The Finishing Contractors Association of Illinois (FCAI) has awarded $44,000 in academic scholarships to 22 local students through its Larry Nedrow Scholarship Fund.
Established in 1992, the FCAI Larry Nedrow Scholarship supports educational development within the painting, drywall, and glazing finishing industry. Each year, contractors who contribute to the Northern Illinois Painting and Drywall Institute (NIPDI)—an industry advancement fund promoting the union painting, glazing, and drywall taping trades—may nominate a student for this award.
Over the past three decades, the scholarship fund has helped hundreds of students achieve their educational goals. To date, 591 students have received a combined total of $688,250 in financial aid, underscoring FCAI’s ongoing commitment to developing talent in the markets served by its contributing contractors.
The NIPDI fund is managed by FCAI, a trade association representing union painting, glazing, and drywall finishing contractors across Illinois. FCAI works to strengthen the industry by negotiating and implementing collective bargaining agreements, and by promoting safety, education, training, and professional development. The Association’s 120+ member companies benefit from a range of programs, services, and tools designed to help them operate and grow successfully.
Scholarship recipients for 2025:
Lauren Andrews of Elburn, IL sponsored by Vogue Painting, Inc
Luke Berndt of LaGrange, IL sponsored by Ascher Brothers
Joshua Bickford of Oglesby, IL sponsored by All in Finish & Paint
Lillian Bostic of Big Rock, IL sponsored by Nedrow Decorating
Charlotte Brummel of Sandwich, IL sponsored by Heikotter, Inc
Travis Cole of Galesburg, IL sponsored by Dragoo Painting
Claudia Cronin of Crest Hill, IL sponsored by All-Tech Decorating
Jacob Deutsch of Naperville, IL sponsored by Oosterbaan & Sons Painting & Decorating
Logan Ehlers of Montgomery, IL sponsored by K & J Painting
Mia Geltz of Newark, IL sponsored by Burks Brothers
Raegan Haese of Ringwood, IL sponsored by International Decorators
Julia Martorano of Vernon Hills, IL sponsored by Clarion Construction
Cooper Matthews of Sycamore, IL sponsored by Midwest Decorating
Emmie Muccianti of Addison, IL sponsored by J & M Decorating
Sofia Neumann of Itasca, IL sponsored by Five Star Decorating
Lillian Pehr of Frankfort, IL sponsored by Lankford Construction Co
Russell Poor of Trivoli, IL sponsored by Riverside Interiors, LLC
Michelle Ramey of Malta, IL sponsored by Pecover Decorating Services, Inc
Graycin Slou of Sugar Grove, IL sponsored by Midwest Painting & Decorating
Faith Spoelstra of Ankeny, IA sponsored by Neumann Co Contractors
Jolie Stuart of Maroa, IL sponsored by McLean County Glass & Mirror
Danny Thomas of St. Charles, IL sponsored by LeCuyer Painting
