The Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association is proud to announce Ms. Allison Yohanan as the 2023 IRMCA Scholarship Recipient. Allison is a Senior at Valparaiso University, studying Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Spanish Language in Valparaiso, Indiana.
During the last two summers, Ms. Yohanan has worked for a Chicago-area general contractor and a Boston-based national design build firm in Boston. Last fall, she organized a field day for the VU ASCE Student Chapter to observe the placement of concrete at a hockey rink in the Chicago suburbs. Allison is very involved in student and community organizations and has competed on VU’s Division 1 Golf Team.
It is with great honor that the IRMCA awards this annual recognition to the next generation of Hoosier Concrete and Construction Industry. Congratulations, Allison! May your future be built with strength and pushing for innovation.
In the IRMCA’s ongoing goal of supporting and building Concrete Culture and Concrete Community, the IRMCA spent time with Ms. Yohanan to better understand her educational journey and future aspirations.
My first reaction was to tell my mom and grandpa! Both of them are my biggest supporters and my biggest inspirations in life. We were all so excited to hear that I received this honor. Thank you again to the IRMCA!
I was sent the scholarship application by the VU College of Engineering Administration. The faculty at Valpo work hard to help students to achieve their dreams. I fully consider everything that they send out because I know they are trustworthy and promising opportunities. I was motivated to apply because I believe I am an outstanding student looking to move forward in the concrete industry through innovation and sustainability.
I believe my involvement and leadership experiences on campus set me apart from other applicants. I have found tremendous learning opportunities while holding leadership positions in multiple organizations. From extensive abroad trip planning to in-depth finances, I feel strongly prepared for my future career. I believe this makes me stand out from other applicants.
I’ve been around engineering for my entire life, with my grandpa being an industrial engineer and my uncle a civil engineer. Growing up, my grandfather was very much like a father figure to me, and I spent many afternoons after school, in his steel fabrication shop. My grandpa always encouraged me to dream big for my future and he supported me every step of the way. When it came time to pick a major, choosing engineering was an easy decision.
I eventually landed in civil engineering after discovering the diverse number of opportunities. My uncle has found extreme success throughout his career in civil engineering, and he encouraged me to consider civil or environmental. I always took a strong interest in making a difference in the world and the environment; therefore, civil and environmental engineering became the perfect place for me.
Since elementary school, Spanish was always my favorite class. I enjoyed learning another language and culture to communicate with those around me. Being bilingual is a particularly important aspect of my life and it aids me throughout my education in civil and environmental engineering. I chose to do it all because I thoroughly enjoy each of the fields.
Students and faculty at Valparaiso University are incredibly passionate about engineering and innovation. Being surrounded by people who share the same strong interests allows me to delve deeper into topics and theories.
I am heavily involved on campus in student organizations and intramural sports:
I am most interested in concrete applications that address the environmental impact of the industry. Practices, such as the use of recycled materials as aggregate, and the partial substitution of fly ash or slag for cement, intrigue me immensely. There is so much room to grow in the concrete industry; I look forward to being a part of the current and future innovation.
Engineering is an ever-changing field; however, the concrete industry lags behind in terms of sustainability. As we all know, concrete production significantly contributes to greenhouse gases. I see the future of the concrete industry shifting to use more sustainable practices such as the use of slag or fly ash to reduce the environmental impact of concrete.
The main challenge I have met has been balancing studies with extracurriculars. I love to stay involved in plenty of diverse activities, but it can be challenging setting priorities between studying and participating in outside projects or events. I have overcome this challenge by prioritizing studying and homework during the day; then leaving the night for student organization meetings, intramural sports, or hanging out with friends.
Studying engineering is all about learning and experiencing. Sometimes it may feel like you have no idea what you are doing, and that’s okay! Civil and environmental engineering has so much to offer; all you have to do is take the time to listen and digest. Everyone around you is learning as well and seeing new material, you are not alone. Do not be afraid to ask questions to peers, professors, tutors, advisors, and whoever else. In order to learn, you have to ask the question.
Professor, Dr. Jay Grossman significantly influenced my academic journey as he has been my professor, academic advisor, organization advisor, research advisor, and overall mentor. He consistently encourages me to pursue civil engineering to the fullest by engaging in additional opportunities such as organization leadership, research, and civic engagement. Dr. Grossman is an exemplary role model who stands for devotion, empathy, and diligence.
Beyond my studies, I love to stay involved on campus, go to the gym, and play golf. I think it is very important to diversify your hobbies and interests; I do so by joining non-engineering organizations, attending campus events, and spending time outdoors.
I strongly encourage women and other minority students to pursue engineering because the work is incredibly rewarding and should be shared. The construction and concrete industry especially need more women and minorities to continue to shift the work environment to become a more positive and diverse experience. There are many opportunities and resources to help you succeed.