The AVIXA Foundation has awarded over $800,000 since 2007 to students and emerging professionals from secondary, undergraduate and graduate programs, who show a keen interest in pursuing careers in the audiovisual industry. Updates to this program will be found below as they become available.
Contact us with questions at [email protected].
Previous Recipients:
- 2023 - Megan Duncan – California State University, Northridge, Kaela Patterson – University of California San Diego, lo Arteaga – North Carolina, Ashay Dave – University of Miami, Faith Pierce – Berklee College of Music, Hanni Shahatto – Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART)
- 2022 - Nathan Erthal – University of Miami Graduate Program, Faith Pierce – Berklee College of Music Graduate Program, Madison Pierce – Belmont University, Akash Mungra – University of Massachusetts Amherst, AJ Panepinto – Full Sail University, Katharina Sawatzky – American University
- 2021 - Irene Ataifo - Howard Community College, Angelina Jonkaitis - Valencia College, Carter Kucier - Lebanon Valley College
- 2020 - Iris Douka, New York City City College of Technology, Adam Waldmiller - Rochester Institute of Technology, Esmeralda Monroig, Lincoln Technical Institute
- 2019 - Rachel Brown, University of Minnesota & Ryan DeMello, Oregon State University
- 2018 - Marc Carbon, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt; Matthew Hancock, CTS-D, College of Charleston & Rishabh Waghela, Vidyalankar Institute of Technology (Undergraduate), Northeastern University (Masters)
- 2017 - Jacob Faber, University of British Columbia
- 2016 - Lauren Koske, University of Central Missouri & Sarabeth Mullins, Biola University
- 2015 - Dean Philip, University of South Carolina
- 2014 - Rebecca Nattress, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- 2013 - Mitchell Walker, Georgia Institute of Technology & Dustin Stout, The University of Central Oklahoma
- 2012 - Jeong Sik Yoo, CTS-D, Yale - School of Drama, Technical Design and Production
- 2011 - Kevin Rhodus, CTS-D, Ohio State University
- 2010 - Dawne Meade, CTS, University of Maryland - University College
Michael Vergauwen's Legacy
The memorial fund honors Michael Vergauwen's career achievements in the AV communications industry and his participation in and leadership of the association. Vergauwen's dedication to the industry and to its members serves as a role model for all AVIXA members.
Michael Vergauwen was the COO of AVI Systems and a long-time board member of AVIXA.
Michael took pride in awarding $200,000 in scholarships to deserving recipients. He strongly believed that growth in the AV industry comes from providing opportunities and support to those wanting to enter the industry and those seeking to develop their careers.
His talent — and his kindness — strengthened the AV community. After his death in 2009, AVIXA created this scholarship to carry on his beliefs of strengthening and growing the AV industry through education.
"Michael Vergauwen was a valued member of the Board of Directors and was a tireless advocate for the audiovisual industry. He offered wise counsel and was a good friend to so many of us in the association's family. He will be missed greatly."
Jay Rogina, CTS
CEO Spinitar
Do you have a Michael Verguawen memory you would like to share? Email [email protected].