Page 72 - IEC Insights Nov-Dec21_WEB

FEATURE

THE PRESENT

In 25 years there have been some incredible stories “ The IEC Foundation goes above and
of how individuals who’ve received scholarships have beyond to continue to move the
industry forward. Its dedication to
changed the industry. Apprentices have gone on to
driving support to training centers,
start companies to support communities and many have apprentices, and contractors in
scaled their businesses to be able to give back just as the need has been inspiring. Since
foundation’s founder intended. I became a serving member of
the IEC Foundation, it has been
extremely impactful and beneficial
to be a part of the programs that
are assisting in building the future
One such story is Ross Seilhammer, Ross received an opportunity to of the IEC, and touching so many
an IEC Foundation Scholarship move to Franklin, TN to work for lives personally, and professionally.
Recipient, who currently works for Schneider Electric. Today, Ross is an The more you put into the industry,
Schneider Electric-Square D as an active IEC member and promotes the the more you get out.”
electrical engineer in Tennessee. He work of the foundation any chance
is a disaster relief fund recipient and he gets. “I can’t express in words – Joel Petersheim, Milwaukee
current IEC apprentice. how much I truly appreciate the Tool, and Director, Electrical
help and support I have received, Job Solutions
Ross shared how the scholarship and still receive today from IEC,”
changed his career trajectory: “As he shared with gratitude. “I am also
a full-time student and a part-time happy to have the chance to give
electrician, I did my best to pay my back, whether it is sharing my story, “ The IEC Foundation gives back to
own way. Not only did IEC and the going to high school career days, or students in the program who are
Foundation help me with tuition community service events.” struggling to pay for their education
along the way, but they also became or acquire the right tools to have a
the perfect conduit to put me in It is clear that the Foundation successful career. By serving on this
touch with my current employer as founder’s impact 25 years ago has board, I am able to make a direct
one of their new engineers.” fueled an entirely new generation impact on their lives and help them
of powerful apprentices turned
Growing up in a small Pennsylvania contractors. The present work of the be successful. As I proceed further
farming town, Ross worked his way Foundation, through its scholarships, along in my career and get closer to
through high school and college. Ross grants, and the Home Depot retirement, I want to give meaning
had the opportunity to work in the ProXtra program, provides young to my life’s work. By giving back to
electrical field for SECCO, Inc., an IEC professionals like Ross a pathway for these students and helping them
member, in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. a successful future. Ross excitedly with their future, I can truly say I
His time at SECCO provided avenues shared, “I look forward to what the achieved that.”
to get to know other IEC members future holds for IEC, scholarship
and staff. “The friends I have made recipients, members, and my career – Bill Fowler, Southwire Senior
within IEC have always supported and which was jumpstarted with the help Training Instructor
encouraged me in everything I have of IEC.”
done,” Ross reflected on his early
involvement with IEC.

70 Insights Magazine | November/December 2021 | www.ieci.org