
2026 Four-Year Scholarship Recipients
Carina Grossman
Attending: Brown University
Parent: David Grossman
Grossman Marketing Group
Jonathan McClanahan
Attending: Texas Tech University
Parent: Holli McClanahan
Sunny Anne LLC
Rhys Robillard
Vassar College
Parent: Danielle Robillard
AAkron
Tyler Ivey
Attending: Texas A&M University
Parent: Jeff Ivey
Impact Logo Products
Anabelle Kramarenko
Attending: Arkansas Tech University
Parent: Dana Wheeler
Gorilla Marketing
Avery Barker
Attending: Waynesburg University
Parent: Danielle Barker
Custom Comet LLC
Camryn Steinert
Attending: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Parent: Bobbi Jo Steinert
4imprint
Catherine Marolda
Attending: University of Nevada – Reno
Parent: Maria Rudnev
Pro-File Marketing
Madison Drake
Attending: University of Pittsburgh
Parent: Julie Drake
Proforma Surf City Promo
Sean McCain
Attending: Michigan State University
Parent: Allison McCain
Whitestone
Amanda Peterson
Attending: Suffolk University
Parent: Pamela Peterson
Geiger
Anna Rosica
Attending: Duquesne University
Parent: Pete Rosica
Pete Rosica Promotions
Breanna Dore
Attending: Kansas State University
Parent: Christina Dore
Canopy and Vine
Ethan Goldstein
Attending: University of Tennessee – Knoxville
Parent: Erika Goldstein
HALO
Jack Titus
Attending: Arizona State University
Parent: Brian Titus
S&S
Kaiden Plourde
Attending: University of Maine
Parent: Jeffrey Plourde
Gallery Leather
Kenlee Harris
Attending: Oral Roberts University
Parent: Jeanelle Harris
Outdoor Cap
McKenzie Falch
Attending: University of Georgia
Parent: Kimberly Falch
InTandem Promotions
Michael Hagney
Attending: University of Colorado – Boulder
Parent: Dan Hagney
BMarked Promotions
Rachel Rouse
Attending: John Carroll University
Parent: Erin Rouse
AAkron
Ryan Krauthamer
Attending: University of Michigan
Parent: Carrie Krauthamer
HALO
Sanam Punjabi
Attending: University of Miami
Parent: Dilip Punjabi
Ace Products
Andres Gonzalez
Attending: Illinois Wesleyan University
Parent: Gabriela Barraza
Illini Line
Bailey Goldstein
Attending: Case Western Reserve University
Parent: Janis Goldstein
Immprint Marketing LLC dba Immprints
Braeden Sladek
Attending: University of Kansas
Parent: Janelle Sladek
Pin High Promos LLC
Cameron Bradley
Attending: University of Mississippi
Parent: Ellisa Bradley
Darling Promo
Emily Jackson
Attending: Rogers State University
Parent: Angela Jackson
Big Dome Promotions
Emma Denis
Attending: Gwynedd Mercy University
Parent: William Denis
ASI
Hanuel Corbitt
Attending: Framingham State
Parent: Crystal Glass
Koozie Group
Isabelle LaBounty
Attending: Winthrop University
Parent: Melody LaBounty
ProTowels
Janice Fu
Attending: Boston University
Parent: Shengmei Chen
Ariel Premium Supply
Jasmin Gonzalez
Attending: St. Olaf College
Parent: Gabriela Barraza
Illini Line
Jody Marion
Attending: Florida Institute of Technology
Parent: Christine Marion
Kool Stuff LLC
Marissa Shook
Attending: University of Toledo
Parent: Jennifer Shook
Visions Awards
Marko Butina
Attending: University of South Florida
Parent: Zana Damjanovic Butina
Koozie Group
Noah Barker
Attending: Geneva College
Parent: Danielle Barker
Custom Comet LLC
Ramsey King
Attending: Western Kentucky University
Parent: Norbert King
Wear The Word Screen Printing & Embroidery
Rocklan Nokes
Attending: University of Kansas
Parent: Jason Nokes
PromoPulse
Stephen Metcalf
Attending: Iowa State University
Parent: Leslie Metcalf
Pickle Promotions
Jonny Auping is PPAI’s senior news editor.
