UF’s William Carter accepted a $4,000 check from Rudy Vingris, vice president of OESI.

Board members of Ohio Environmental Service Industries (OESI) have established the Ohio Environmental Service Industries Operating Scholarship at The University of Findlay. Four one-time $1,000 scholarships will be given to four freshmen or first-year students entering the University’s Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH) program.

Rudy Vingris, vice president of OESI, presented a $4,000 check to William Carter, Ph.D., professor of environmental management and director of graduate, undergraduate and degree completion in ESOH.

In the next 10 years, more than 50 percent of the current ESOH professionals will retire. By offering leading-edge curriculum, UF’s program is uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation of qualified graduates for success in the environmental industry. The establishment of this scholarship, and others like it, will aid in attracting qualified students into the ESOH program. During this academic year, the ESOH program celebrates its 20th anniversary.

OESI is a trade association of Ohio’s commercial hazardous waste management facilities and associated businesses. The hazardous waste management companies provide chemical treatment, disposal and recycling services; the associated businesses provide services related to the industry. Steve Lonneman of Vickery Environmental Inc. serves as the organization’s president.