FSSA Educational Foundation 2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients

Each year, the FSSA Educational Foundation awards scholarships to talented and worthy individuals within the fire suppression industry. Congratulations to the following 2025-2026 scholarship recipients:

kendyl lepp
University of Maryland, College Park

 Hi, I’m Kendyl Lepp and I will be a senior at UMD. My major is Fire Protection Engineering and I want to continuing my learning in the field to make a difference in the world.

I am interested in Fire Alarm design but still want to see all the opportunities out there. I am in a Professional Engineering Fraternity known as Theta Tau. From joining I’ve had great role models when it comes to academic success. I play club lacrosse as well and I have loved being able to play the sport I love. Through both organizations I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. I am so thankful for this scholarship and it will allow me to continue my education journey.

 

 

 

 

Tyler Kleinsasser
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Tyler Kleinsasser is a dedicated student at the SD School of Mines and Technology. His early interest in construction and engineering, fostered by family influence and a children's safety program, laid the foundation for an accomplished academic journey. Throughout his college career, he has achieved a 4.0 GPA and actively engaged in a wide range of projects, including several humanitarian initiatives. After graduation, Tyler strives to pursue a challenging and rewarding career and prepare to eventually start his own consulting company. He aspires to mentor others, share his knowledge, and give back to the next generation, fostering growth and development in the field.

In his spare time, Tyler enjoys learning about technology, playing games, reading, and outdoor activities. Tyler expresses his thanks and profound appreciation to the Fire Suppression Systems Association for their support and belief in his potential!

 

 

Caleb Pierce
Oklahoma State University

Caleb Pierce is a senior majoring in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology at Oklahoma State University. He has completed two internships at Jacobs, working as a fire protection engineer intern at their headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, Caleb has interned with GFS Texas, a fire sprinkler contractor based in Dallas. Caleb is the immediate past president of the OSU student chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, where he successfully revitalized the chapter and secured a record amount of funding. He is also deeply committed to his undergraduate research; over the past year, he has focused on long-term nondestructive testing of OSU's large-scale fire sprinkler corrosion model. Caleb and his research team are set to present their findings at the 2025 Society of Fire Protection Engineers Annual Conference.

Caleb is enthusiastic about joining the fire protection industry and is eager to pursue PE licensure.

 

Connor Cervone
Grand Valley State University

Hi, I am Connor! I've been working as a Product Engineer at Viking Group Inc. for a little over two years, where I focus on developing and improving fire protection products. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Product Design and Manufacturing from Grand Valley State University in 2019, and I'm currently pursuing my Master's degree in Engineering also at Grand Valley State University.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife, our two daughters, and our two dogs. I'm also an avid mountain biker, golfer, and I enjoy any chance to be near the water.

 

 

Colin Chen
University of Maryland College Park

Colin Chen, a Baltimore, Maryland native, is currently a rising senior majoring in Fire Protection Engineering with a minor in Project Management at the University of Maryland College Park. Last summer, Colin interned for Arora Engineers at their New York City office as a Fire Life Safety Intern. Here, he was introduced to Revit and Bluebeam and used these tools to refine 3D models, ensuring fire protection designs fully meet client specifications as well as coordinating updates across multiple disciplines. He also modified sprinkler piping system layouts in response to design changes and updated according to code requirements. This summer, Colin is interning for GHD Group Pty Ltd. at their Baltimore office as a Fire Protection Engineering Intern. He is currently learning how to construct riser diagrams and system schematics for projects in accordance to NFPA standards and client feedback. He has reviewed multiple project submittals and shop drawings to ensure compliance with specifications and fire protection codes.On campus, Colin served as the Secretary of UMD Club Badminton and is currently a Co-President of the club. He is a Maryland Promise Program Campus Connector, a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers of UMD, as well as an active member of the Taiwanese American Student Association.

Colin would like to thank the Fire Suppression Systems Association for recognizing him with the scholarship and for the continued support of his academic endeavors. He is deeply grateful for this support as it has been instrumental in making his academic and professional growth possible.

 

Paxson Stodghill
Eastern Kentucky University

 My name is Paxson Stodghill, and I am currently a junior at Eastern Kentucky University, pursuing a degree in Fire Safety & Engineering Technology. As someone relatively new to the fire protection industry, I am eager to continue learning and growing in this field. I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. This summer, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with ORR Safety, gaining valuable hands-on experience that has further fueled my passion for fire protection. I’m especially grateful for the mentorship and practical insight I’ve received from the supervisors and staff at ORR. Each opportunity I’ve encountered so far has deepened my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the industry.

I’m honored to be a scholarship recipient and appreciate the support as I continue my academic and professional journey.

 

 

Noah Tomlin
University of Arkansas

My name is Noah Tomlin, and I am an incoming freshman at the University of Arkansas. I graduated from Lovejoy High School in the DFW area this year, and I will be majoring in psychology. My dad and grandpa work in the fire protection industry, and they inspired me to apply my interest in psychology and therapy to workers in the fire industry.

My experience with fire protection includes working at Special Fire, where i helped with installations of fire protection systems. During my time with the company, I was able to speak with fire marshals, furthering my interest in the psychological aspect of fire protection.

 

 

view all past scholarship recipients