Caden Bird and Emma Roth named the winners for the Foundation's scholarships
The winners were formally honored during the 2025 Pipe School, the industry’s premier annual event. As award winners, both were invited to attend the event, and Caden Bird, this year’s Besser Scholarship winner, was present to accept his award and share his appreciation in person. Emma Roth, recipient of the Mel C. Marshall Scholarship, was unable to attend but expressed her gratitude through a heartfelt video message.
“We are thrilled to recognize and support these two outstanding individuals,” said Margarita Takou, Ph.D., P.E., Vice President of the ACPA Research and Education Foundation. “The Foundation has a commitment to shaping the future of our industry by investing in promising talent and these scholarships are one of the more prominent ways we do so. We are grateful to Besser for their generous contribution to the scholarship program, and we are honored to continue the legacy of Mel Marshall—an icon whose dedication to education has left a lasting mark on our industry. The testament to the growing reach and impact of our industry's scholarship efforts was depicted by the 22% increase in the applicant's number.”
About the Scholarships
Besser Scholarship
Established in 2016 to commemorate National Concrete Pipe Week, the Besser Scholarship is a collaboration between the employee-owners of Besser Company and the ACPA Foundation. It aims to invest in talented and driven students interested in joining and advancing the concrete pipe industry.
Mel C. Marshall Scholarship
Launched in 2023, the Mel C. Marshall Scholarship honors the enduring legacy of Mel Marshall, a revered figure known for his unwavering dedication to teaching and knowledge-sharing in the concrete pipe industry. The scholarship ensures his passion for growth and education continues to shape the industry’s future.
About the Winners
Besser Scholarship Recipient
A junior at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Caden has hands-on experience in plant operations and sales. His passion for concrete, combined with his work ethic and advocacy for innovation, make him a rising leader. Outside the classroom, he coaches football, competes in track, and champions concrete’s long-term benefits.
Mel C. Marshall Scholarship Recipient
Emma, a graduate of South Dakota State University, is pursuing an MBA with a focus on the concrete industry. Her goal is to lead in concrete sales by helping clients understand the durability and cost-effectiveness of concrete pipe. Emma’s thoughtful, client-centered approach is poised to make a lasting impact.
The ACPA Foundation encourages students pursuing education related to concrete pipe production, application, installation, or research to apply for future scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are open to students enrolled in technical programs, community colleges, or universities, including undergraduate and graduate programs. Applications for the 2026 scholarship will open in the third quarter of this year and are due on November 14th, 2025.
To learn more about the scholarship, visit concretepipe.org/scholarship.
About the American Concrete Pipe Association
The American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA) is the spokesperson for the concrete pipe industry in all matters affecting the industry’s welfare. ACPA members contribute to the improvement of our environment by producing quality concrete pipe, engineered to provide a lasting and economical solution to drainage and pollution problems. For more information, visit www.concretepipe.org.