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Recognizing Future Leaders in Supply Management

On April 24, 2025, the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) announced the esteemed recipients of the 2025 R. Gene Richter Scholarship, a prestigious award aimed at recognizing the most accomplished undergraduate students specializing in supply management across the United States. This year, six remarkable students have been chosen to receive this honor, which not only reflects their exceptional academic performance but also their leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and overall achievements in the field.

The 2025 R. Gene Richter Scholars are:

• - Aiden Anderson, University of South Carolina
• - Colleen Andrews, Michigan State University
• - Jai Kozar-Lewis, Michigan State University
• - Lauren McGuirk, Grand Valley State University
• - McKenna Schrenk, The Pennsylvania State University
• - Nicole Sherman, Western Michigan University

These six talented individuals have joined the ranks of over 145 students from 30 universities who have been honored with this scholarship since its inception in 2004. Nancy Richter, the founder of the R. Gene Richter Scholarship Program, expressed her pride in the new class of scholars, highlighting their potential to become leaders within the supply management field. "We truly believe they will grow to become leaders in supply management," she stated. "Our Richter scholars will add a fresh perspective to the field with their proven leadership, creativity, and initiative."

Significance of the R. Gene Richter Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded annually and is designed not only to provide financial support, with grants of up to $15,000 for tuition, but also to offer invaluable mentorship opportunities. Scholarship winners will receive guidance from seasoned professionals, including an executive mentor from within the industry and a junior mentor who is also a former Richter scholar. These mentorship opportunities are intended to further empower the scholars and prepare them for successful careers in supply management.

Thomas Derry, the CEO of ISM, remarked on the significance of nurturing the next generation of leaders. "These students represent the impressive future leaders of the profession," Derry explained. "We know each will contribute greatly to the success of their respective future organizations, as they've demonstrated their commitment in their accomplishments thus far."

Honoring the Next Generation

The award recipients will be celebrated during an exclusive executive luncheon and the ISM Awards Gala, which will take place on June 2, 2025, as part of the ISM World 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida, running from June 1 to June 3. The gala provides an excellent opportunity for these young scholars to network with industry leaders and engage with peers who share a passion for supply management.

The R. Gene Richter Scholarship is named in honor of R. Gene Richter, who was instrumental in elevating the procurement profession to new heights. His career included significant positions at notable companies such as Stanley Black & Decker, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM. The scholarship program embodies his legacy by investing in future talent and promoting excellence in supply chain management.

In a rapidly evolving global economy, the importance of skilled professionals in supply management cannot be overstated. Organizations worldwide rely on effective supply chain strategies to thrive in competitive markets. The R. Gene Richter Scholarship is a vital initiative that empowers talented individuals to enter this dynamic field, armed with the knowledge, skills, and mentors to succeed.

For more information about the R. Gene Richter Scholarship Program and to view profiles of the 2025 winners, please visit richterfoundation.org and ismworld.org/awards. ISM continues to lead as the first and foremost nonprofit professional supply management organization globally, with a mission to enhance the practice and strategy of integrated supply chain management through quality education and resources.

As the industry looks to the future, it is clear that newly awarded Richter scholars will play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of supply management, advocating for innovative practices, and demonstrating leadership within their respective organizations. As these emerging leaders embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the promise of a brighter, more efficient future for the supply chain sector.