Danforth Newsroom

Hunter DeJonge (photo center), a Construction Management student from Alfred State College, was named the recipient of the 2020 Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). The national scholarship, worth $5,000, was originated by John W. Danforth Company and the Mechanical Contracting Education and Research Foundation to pay tribute to the members of the Reilly family who constituted the company’s leadership. To be eligible, a student must be a junior in a four-year program or a senior in a five-year program and majoring in construction management, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering or a discipline related to mechanical construction, mechanical service, or plumbing contracting. A student must also have demonstrated exceptional scholastic achievement and leadership skills; interest in developing a career in the mechanical, mechanical service, or plumbing industry by working part time or as an intern for an MCAA member for at least one summer or one term; and characteristics or achievements that distinguish him or her as a nominee worthy of this scholarship.

Kevin “Duke” Reilly currently serves as the company’s chairman. Including Duke, his father Wayne, and brothers Patrick and Emmett, all have served more than 165 years combined to John W. Danforth Company and the mechanical contracting industry. The Reilly’s dedication, passion and contributions to the mechanical contracting industry are the foundation that symbolize the scholarship’s creation. Hunter is the President and founding member of Alfred State’s MCAA Student Chapter and his contagious energy in his mechanical studies and demonstrated leadership skills made him a perfect candidate for the scholarship.

Our Team is also excited to once again welcome Hunter into our 2020 Summer Internship Program. “Danforth and the Reilly family have always been committed to advancing our industry and providing opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders. Hunter fits that mold perfectly,” said JWD Group Chairman Kevin “Duke” Reilly. “His energy for his studies is contagious and his demonstrated leadership skills made him an ideal candidate for the scholarship. We congratulate him and look forward to having him as part of the Danforth family this summer.”

The Reilly’s drive and influence live on through this scholarship and John W. Danforth Company congratulates Hunter on being named this year’s award recipient.