American Society of Safety Engineers News |
Michael Nowak |
for immediate release |
DES PLAINES, IL (November 7, 2005) — Due to the rising concern over safety for the Hispanic workforce , R&R Construction Inc. pledged its support to the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Foundation in providing scholarships to bilingual students pursuing a degree in occupational safety. Hispanic workplace fatalities rose by eleven percent in 2004 after a two-year decline, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
R&R Construction's $10,000 donation will support the Medina Scholarship for Hispanics in Safety, named after ASSE member Rixio Medina, CSP, of Houston, TX. Through this scholarship program $1,000 will be awarded each spring to an undergraduate or graduate in occupational safety, fire protection, industrial hygiene or a related field in safety. Students must be bilingual in Spanish-English, be an ASSE member/student member, have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 and be recommended by a safety faculty member. Scholarship applicants of Hispanic ethnicity will be given special consideration. The deadline for submitting applications is December 1, 2005.
Ronny Lovett, owner of R&R Construction, said, "R&R Construction is proud to support this ASSE Foundation scholarship program aiding bilingual students pursuing a degree in safety. These Spanish-speaking students can in turn help make a difference in preventing injuries and illnesses for the Hispanic workforce."
Founded in 1995, the Sulphur, LA-based R&R Construction is a general contractor providing construction and maintenance services to various industries including refining, petrochemical and power.
Chartered in 1990, the ASSE Foundation is committed to ensuring the future of the occupational safety and health profession by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. Funding for the Foundation comes from corporations and voluntary donations from ASSE members for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. For more information on the scholarship program visit www.asse.org/foundation.
Formed in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its 30,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor and education. For more information on ASSE visit www.asse.org.