logo and photos courtesy of L.I. Smith & Associates
Paris, Tenn. — Two students from the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) were selected as the 2024 recipients of L.I. Smith & Associates’ (LIS) Larry Isham Smith Civil Engineering Scholarship and the Lucile D. Smith Land Surveying Scholarship. The students are the inaugural recipients, as the program was established in February of this year.
“These students are the future of the industry. There is no doubt the recipients will each make a tremendous impact on the field as they enter the workforce,” remarked LIS Vice President of Marketing and Communication Ashley Horn.
The LIS scholarship program aims to recognize and support outstanding, local students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to making a positive impact in the civil engineering and land surveying fields. After a rigorous selection process involving careful review and evaluation of numerous applications, LIS was thrilled to announce Estefania Silva and Will Gallimore as the first recipients of the LIS scholarships.
Silva, who received the Larry Isham Smith Civil Engineering Scholarship, is a senior majoring in civil engineering. She is a Weakley County native, having grown up in Martin, Tenn. A dedicated student, Silva has maintained an impressive grade point average (GPA) throughout her time at the university and was encouraged by the department chair, Dr. Tim Nipp, to apply for the scholarship.
Nipp commented, “In a pool of outstanding UTM Engineering students, Steffie exemplifies hard work and results. She is very deserving of this scholarship from L. I.
Smith. Upon graduation, Steffie will be a successful engineer who will make a positive contribution to the engineering world. We are honored to have our Engineering students recognized for their efforts.
After graduation, she hopes to become a senior structural engineer and to gain experience leading other engineers in the workplace. Silva is an emerging leader, serving as treasurer for the local collegiate chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and as a head coach for Martin Elite Gymnastics Academy (MEGA).
Gallimore was awarded the Lucile D. Smith Land Surveying Scholarship and is a junior farm and ranch management major from McKenzie, Tenn. In conjunction with his chosen major, he is also pursuing the land survey certification. As a student leader on campus, Gallimore is a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Cattleman’s Association, as well as a student worker on the university’s farm. He has served in multiple leadership positions within his fraternity including vice president and recruitment chair.
“Will is an outstanding young man who has a promising future as a surveyor. I am thrilled he has received this scholarship and the opportunities it provides to further his career. I know he will be a great representative for the surveying profession,” stated UTM professor, Sandy Mehlhorn.
In the future, Gallimore plans to work toward earning his professional land surveying license (PLS). To accomplish this goal, he will first take his fundamentals of surveying (FS) exam and work under the direct supervision of a licensed professional for two years. Gallimore is confident that the field of surveying will be a great fit for him, as he enjoys being outside and working with his hands.
Silva and Gallimore were awarded the scholarships at the 2024 Celebration of Generosity and Gratitude Gala hosted on March 7 at the university. The event recognized the accomplishments of the student recipients as well as the donations of local organizations and individuals in developing scholarships through partnerships with the university.
“Through the implementation of a scholarship program with UTM, we are eager to make a small impact on the collegiate experience of hardworking, local students by providing financial assistance,” commented Horn.
About LIS:
L.I. Smith & Associates (LIS) is a full-service, integrative engineering and surveying company that provides services to the public and private sectors. Licensed in 12 states throughout the central and southeast region, LIS has an experienced team that can provide multistate coverage for projects of all sizes in land development, infrastructure design, and surveying services.
LIS is a certified Tennessee Small Business Enterprise headquartered in Paris, Tenn., with branches located in Portland and Nashville. For more information, visit www.lismith.com or call 731-644-1014.
