Melissa Giles and Santino Longobardi, students at Greenville Technical College, were selected to receive the Bosch Rexroth Endowed Scholarship, a $1,000 award.

Giles is a Construction Engineering Technology (CET) student who will graduate in December. As a student, she has worked at LS3P, a multi-disciplinary firm offering architecture, interiors, and planning services, and she plans to continue with the firm upon graduation. Giles, whose sister and brother-in-law also graduated from the CET program, says the scholarship means a lot. “Deciding to return to college at the age of 25 was not an easy decision nor an easy task,” she said. “However, for the past six semesters at Greenville Tech, I have given all my efforts to my courses and due to that, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA my entire time. Awards like this are showing me that hard works pays off.”

Longobardi is enrolled in the Bachelor in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, planning to graduate in spring 2022. During his time at the college, he plans to gain hands-on experience by working for a manufacturer through a Scholars Program that provides part-time employment and scholarships while creating a pipeline of skilled employees for the industry partner. “Every bit helps to aid me in my goal and the future,” he said. “With that in mind, I will do my best on every assignment and test and in every course.”

The Bosch Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Greenville Tech Foundation was established to honor retired employees Kenneth Hank and Thomas C. Frankenfield.  Hank, formerly executive vice president sales, mobile applications and executive board member of Bosch Rexroth Corporation, was instrumental in the development and growth of Rexroth in the United States during his 42 years of service. Frankenfield, former vice president of distribution and sales and a true pioneer in the fluid power industry, was appointed as Rexroth’s first training instructor, playing a major role in the education and advancement of many fluid power professionals worldwide during his 42 years of employment.  

The endowed scholarship symbolizes the longstanding commitment that Bosch Rexroth has, as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, of supporting the education and growth of individuals, strengthening communities and the industry.

Bosch Rexroth has supported Greenville Technical College, the Greenville Tech Foundation, and students in many other ways.  In addition to the funds for the endowed scholarship, the company has donated training equipment, including a mobile hydraulics lab, to ensure that students are well prepared for the workforce.  As the college worked to open its Center for Manufacturing Innovation and to offer a bachelor’s degree in advanced manufacturing technology, Bosch Rexroth has been one of Greenville Tech’s strongest partners, helping the college gain support to move forward with these innovative endeavors.  

Mike McCormick, vice president and technical plant manager with Bosch Rexroth in Fountain Inn, is a member of the Greenville Tech Foundation Board.  Bosch Rexroth was also selected as the 2018 Workforce Development Salute honoree by the Greenville Tech Foundation. McCormick described the scholarship as part of the company’s values. “It’s important to us to help students while we also create the skilled people that can help companies like ours grow,” he said.