2015 MIA President Dan Rea (L) of Coldspring, sponsor of the 2014 Scholarship Award and 2014 MIA President Tony Malisani (R) of Malisani, Inc. presenting the 2014 MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award to Stephen Beck of Connecticut Stone Supplies, Inc. in Milford, Ct.Stephen Beck, assistant project manager, Connecticut Stone Supplies in Milford, Connecticut has been awarded the 2014 Marble Institute of America (MIA) Natural Stone Scholarship Award.   The scholarship is awarded annually to provide educational opportunities to further careers in the stone industry. Beck will earn a degree in construction management later this spring from Central Connecticut State University.

“My eyes have been opened to the vast applications of stone I never saw possible,” Beck wrote in his application essay. “While I have always had an interest in design and architecture, the stone industry has given me the opportunity to draft and design bathrooms, countertops, bar tops, accent walls, and backsplashes. I believe the opportunity to attend StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas will boost my knowledge of the industry to new levels. This knowledge will help me improve not only myself, but the company I work for.”

“Stephen Beck is talented, passionate and hardworking,” said Tyra Dellacroce, Connecticut Stone Vice President. “It is very exciting to work with a passionate young professional who is at the beginning of what I believe will be a very successful career in the stone industry.”

Beck received the award at the January MIA Awards Luncheon at StonExpo/Marmomacc Amer-icas in Las Vegas. His travel and registration costs were covered by the scholarship, whose funds are made available through a sponsorship from MIA member, Coldspring and the generous donations of MIA members worldwide. The selection was made by a panel of five judges, consisting of MIA board members and past presidents.

Applications for the 2015 Scholarship Award are available at:  www.marble-institute.com/Awards.