The Awards and Recognition Industry Educational Foundation (ARIEF) has announced its 11 scholarship recipients for 2026.
These student recipients receive awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 to help them pursue higher education in any field.
ARIEF gives out scholarships annually to students who are selected by a committee that conducts blind reviews of candidate applications, letters of recommendation, and essays.
IMIA Scholarship Recipient
- Kendra Strickland I Johnny O’s Awards, Retailer I Aberdeen, NC
Cornerstone Donor Scholarship Recipients
- Jay Fuhs, George J. Waas Memorial Scholarship I Winning Imprints, Retailer I Keego Harbor, MI
- Sophia Grzesiak, Estelle Funk Memorial Scholarship I QMI Group, Inc., Retailer I Madison Heights MI
- Arlie Abraam, JDS Industries Scholarship I GTX Awards, Engraving & Apparel, Retailer I Georgetown, TX
- Tayla Morgan, Owen R. Siegel/RS Owens Memorial Scholarship I Recognition Awards & More, Retailer I Aviston IL
- Olivia Dammer, Calvin E. Miller Memorial Scholarship I IKONICS Imaging, Supplier I Duluth, MN
- Alexandra Schrage, Peter V. Ilaria Memorial Scholarship I Harry’s Custom Trophies, Ltd., Retailer I Coralville, IA
- Samantha Schrage, Engraving Concepts—Roy Brewer, CRM, Educational Scholarship I Harry’s Custom Trophies, Ltd., Retailer I Coralville, IA
Presidential Donor Scholarship Recipients
- Matthew Altizer, Recognition Roundtable Scholarship I New River Engraving, Retailer I Christiansburg, VA
- Chole Mattson, Award Associates’ Joe Rutherford Memorial Scholarship I The Creative Etch, Retailer I Summerville, SC
- Joshua Gearing, ARIEF Scholarship I Rowmark LLC, Supplier I Findlay, OH