The HRI Inc. Scholarship Fund will give preference for awards to full-time students who have completed at least two semesters in the construction management or civil engineering bachelor-degree majors or the civil engineering technology, surveying technology, heavy construction equipment technology (operator emphasis or technician emphasis) or diesel technology associate-degree majors at Penn College.

HRI Inc.'s operations include asphalt paving, heavy construction and highway construction, utilities and treatment plants, site work, and related activities. Most of the company's work is with PennDOT and municipalities, but it also performs a significant amount of work for private customers. In addition to its operations in Pennsylvania, HRI performs similar work in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

The company also operates several manufacturing facilities, including seven hot-mix asphalt plants and an emulsion plant. HRI Inc. employs more than 700 people - including at least 20 Penn College alumni - and operates a fleet of more than 1,400 pieces of heavy construction equipment and trucks.

John R. Kulka, president and CEO of HRI Inc., said he's pleased that his company can provide this scholarship opportunity to Penn College students.

"As a contractor with operations in Williamsport and Bloomsburg, the HRI team has been able to witness the impressive growth and evolution of the programs that are offered to meet the needs of both students and employers," Kulka said.

"The skills and knowledge that the graduates bring to the first day on the job, combined with their willingness to take on additional responsibilities and their work ethic, are exceptional," he added. "The faculty and staff are to be congratulated for their continuing commitment to providing a truly outstanding educational experience."

"HRI Inc. is a longtime supporter of Penn College, providing valuable input on several majors and recruiting many of our graduates as employees," said Debra M. Miller, director of corporate relations at the college. "I'm very thankful for their decision to provide direct financial support to some of our current and future students through this new scholarship fund."