(L to R) Jonathan Zanger, MIA 2013 President; Sam Arcot, Rugo Stone; Dan Rae, Coldspring, sponsor of the Natural Stone Scholarship Award-LO.Sam Arcot, Manager – Residential & Special Projects at Rugo Stone in Lorton, Virginia, has been awarded the 2013 MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award.    

The selection was made by a panel of 5 judges, consisting of MIA board directors and past presidents.

Arcot’s selection was based on a 500 word essay explaining his commitment to the natural stone industry. Arcot writes in his opening paragraph that his passion towards natural stone stems back to a brief exposure to the natural stone industry through his paternal uncle who was in the business. Arcot said, “I was fascinated by the fact that naturally occurring materials can be made into beautiful forms and be used by human beings. I am astonished by the beauty and uniqueness of each type of species of natural stone. My goal is to help Rugo Stone become the number one stone supplier and fabricator in the Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland residential market. I’m committed to improving material and fabrication quality standards, enhance customer experience and also to create a benchmark in customer service.”

Brett Rugo, President of Rugo Stone, in his letter of recommendation said, “To me, Sam represents a new generation of young stone professionals. He is highly educated, speaks multiple languages and has a great passion to perform the work in an expert fashion. Sam has an excellent mind and is extremely fast and accurate in any task that he takes on. He has become a very valuable member of our management team.”

This scholarship was established in 2004 to provide educational opportunities for aspiring fabricators, installers, or administrative apprentices interested in furthering their careers within the natural stone industry. Funds are made available through a grant from Coldspring and from the generous donations of MIA members worldwide.

The award was presented to Arcot at the MIA Awards Luncheon at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas in Las Vegas on January 29, 2014. Applications for the 2014 Pinnacle Awards Program are now being accepted. For more information visit: www.marble-institute.com. 

The MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award was established by the Marble Institute of America to provide educational opportunities for aspiring fabricators, installers, or administrative apprentices interested in furthering their careers within the natural stone industry.

The scholarship covers travel and registration costs to StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas and the MIA Annual Meeting. Scholarship winners have the opportunity to gain valuable technical and practical knowledge, meet and network with leading stone professionals, and explore potential for future leadership.

The annual Pinnacle Awards competitions recognizes outstanding natural stone projects worldwide. MIA is also a leading promoter of stone usage in the commercial and residential marketplaces, producing consumer education materials on the use of natural stone and its proper care and maintenance. More information can be found on the association’s website: http://www.marble-institute.com.