Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - University of Wisconsin-Platteville student Samantha Hockerman recently escaped the rainy and windy weather at UWP to travel to sunny Tallahassee, Fla., as one of three finalists for a national scholarship. Entitled, Eugene C. Figg, Jr. P.E. Civil Engineering Scholarship, it will be awarded annually through the American Society of Civil Engineers starting this spring.

While in Florida, Hockerman was interviewed at Figg Engineering's headquarters where she met with an engineer of similar background to her studies, and then with a group of several Figg engineers to discuss how receiving the scholarship would enable her to further her civil engineering education.

Hockerman recently received word that she is the 2004 recipient of the $3,000 Figg scholarship. She will also participate in a summer internship through Figg Engineering. The final selection for the scholarship was based on education plans, academic performance, demonstrated leadership qualities, financial need, and personal commitment and interest in world-class bridges.

Figg creates bridges as art that are in harmony with their environment. The company has received over 165 design awards including three Presidential Awards through the National Endowment for the Arts. "Figg Engineering is a company that designs and makes bridges that others cannot," said Tammy Salmon-Stephens, director of women in engineering.

Commented Hockerman, "It's an honor to have this opportunity and receive this award. The company was really wonderful when I visited and gave me a great experience. I'm ecstatic about working as an intern with the company this summer."

Hockerman is a civil engineering major with emphases in structure and geotechnical. She is from Westfield and the daughter of Don and Debra Hockerman.