Scholarship Recipients
Akua Owusu | 2024 DCG Foundation Scholarship Recipient
The DCG Foundation is thrilled to declare Akua Owusu from Manchester, Connecticut as the recipient of the 2024 Scholarship Award. Being honored with the 8th annual scholarship, Akua will be granted $2,500 to support her educational journey by covering tuition, course materials, or other fees. Originally from Ghana, Akua graduated from Manchester High School with exceptional academic achievements, placing ninth in a class of 342 students. Starting this fall, she will embark on her educational path towards a Civil Engineering degree at the University of Connecticut.
Born in Ghana, West Africa, Akua moved to Manchester, Connecticut with her family at a young age. Her parents, who were both educators in Ghana before transitioning to careers in nursing in the United States, have instilled in her a deep appreciation for the value of education. Akua’s academic prowess is matched by her diverse interests and passions, which include law, writing, and engineering. However, her commitment to engineering is driven by a desire to influence and innovate.
Akua’s aspiration is to gain extensive experience by working with a reputable engineering firm, with the goal of starting her own company. Her vision extends beyond the United States; she is dedicated to contributing to the development of West Africa. Through her future endeavors, Akua aims to build an organization that will positively impact the landscape and environment of her country of origin.
Ally Farrell | 2023 DCG Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Ally, a graduate of North Branford High School, has always been passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Currently, Ally is a freshman at LSU, where she is pursuing a degree in Construction Management. Her decision to enter this field was heavily influenced by her father, an experienced flooring contractor. Growing up, Ally was exposed to construction projects, which sparked her interest in the industry. She realized that Construction Management perfectly aligns with her personality and career aspirations. She had the opportunity to intern at DCG in their Estimating Department, where she actively participated in bid walk-throughs, assisted in drafting bid documents, and managed various contractors. This experience has provided her with practical insights into the industry and has further solidified her passion for Construction Management. Her goal is to complete her degree and gain valuable experience working for an established construction company that shares her vision. With this experience under her belt, Ally hopes to eventually start her own Construction Management company.
George Hall | 2022 DCG Foundation Scholarship Recipient
George Hall, a young man of many talents and passions, will be attending the University of Notre Dame, Indiana with the long-term goal of acquiring a master’s degree in structural engineering through the school’s College of Engineering program.
A graduate of Maloney High School, Hall discovered his desire to pursue a career in engineering and architecture on a trip to New York City. While it would be understandable to be drawn in by the city’s famous skyline, Hall’s life-changing NYC experience instead centered on seeing in person the plight of the city’s homeless population. Working towards finding affordable and sustainable solutions to the problem of homelessness became a purposeful goal.
Hall’s impressive resume includes graduating 8th in his class out of 318 students and being involved in the high school’s band, cross country team and theater program among other pursuits. But the 18-year-old is most proud of his work as Vice Chairperson of Sustainable Meriden, a group whose mission is to improve the community through development projects. Hall’s contributions included helping coordinate the building of a skate park, a mural painting program to beautify the downtown area, the redesign of Police Department Plaza and the design of a solar carport pilot plan. Since 2018, Hall has completed over 343 hours of community service through a variety of volunteer activities.
Adriel Gill | 2019 DCG Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Adriel Gill is a recent graduate from O.H. Platt High School in Meriden, CT. He will be attending the University of New Haven and majoring in Engineering. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was captain of the varsity basketball team. Adriel was selected as the Record Journal Scholar Athlete and the New Haven Tap Off Club Scholar Athlete. He gives back to his community by making basketball programs at local public schools for inner city children. He also volunteers for educational programs through schools by tutoring certain subjects such as math. In the upcoming years, Adriel hopes to have opportunities of interning at engineering companies to acquire the experience to become a mechanical engineer.
Emily Trezza | 2018 DCG Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Emily Trezza is currently a junior at Central Connecticut State University, majoring in Construction Management with a minor in Business/Finance. She is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society and serves on the executive board for the Construction Management club. Emily recently completed an internship at General Dynamics Electric Boat working as a Program Representative, creating schedules and working with different departments to resolve key issues. During the school year, she works at Atlantic Seafood as a front house staff member and helps customers with their needs. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, walking her dog and hanging out with friends.
Catherine Dimon | 2017 DCG Foundation Scholarship Recipient
My name is Catherine Dimon, I am a sophomore at Central Connecticut State University and I am a Construction Management major. My passion for construction has always been there, my passion for turning a group of raw materials and watching them turn into one grand design. Pursuing this passion at Central has been very successful so far, I earned a spot on dean’s list last semester and have been maintaining my grades since. I am also a member of the Construction Management Club where several general contractors and engineers come and talk about future opportunities within their company. During the school year, I also work in the appliance department at Home Depot part time, where I am constantly using my problem solving skills to help customers with their appliance needs. During the summer months last year, I completed an internship with the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company where I plan to return again this summer for another great “hands-on” learning experience. I plan to achieve my bachelor’s degree and attain a full time position to one day become a superintendent.
Xheklin Nano | 2016 DCG Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Xheklin Nano is currently majoring in Finance with a double minor in Management and Quantitative Business Analysis at Pace University in New York City. located in the Financial District in Downtown Manhattan where she is currently serving as Treasurer of the National Accounting Association chapter at Pace University. During the past summer she interned at the Greater Waterbury YMCA as a Finance & Community Development Intern. After graduation, Xheklin hopes to work for a company such as NASDAQ, American Express, or Morgan Stanley while pursuing her MBA.