Benjamin Media, Continuum Capital Launch Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship

A new scholarship recognizing the impact of the late Robert H. Westphal on the oil and gas pipeline industry will help students interested in pursuing a career in pipelines.

The Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship was launched by Benjamin Media Inc. (publisher of North American Oil & Gas Pipelines and Trenchless Technology) and Continuum Capital and was officially announced during the 2020 Pipeline Leadership Conference on Nov. 10.

Westphal, who died in March, was a 55-year veteran of the pipeline industry, spending his entire career with Michels Corp., where he started as a laborer and rose through the ranks of management to become senior vice president. Westphal also served on the Pipeline Leadership Conference Program Committee, helping shape the event’s agenda, choosing the annual Pipeline Leadership Award winner and guiding the event’s mission to recognize innovation through people, process and practice.

This scholarship honors Westphal who committed a lifetime of leadership in pipeline construction. He gave back to the industry in many ways, including leadership positions with industry associations and in working with labor organizations. His contribution to the pipeline industry will be recognized by this scholarship that will encourage young people to pursue a career in pipelines.

The Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship will be presented annually over the next five years, starting in 2021. Applications can be submitted from anyone pursuing an education at a technical or trade school, community college or university. The award for an individual will be for one year.

Donations to the scholarship fund will be made through SkillsUSA, which is a non-profit organization. Scholarship applicants will be solicited through Benjamin Media publications (North American Oil & Gas Pipelines and Trenchless Technology), Continuum Capital and SkillsUSA.

Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of representatives from Benjamin Media, Continuum Capital, SkillsUSA and the Westphal family.

The value of each scholarship and the number of scholarships will be dependent upon the proceeds available each year, and funds will be disbursed through SkillsUSA.

Further details about the Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship, including information on how to donate to the fund, are available at plconference.com.